It was just last month when we reported that the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) had distributed 31 Dairy Business Builder grants to dairy operators. Now, the collaboration between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has released more grants under the program. The grant applications will open on February 20 for small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 Midwestern states.
“There’s no shortage of fresh, innovative ideas in the dairy industry. We’re pleased to offer meaningful financial support for dairy farmers and processors as they pursue new strategies to grow and strengthen their businesses,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.
According to a press release, the reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs.
“These grants will support impactful investments in creative approaches to growing farmsteads and other dairy businesses,” CDR Director John Lucey stated, adding to Umhoefer’s earlier point that there is plenty of innovation and discovery to be made in the dairy industry.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to join an informational webinar hosted by DBIA staff at 11:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, February 21, after the applications open. Applications will be due by 5:00 p.m. CT on April 13, and successful applicants will be notified by May 19.
The DBIA is supported by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and was created in the 2018 federal Farm Bill. The DBIA has administered over $7 million to 88 dairy farms and businesses within its 11-state service area since then.
Best of luck to all of the eager applicants!
