By Andi Anderson

Iowa's dairy sector is set for a technological makeover as Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig unveils 20 Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants. These grants, spanning 12 counties, aim to enhance on-farm processing capabilities and integrate labor-saving technology, ensuring a broader range of Iowa dairy products for consumers.

At Picket Fence Creamery in Woodward, one of the grant recipients, excitement is palpable as plans take shape to ramp up on-farm processing. Secretary Naig underscores the program's focus on connecting consumers with locally produced goods, emphasizing the significance of Iowa's agricultural heritage.

Lee Maassen, President of the Iowa State Dairy Association, lauds the initiative's potential to drive innovation and bolster local dairy production. The grants, a culmination of collaborative efforts between ISDA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, promise a brighter future for Iowa's dairy farms.

These cost-share grants target investments in pasteurization equipment, processing space, packaging, robotics, and more. Importantly, they exclude start-up costs, ensuring a strategic allocation of resources.

With a mandate to support smaller dairies, grant recipients must meet specific criteria, including having fewer than 50 employees and maintaining good standing with regulatory agencies. The grants, a testament to Iowa's commitment to its dairy industry, mirror the success of previous agricultural grant programs.

The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants are a beacon of hope for Iowa's dairy farmers, signaling a transformative phase characterized by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. As recipients gear up to implement their projects, the dairy landscape in Iowa promises to evolve, offering consumers an array of high-quality, locally sourced dairy products.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-dimasobko