The application period for the next round of funding opens on March 1, 2022. Click here to view the application. This is a competitive grant for Pennsylvania dairy farms only, and limited grants are available. Recipients will receive committee approval before grant awards will be made.
About the Grant and How to Apply
To participate in the Dairy Excellence Grant program, farms can apply in two ways:
A $100 application fee is required but will be reimbursed if your application is not accepted. This grant is for Pennsylvania dairy farms only. The selection committee will award grants based on the impact the project would have on cow comfort and overall milk production, the detail in which the applicant describes what the project involves and how the project will benefit their operation, and the willingness of the applicant to provide requested information or to seek help in providing requested information.
As part of the application, you will be required to:
- Know your cost of production
- Be compliant with the National FARM Program or a similar program
- Have a Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan in place
- List two consultants/advisors who work with your farm (ex. nutritionist, accountant, veterinarian, etc.)
- Explain how the improvement will help your overall operation and aid in milk production per cow, efficiency and/or cow comfort
Note: Dairy farm businesses or individuals receiving the Dairy Excellence Grant during the Fall 2021-22 fiscal year are not eligible to receive a Dairy Excellence Grant in this round. Those who applied for a Dairy Excellence Grant in 2021-2022 but were not accepted into the program are eligible to apply in this round.
Timeline
Application period: The application period will be open from March 1-31, 2022.
Notifications: This is a competitive grant, so winning grant award recipients will be notified by April 20, 2022 with expenses/invoices due by June 30, 2022. Application fees will be refunded to those who are not awarded grants.
Types of Projects
Projects can include anything related to improving dairy farm efficiency, cow comfort, milking facilities, housing facilities, or feeding systems. The project should focus on improving milk production per cow and/or enhancing overall farm profitability and efficiency.
A few ideas of improvements include:
- Fans, sprinklers or misters in free stall or tie stall barn
- Curtains or other ventilation improvements
- Mattresses or construction to move to deep bedded sand stalls
- Variable speed pulsation
- Cow brush or foot bath installation
- Click here to see how past grant recipients used the funds.
Questions?
For more information, contact Melissa Anderson at 717-636-0779 or manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
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