Rosen: Farmers should take advantage of new grain bin safety program

Applications are now open for a new cost-sharing grant program created by the Legislature to help farmers install new safety equipment in grain bins and silos on their farms. According to researchers, Minnesota has long been one of the leading states in the nation in these types of farm accidents, and over the past year accidents here have escalated even further.

“We have all heard the tragic stories of Minnesotans losing their lives in grain bin accidents,” said Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont). “Who knows how many other near-misses have happened that haven’t made the papers. Hopefully this program will help more farmers make their grain bins and silos safer so we can avoid any future tragedies.”

The program reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost to buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year. Funds can be used to io install equipment such as fall protection systems, controls to prevent contact with augers or other dangerous moving parts, systems to minimize explosion hazards, personal protective equipment, and more.

The Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through June 30, 2021, or until all funds are exhausted. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information and to apply, visit the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share webpage.