Farmers encouraged to apply for Innovation Grants
Minnesota Corn has moved the deadline to apply for a 2023 Innovation Grant from Jan. 6 to Jan. 20.
The Innovation Grant program is open to farmers with ideas for improving the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of corn production. Farmers can use grants to test or develop best practices in cover crop management, fertility, tillage, water management, and other production methods.
Grants can be for up to $7,000 for small-scale projects and up to $30,000 for larger-scale projects, and farmers can collaborate with a soil and water conservation district, the USDA NRCS, a university, crop consulting company, or other agency.
In 2022, Minnesota Corn allocated funding to 11 Innovation Grant projects, including studies of how:
- The microbial product Pivot Bio Proven — which captures atmospheric nitrogen and converts it into a plant-available form — affects soil nitrate levels, corn yields, and profits. Pivot Bio Proven could help farmers reduce fertilizer use and, ultimately, their environmental impact.
- Cover crops affect soil health and profitability. Cover crops are plants grown outside of the main cash crop season to improve soil health and reduce erosion and nitrate losses.
- Various rates of sulfur fertilizer application affect crop yields and profits.
Researchers and students can also apply for grants through the Innovation Grant program. They must work with an active corn farmer to qualify for a grant.
Learn more about the Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program and apply here. If you have additional questions, contact Minnesota Corn Research Director Dr. Maciej Kazula at mkazula@mncorn.org.
