Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Announces $1.7 Million Grant Program for Midwestern Farms

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) has opened applications for a total of $1.7 million in grants aimed at small‑ to medium‑sized dairy farmers, manufacturers and processors in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The Dairy Business Builder program offers awards of up to $100,000 per project, while the Dairy Industry Impact grant also provides up to $100,000 for projects with broader industry benefits. For large equipment purchases, grants of up to $150,000 are available. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CT on September 30, and applicants can access online instructions and a short instructional video.

The DBIA, a partnership of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, receives funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was created under the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Since its inception, the alliance has awarded more than $26 million across nearly 320 grants to Midwestern dairy operations and also provides technical assistance to participants.