Minnesota State Wire

Farmers in Minnesota have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance aimed at improving safety on their farms, according to an announcement from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The announcement comes during National Farm Safety and Health Week, which runs from September 21 to 27.

The MDA is offering two programs: the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Program. Both initiatives are designed to help farmers add or upgrade safety equipment in grain storage facilities and on older tractors.

“The risks grain farmers face every day are very real,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “The Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant helps farmers make critical upgrades that protect themselves, their families, and their employees. Taking steps now to improve the safety of corn, soybean, and small grain storage facilities is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and save lives.”

The Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant covers up to 75% of the cost for purchasing and installing eligible safety equipment on on-farm grain bins or silos. Farmers can receive as much as $400 per bin or silo, with a maximum of $2,400 per farm each year. Eligible equipment includes fall protection systems, engineering controls that prevent contact with moving parts such as augers, dust collection systems that reduce explosion risks, personal protective gear for emergencies related to grain bins, air quality monitoring devices for silos, and other approved safety tools.

Funding for these grants comes from a legislative appropriation totaling $75,000 shared between both the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and ROPS Rebate programs.

The ROPS program addresses tractor rollovers—a leading cause of fatal accidents on farms—by helping farmers retrofit older tractors with rollover protection structures. According to experts cited by the MDA, using rollover protective structures together with seatbelts can prevent death or serious injury in 99% of cases involving tractor rollovers.

Applications for both grant programs will be accepted until June 30, 2027 or until all available funds are allocated. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about eligibility requirements and application procedures can be found at the MDA’s official webpages for the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Program.

Commissioner Petersen emphasized that taking proactive measures is key to preventing injuries: “Taking steps now to improve the safety of corn, soybean, and small grain storage facilities is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and save lives.”