ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is urging livestock farmers to apply now to take advantage of $1 million available for Livestock Investment Grants.

The program helps eligible producers offset the costs of on-farm improvements.

Qualifying upgrades include the purchase, construction, or improvement of facilities for livestock production, and purchases of fencing, as well as feeding and waste management equipment. Producers who suffered losses due to a natural disaster or unintended consequences may also apply. The grants won’t pay for livestock, land purchases or debt refinancing.

Qualifying producers are reimbursed 10 percent of the first $500,000 of their investment, with a minimum investment of $4,000.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.