AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) – Farmers in Mower County will soon have another chance to get help paying for equipment that supports soil-health practices.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) says applications open Aug. 3 and run through Aug. 31 for the next round of its Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants.
The program is offering $5 million statewide, using funding from the 2025 Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Grant awards are expected to be announced by Jan. 1, 2027.
The grants offer up to 50% cost-share, with awards ranging from $500 to $45,000, to help producers and partners purchase or retrofit new or used equipment tied to soil-building practices. Eligible equipment can include items like no-till drills, air seeders and strip-tillage units, among others.
MDA is encouraging producers in Mower County to connect with the Mower Soil & Water Conservation District before applying, to learn about other local cost-share incentives available for soil-health practices.
“Interest in soil health keeps growing, and this grant helps make the equipment side of that transition more affordable,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
Since launching in fiscal year 2023, the MDA program has awarded more than $10 million in grants, improving soil health on nearly 525,000 acres each year, according to the agency.
Applications and the Request for Proposals will be available starting Monday at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant.
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