MADISON, WI – Midwestern dairy farmers can apply now at WisCheeseMakers.org for reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 each to support on-farm biosecurity efforts amid the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle. Total pilot program funding of $100,000 is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).
“We know that farmers face myriad pressures, and we want to help them feel supported as they address new challenges posed by the outbreak of H5N1 in dairy herds. WCMA, together with our friends at CDR, are pleased to offer funding for dairy businesses to maintain safety and security for their operations, employees, and animals,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.
Funding is available to dairy farmers operating anywhere in DBIA’s 11-state service region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. No match is required. Grant funds can be used to support the purchase of equipment and supplies, employee training, and biosecurity consulting services. A complete list of eligible items and an online application form are available now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Grants. Questions about the grants may be directed to WCMA Grants & Business Programs Director Danica Nilsestuen at dnilsestuen@wischeesemakers.org.
The grants are the latest in a series of WCMA offerings designed to help the dairy industry respond to H5N1. A comprehensive list of free resources, including informational webinars, updates from federal and state agencies, and helpful forms, is available at WisCheeseMakers.org/H5N1.
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