A new round of Dairy Business Builder grants administered by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) will open February 20 for small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 Midwestern states. Businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin may apply for the funding, which is administered by the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA).

The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs.

“There’s no shortage of fresh, innovative ideas in the dairy industry. We’re pleased to offer meaningful financial support for dairy farmers and processors as they pursue new strategies to grow and strengthen their businesses,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.

“These grants will support impactful investments in creative approaches to growing farmsteads and other dairy businesses,” stated CDR Director John Lucey.

The DBIA is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was created in the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Since then, the DBIA has administered over $7 million to 88 dairy farms and businesses within its 11-state service area. The program also offers technical assistance to dairy farmers and processors in participating states.