Rotational grazing pilot program established, report required, and money appropriated.

A bill for an act

relating to agriculture; establishing a rotational grazing pilot program; requiring

a report; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.
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ROTATIONAL GRAZING PILOT PROGRAM.
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Subdivision 1.

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Administration.

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The commissioner of agriculture must establish and

administer a rotational grazing pilot program that awards grants to Minnesota farmers for

rotational grazing projects to enhance the use of prairies and woodlands and help protect

surface or drinking water sources. For purposes of this program, "rotational grazing" means

a livestock grazing system in which fields are subdivided into smaller paddocks, livestock

density is controlled, and livestock is rotated through paddocks at a frequency that maintains

vegetative cover, ensures regular access to fresh forage, and reduces soil compaction and

erosion.

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Subd. 2.

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Grant purposes.

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The commissioner must award grants to Minnesota farmers

for either of the following purposes:

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(1) to establish perennial forages for rotational grazing of livestock; or

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(2) to purchase rotational grazing system infrastructure, including fencing, watering,

and other livestock management infrastructure to support rotational grazing of livestock.

Rotational grazing of perennial forage or cover crops that help protect surface or drinking

water sources are permitted purposes under this clause.

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Subd. 3.

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Awarding grants.

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(a) Grants under subdivision 2 must only be awarded to a

Minnesota farmer implementing a new rotational grazing system in Minnesota or a new

rotational grazing practice that improves the conservation and water protection of existing

grazing systems in Minnesota.

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(b) The department must not award more than $25,000 in grants to any one grantee.

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(c) All grant money must be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. The commissioner

must reimburse a grantee under this section within six months after confirming that the

grantee has completed necessary grazing systems updates. A grantee must provide evidence

of successful implementation of rotational grazing practices to receive reimbursement.

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(d) A grant agreement must include a 50 percent match from the farmer. A match includes

services, materials, or cash that the grantee contributed to accomplish grant objectives.

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Subd. 4.

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Report.

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By January 15, 2028, the commissioner must report to the chairs and

ranking minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over agriculture

and the environment and natural resources trust fund on the results of the grant awards under

this section, including the number, amount, and distribution by county of grant awards.

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Sec. 2.
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APPROPRIATION.
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$2,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the environment and natural resources

trust fund to the commissioner of agriculture for the rotational grazing pilot program.

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