Dairy Innovation Grants

The Dairy Innovation Grants program is an initiative developed by the Center for Dairy Excellence, contingent upon funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture through its Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund. This grant aims to advance the implementation of technological solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity within dairy operations in Pennsylvania. The focus of the 2026–2028 funding round is specifically on activity monitoring systems—tools such as boluses, collars, or tags—that can improve herd health, reproductive efficiency, and overall farm operations. The funding structure is designed to promote regional impact, with the Center planning to consolidate individual farm applications into a single Regional Impact Project submission to the Ag Innovation Fund. The program is highly competitive and limited in scope. Up to 20 dairy farms will be selected to be part of the Center’s broader application to the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund. Each selected farm could receive up to $25,000 in matching funds, covering up to 25% of the total cost of implementing the proposed technology. It is important to note that this grant is conditional: no funds will be distributed unless the Center for Dairy Excellence’s overarching application is approved by the Department of Agriculture. Farms included in the Regional Impact Project will not receive individual awards directly from the Department but through the Center, pending approval. Applicants must meet a range of eligibility requirements to be considered. Each applicant must operate a dairy farm with at least 35 lactating cows or 70 lactating goats, maintain a biosecurity plan, and possess up-to-date manure and conservation plans. Additionally, participants must demonstrate compliance with the National FARM program or a comparable animal welfare initiative and have familiarity with the farm's financial metrics. A formal letter of support and a completed W9 form must accompany the application, both of which are provided as templates within the grant documentation. Proposed projects must not begin until notification of award status and should focus solely on activity monitoring systems. The application must include a detailed description of the project, the intended benefits, alignment with long-term farm goals, and a researched cost estimate. Only costs directly related to technology implementation are eligible, and reimbursement will be issued post-implementation upon receipt of appropriate documentation, including invoices and proof of expenditures. Farms will be expected to submit all invoices by April 2028. Applications are being accepted from February 9, 2026, through March 18, 2026, with a deadline of 3:00 p.m. Selected farms will be notified in April 2026 if they are included in the Center’s larger application. Final funding decisions will depend on the success of that application. If awarded, farms will have up to two years to complete project implementation. All funding will be distributed on a reimbursable basis, and any received funds will be considered taxable income under IRS regulations. For additional questions or assistance with the application, applicants may contact Melissa Anderson, Programs and Operations Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence, by email at [email protected] or phone at 717-788-0296.