RPFs for the electric farm grant are now open, and the deadline is 4 p.m. on August 11, 2026. A webinar hosted by the Minnesota Farmers Union on July 1 from noon to 1 p.m. covered tips and tricks for a successful application.
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The webinar featured Pete Kennedy, researcher with West Central Research and Outreach Center, and Lucas Sjostrom, owner of Redhead Creamery, to talk about their experience using and testing electric farm equipment, including specific makes and models of tractors and more.
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The webinar also focused on the grant itself, with Senior Grant Specialist for the MDA Micheal Greene emphasizing that details on the program goals and eligibility can be found in the RPF document. Potential equipment to be funded through the grant includes UTVs, tractors, irrigation pumps, tillers, forklifts, feed pushers, and skid steers. 3-Phase power upgrades, chainsaws, and solar panels can also be funded though the grant, as long as they are directly tied to electric farming equipment.
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The minimum award for the grant will be $1500, with the maximum award being $150,000. The grant acts as a reimbursement and will cover 75% of total costs. MDA expects applicants to hear back in October and plans for the grant contract to start by January 1.
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When writing the grant specifically, Greene recommended using plain language, having a realistic budget, reviewing the evaluation profile, and answering all the necessary questions and the optional ones as well, if possible.
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The link to the full webinar can be found on YouTube. The deadline to submit questions to the Department of Agriculture is July 24. All details can be found: Electric Farm Equipment Grant
