MDA Funding Available to Combat the Spread of Avian Influenza
St. Paul, MN: To combat the spread of avian influenza on Minnesota farms, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for grants to help livestock producers buy and install preventative equipment for their operations.
Funded through a 2024 legislative appropriation to the MDA’s Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program, the Protect Grant reimburses up to 80% of the cost of eligible virus prevention measures, with a maximum award of $10,000 per farm. A 20% cash match is required, which may be reduced by up to $2,000 for related time and labor costs incurred by the applicant. Approximately $500,000 will be awarded in this round of grants.
A previous round of Protect Grant funding in early 2024 awarded $500,000 to 54 producers in 34 counties across the state.
“As Minnesota’s livestock operations continue to be on the frontlines of the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, it’s essential that producers take every opportunity available to protect their animals and prevent the further spread of this disease. I thank the state Legislature for this funding, which will be helpful in mitigating the virus’ future impact on Minnesota agriculture,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
Protect Grant applicants must be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 of livestock products annually. Beginning farmers (those who have farmed for 10 years or less) will be prioritized in this round of awards.
For the purposes of this grant, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), and llamas.
Examples of eligible equipment include lasers, sound machines, and other measures to scare wild species away from livestock operations; isolation pens; electronic animal ID systems; air filtration systems; Danish entry systems; and truck washes.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 31, 2024, and the MDA plans to notify applicants of decisions no later than December 18, 2024. Grant awards can only be used for the purchase of eligible items made after grant contract agreements are signed, which is expected to take place in February 2025.
Visit the MDA website for full grant details and to apply.

Minnesota DNR investing $2.3 million in grants to grow community tree care professionals
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, thanks to funding from U.S. Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, is committed to fostering the next generation of tree care professionals. As part of this effort, the DNR is making available $2.3 million of federal funds through competitive grants aimed at recruiting, training and retaining youth and adults from environmental justice areas for careers in urban and community tree care.
The Growing Tomorrow’s Tree Care Professionals Grants will help develop the skilled workforce needed to tackle the growing challenges to our trees to keep them healthy. Healthy neighborhood tree canopies are not only beautiful — they improve health and enhance air and water quality.
These grants are open to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, educational institutions, professional associations, local governments, and Tribal nations.
“Our trees are facing new challenges every year,” said Madisson Masucci, DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry coordinator. “It’s more important than ever to have people who can help educate the public about the importance of trees and to protect and maintain them. These grants are a great opportunity to train the next generation of tree care professionals who can help our trees stay healthy and resilient for years to come.”
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $500,000, with no minimum match required. The funding can be used for a variety of activities, including urban and community forestry education, career-focused outreach, professional certifications and training programs. The grants can support staff time and recruitment and retention initiatives, as well as provide necessary program materials and personal protective equipment for participants.
Applications are due by Oct. 8. For more information or to sign up for the informational webinar on Sept. 18, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/community-forestry-grants).

MDA Now Accepting Applications for Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grants
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025) Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including Cooperative Weed Management Areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state.
Since 2018, the MDA Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant has awarded over $1.5 million to fund a variety of activities, such as implementing weed management outreach, purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach activities, and hiring private applicators to manage noxious weeds. One hundred sixty-five projects have been awarded, averaging $9,000 per award.
Awareness of noxious weeds has increased in communities that have received this funding in the past. Infestations of species such as wild parsnip and poison hemlock have been reduced in areas where municipalities have focused on treatments for several years. Organizations that have received funding from this grant are improving weed management practices, including identifying weeds earlier, and improving treatment timing.
Applications for this new round of invasive plant grants can be reviewed and downloaded on the MDA website. Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on October 23, 2024. Questions can be directed to Emilie Justen, MDA Noxious Weed Law Coordinator, at Emilie.Justen@state.mn.us.
Funding for this grant originates from the 2023 Laws of Minnesota, Chapter 43, Article 1, Section 2, Subd. 2 (d). Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by the MDA Noxious Weed Program and the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. Selected grantees will be announced in early 2025.

Minnesota DNR has tools for archery deer hunters as season opens
Minnesota’s archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 14, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has online tools and area wildlife staff ready to support hunters as they prepare for the season.
“We’re looking forward to deer season and want hunters to know how to find the information they need for safe, enjoyable hunting this fall,” said Todd Froberg, DNR big game program coordinator.
Minnesota DNR’s deer hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer) has important information for hunters about regulations, bag limits, and chronic wasting disease sampling information. Additionally, the Minnesota DNR Information Center and area wildlife staff can answer questions about deer hunting seasons and people can contact the DNR Information Center (mndnr.gov/contact) by email or by calling
888-646-6367. Wildlife area office contact information is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife).
There are about 108,000 archery deer hunters in Minnesota and the season is open from Sept. 14 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Crossbows are allowed for all deer hunters with an archery license, a statutory change enacted in 2023.