This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 1796) seeks to modify grant awards for the state's Livestock Investment Grant Program by amending sections of Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 17.118.

Key Changes Proposed:

1. Grant Award Adjustments:

   • Previously, recipients could receive 10% of the first $500,000 in qualifying expenditures.
   • The amended formula proposes:
     • 50% of the first $20,000 of qualifying expenditures.
     • 20% of the next $220,000 of qualifying expenditures.
   • Multiple grants may be awarded to the same person, but priority will be given to first-time applicants.

2. Expanded Definitions:

   • Livestock now explicitly includes: cattle, swine, poultry, goats, sheep, horses, bison, farmed deer, rabbits, and more.
   • Qualifying expenditures broadened to cover:
     • Construction/improvements on livestock buildings, fencing, pasture development, and watering systems.
     • Equipment for housing, feeding, milking, waste management, and processing.
     • On-farm energy production equipment and structures like barns, milking parlors, and manure storage.

3. Eligibility Criteria Updates:

   • Now includes representatives of Minnesota Tribal governments.
   • Eligible farmers/operators must:
     • Be a Minnesota resident or an entity authorized to own and operate farmland.
     • Be the principal operator of a farm.
     • Hold a feedlot registration (if applicable).
     • Apply with proof of qualifying expenditures.

These revisions aim to increase access to funding for livestock producers in Minnesota, giving higher reimbursement percentages for smaller investments while supporting both tribal and non-tribal farmers.