News Release

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced today that the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) has funding available to accept additional applications for the 2011 Dairy Business Planning Grant Program.

This funding will enable dairy producers to work with a qualified dairy business planning professional to develop a business plan for the startup, modernization, expansion or increased production of a Missouri dairy farm. Funding for the Dairy Business Planning Grant Program is provided by the Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Dairy Growth Council.

"The dairy industry is vitally important to Missouri, and as such we greatly appreciate the investments of organizations like the Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Dairy Growth Council," said Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jon Hagler. "These business planning grants will help farmers as they seek innovative ways to grow and further develop their existing operations as well as provide needed assistance to those who want to enter the dairy industry."

The dairy planning grant may finance 90 percent of the cost of the business plan, up to $5,000. The dairy producer is required to pay at least 10 percent of the cost of the work done. Applications are scored competitively.

Applications are online at mda.mo.gov and must be received by MASBDA no later than 5 p.m. on Thurs., June 30, 2011. For more information, contact MASBDA at (573)751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

For more information on the grant or to view an application packet, visit mda.mo.gov.