Applications are now open for a new cost-sharing grant program created by the Legislature to help farmers install new safety equipment in grain bins and silos on their farms. According to researchers, Minnesota has long been one of the leading states in the nation in these types of farm accidents, and over the past year accidents here have escalated even further.

In addition to the grant program, Senator Newman helped spearhead a new law that will provide funding to design digital applications that will allow users to remotely power off a grain bin or silo using their cell phone or another electronic device. The Legislature will receive a report on the progress of these efforts in January of 2021.

“Farm safety got a little bit lost in the shuffle due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but this was one of the legislature’s big bipartisan priorities last session,” said Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson). “We did it for people like Greg Fleck of Rich Valley and countless other families who have experienced tragedy in recent years. It is my great hope that farmers will jump on this program so we can prevent any further tragic deaths.”

The safety equipment cost-sharing program reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost to buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year. Funds can be used to io install equipment such as fall protection systems, controls to prevent contact with augers or other dangerous moving parts, systems to minimize explosion hazards, personal protective equipment, and more.

The Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through June 30, 2021, or until all funds are exhausted. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information and to apply, visit the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share webpage.