Harvest season is coming to a close across Minnesota, and many farmers are finally getting a minute to catch their breath. But even when things slow down, farming remains one of the most dangerous jobs out there. In fact, farmers are 800% more likely to die on the job than people in other jobs according to the Department of Agriculture. As an ag-heavy district, many of us probably know someone who has been hurt or killed while doing farm work. Tractor rollovers, grain bin accidents, toxic gases, and the dangers of heavy machinery are risks that are part of our everyday reality. The good news is there are ways farmers and ag workers can keep themselves safe. State funding is even available to help.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has two active programs that support farm safety: the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and the Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Rebate Program. Together, they have $75,000 available per year through June 30, 2027. I would encourage everyone to look into these programs right away, because applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis until funds run out.
The Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant helps farmers pay for safety upgrades to on-farm grain bins and silos. The program covers up to 75% of eligible costs, up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year. Eligible expenses include things like fall protection systems, spiral staircases or platforms for older (pre-2020) bins, guardrails, dust collection systems, air quality monitors, grain level gauges, and more.
Some items do not qualify, including ladder cages, camera systems, new ladders, grain condition monitors, or anything purchased before a contract is approved. All purchases must take place after your agreement is signed, and payments are made as reimbursements once the project is finished. For example, installing handrails and level monitors on five bins for $4,500 would result in a $2,000 reimbursement.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, with priority for those submitted by May 1 each year. If your project does not fit this grant, contact your local Farm Service Agency for details on low interest Farm Storage Facility Loans. For more information, visit the Department of Ag’s grain bin safety website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grainstoragesafetycostshare.
The Rollover Protective Structures Rebate helps make older tractors safer by adding rollover protection kits. Rollovers are the leading cause of death on farms, and roll bars with seat belts are 99% effective at preventing serious injury or death. The rebate covers at least 70% of the cost for parts, shipping, and installation, capping out-of-pocket costs at $500 per tractor.
The rebate is available to Minnesota farmers and schools for tractors built before 1987. To apply, visit ropsr4u.com or call 877-ROPS-R4U. Pre-approval is required before purchasing equipment. After installation, send proof of completion to receive your check, which typically arrives within six weeks. For more, visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/rollover-protective-structures-rops-rebate.
Other safety resources are available too. The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center offers training and educational materials. Farm Answers provides hundreds of guides and videos. Minnesota OSHA’s Workplace Safety Consultation offers free on-site reviews and grants up to $10,000 for safety upgrades. The Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture also provides an Ag Safety Trailer for local trainings and events.
Farm safety is a smart investment that helps every farmer make it home safe, and these programs and grants will save lives. If you have questions or need help applying, or if you have any ideas to improve farm safety, please contact me any time.