Dairy Business Builder grant applications now open to dairy farmers in 11 states

Dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 states can now apply for a new round of Dairy Business Builder grants through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Applications are open now until Nov. 10 at 5:00 p.m.

The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each, aim to support small to medium-sized dairy businesses in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs. Dairy farmers and processors in Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, Kansas, and Wisconsin can apply.

“Dairy products are one of Nebraska’s top 10 commodities, so there is a strong focus on dairy growth and development in this state,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman. “We welcome these grants as an additional source of support for Nebraska dairies and processors looking to expand and improve their businesses and make a positive impact on rural Nebraska.”

Application materials and resources are now available online at cdr.wisc.edu/dbia. Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 15, 2022.

Since its creation in the 2018 Farm Bill, the DBIA has administered more than $3.7 million in grants to dairy farms and businesses in five Midwestern states. Additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now supporting an expansion of the program’s service area to include Nebraska, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.