ST. PAUL – Minnesota farmers who raise livestock or specialty crops and who incurred additional expenses due to the drought of 2021 may now apply for up to $7,500 in reimbursement from the state of Minnesota.

“As farmers in some parts of the state again watch the skies for rain and others continue to clean up from devastating storms earlier this year, we encourage farmers who were impacted by last year’s drought to apply for this state reimbursement,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish. “The money won’t make anybody whole, but hopefully it will help pay a few bills.”

Livestock producers and specialty crop growers in all counties except Goodhue, Rice, Wabasha and Winona are eligible to apply. A total of $8.1 million is available for the program. Farmers may apply today through 5 p.m. on July 6 for expenses incurred from June 1, 2021, through May 23, 2022. Visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/droughtrelief to apply online or submit an application via mail or email.

Eligible expenses for specialty crop producers include water handling equipment, water hauling, irrigation equipment, replacement plants, seeds, or seedlings and additional hired labor.

Eligible expenses for livestock farmers include water-related expenses, feed-related expenses, fencing, livestock transportation, livestock pond dredging and cover crop, pasture, or forage replanting.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture officials shared more information about the application and the application process on a webinar today with Minnesota Farmers Union. View a recording of the webinar on the MFU YouTube page.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.