Committee backs changes to Livestock Investment Grant to raise small-project match and expand eligible applicants

Representative Nelson presented House File 17 96, proposing modifications to the Livestock Investment Grant program. She moved the A1 amendment to clarify eligible applicants, reduce the minimum project threshold and define covered animals as those "raised for food and fiber including meat and breeding stock production."

The committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote. Courtney Vandermey, manager of the Livestock Investment Grant at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, told the committee that the agency currently awards grants in a wide range — projects spending between roughly $4,000 and $250,000 — and that the average award is about $17,000. Vandermey confirmed agency practice caps individual projects at $250,000.

Tessa Sedai Parks, a beginning livestock farmer, described how the existing program's 10% reimbursement for small purchases made grant applications impractical for low‑value purchases. She urged increasing the cost‑share for the first portion of small projects; the A1 amendment raises the match for the first $20,000 to 50% and then provides 20% up to $200,000 (as amended description). Vandermey said the change would make smaller projects more attractive and likely increase applications.

Representative Nelson moved to lay House File 17 96, as amended, over; the committee laid the bill over. Committee discussion noted the bill is intended to support modest investments by beginning and small producers and reduce paperwork burden relative to grant size.