Some Udder Stuff

Applications open Jan. 1 for

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority will start accepting applications for the 2026 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit on Jan. 1. This is an annual program available to landlords and sellers (asset owners) who rent or sell farmland, equipment, livestock and other agricultural assets to beginning farmers.

There is $4 million available for the program. The credits are funded in a first-come, first-served manner, so applicants are highly encouraged to apply early before the stated deadlines. Funds ran out in late January for the 2025 tax credit.

A beginning farmer is defined as a Minnesota resident with the desire to start farming or who began farming within the past 10 years. They must provide positive projected earnings statements, have a net worth less than $1,042,000, and enroll in or have completed an approved Farm Business Management program.

Beginning farmers are also eligible for a nonrefundable Minnesota tax credit equal to the amount paid for FBM tuition, up to a maximum of $1,500. This tax credit is available for up to three years.

New for 2026: “Limited Land Access Farmer” replaces “Emerging Farmer” in the program.

Full eligibility requirements and other materials can be found on the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit webpage. Questions may be directed to Jenny Heck at mda.bftc@state.mn.us or 651-201-6316.

79th Alice in Dairyland applications due Jan. 30

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds individuals with a passion for promoting Wisconsin agriculture to apply for the position of 79th Alice in Dairyland through Jan. 30.

In this highly visible and fast-paced position, Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson, cultivating relationships with media outlets throughout the state, writing and delivering speeches at events, using social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture, and more. Additional responsibilities are outlined in the position announcement.

Alice in Dairyland applicants should have an interest in Wisconsin agriculture; at least three years of experience, education, or training in communications, marketing, education, or public relations; and public speaking experience. Applicants must also be residents of Wisconsin and at least 21 years old.

To apply, provide a cover letter, completed application form, resume and contact information for three professional references to DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 30. Application materials are available on the Alice in Dairyland website.

Brown Swiss Youth Heifer Program

accepting applications for 2026

Youth looking for support to purchase their first Brown Swiss should consider applying for the Nelson McCammon Youth Heifer Program offered by the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association. The organization is accepting applications between now and Feb. 10.

“The Nelson McCammon Youth Heifer Program helps youth interested in working with dairy cattle gain hands-on experience with high-quality registered Brown Swiss, explains committee chairperson Chris Voegeli. “By working with Brown Swiss through this program, our hope is that they will learn to appreciate the many outstanding qualities the Brown Swiss breed offers as the well as the camaraderie of those who own them.”

Award recipients will receive a grant for 50% (up to a $1,000 total) towards the purchase price of a registered Brown Swiss female of any age. The program is intended to run for two years with the applicants being between the ages of 9 and 18 for cows and 9 to19 for heifers as of Jan. 1. Applicants must be residents of Wisconsin and become members of the Wisconsin Junior and the National Junior Brown Swiss Associations.

Since the project started in 2013, 35 youth have purchased registered Brown Swiss heifers thanks to the generosity of long-time Brown Swiss breeder and youth supporter Nelson McCammon, who generously donated the funding for the program via his estate when he passed. Mr. McCammon was a mentor to many, and a past winner of the Klussendorf Trophy.

Winners will be presented at the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Annual Meeting, March 6-7, at the Cranberry Lodge in Tomah. Grants will be awarded Friday night, just ahead of the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Sale which will allow winners to purchase a calf from breeders who have made them available.

Applications and more information about this and other programs can be found at the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association website at www.wibrownswiss.com or by contacting Christopher Voegeli at christophervoegeli@gmail.com or 608-558-4728.

World Dairy Expo accepting nominations for 2026 recognition awards

World Dairy Expo is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Recognition Awards through Feb. 15. Each year, Expo honors exceptional leaders across the dairy industry in three categories: Dairy Producer of the Year, Industry Person of the Year, and International Person of the Year. Organizations, academic institutions, producers and others engaged in the dairy sector are encouraged to nominate individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, leadership and dedication.

Dairy Producer of the Year

Presented to an active dairy producer whose primary income is derived from their dairy enterprise. This individual demonstrates excellence in efficient production, progressive management practices and the breeding of high-quality dairy animals. Consideration is also given to involvement in community, government, marketing and participation in World Dairy Expo.

Industry Person of the Year

Awarded to a U.S. resident who has made significant contributions to research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other fields that support the dairy industry. The recipient may also be a dairy producer, provided their principal achievements are industry-focused.

International Person of the Year

Presented to an individual living primarily outside the U.S. who has demonstrated exceptional impact in international research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other dairy-related fields that provide goods or services to the global dairy industry.

Nomination forms are available at worlddairyexpo.com under the contests tab, or by contacting the Expo office at 608-224-6455 or wde@wdexpo.com. Selected honorees will be recognized Sept. 30, during World Dairy Expo 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. Sept. 29 – Oct. 2. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify or YouTube for more information.

Minnesota Leopold Conservation award

seeks applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Award applications may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application form can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

Applications open for century and

sesquicentennial farm recognition

Applications are now open for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Sesquicentennial Farm program, honoring Minnesota families that have owned their farms for at least 150 years. The deadline to apply is March 2.

Applications are available at www.fbmn.org. For more information, contact Pam Debele at pam.debele@fbmn.org or 651-768-2111.

Century Farm program applications are also open. Information is available online at mnstatefair.org or by calling 651-288-4417. Recipients will be announced in the spring.