Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Rebate

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers the Rollover Protective Structure Grant to help Minnesota farmers and schools purchase and install certified rollover protection kits on tractors built before 1987. The Minnesota Legislature established the program under Minnesota Statute 17.119 and funds it through state appropriations. A total of $75,000 is available for this program and the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant Program in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Applications are reviewed in the order received until available funds run out, with priority given to applications received by May 1 each year. Applications received after funds are exhausted may be placed on hold until the new state fiscal year begins July 1. Grant funds are limited to purchasing, shipping, and installing a certified rollover protection kit consisting of a roll bar and safety belt on a tractor built before 1987. Installation costs are eligible only when installation is performed by a qualified third-party professional. Farmers receive reimbursement for at least 70 percent of documented eligible project costs and must provide a cash match equal to 30 percent of total project costs, with their required contribution capped at $500. Minnesota schools may receive reimbursement for the full documented cost and have no match requirement. Only one tractor may be approved per farm or school per fiscal year. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, so grantees must first pay project costs and then provide the required proof of purchase and payment. Eligible applicants must be the principal operator of a farm in Minnesota or a school. Applicants must be Minnesota residents or business entities authorized to farm in Minnesota, and the tractor must be used on a Minnesota farm. Examples of eligible applicants include individuals, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments and entities, and schools. Minnesota Tribal Nations and members of Tribal Nations are encouraged to apply. Applicants must also satisfy the pre-award risk assessment requirements. MDA employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and businesses owned or principally operated by those persons are ineligible. Applications must be submitted through the MDA online application system. New users must first create an account, then select Rollover Protective Structure Grant after logging in. Applicants should complete all questions within the specified character limits and review the Applicant Eligibility Checklist before submission. Application information includes applicant and authorized representative contact information, farm information, eligibility certifications and attestations, previous Minnesota grant history when applicable, project and tractor details, requested funding and project costs, expected project dates, a farm description, a performance capacity narrative, and a detailed budget. Applicants may upload estimates, quotes, or bids, although these do not replace the required budget table. MDA staff and leadership initially review applications using the Applicant Eligibility Checklist. Review considers applicant eligibility, whether the tractor was built before 1987 and qualifies for a ROPS installation, whether the project is likely to increase operator safety, whether the budget clearly details project costs, and whether the request contains eligible expenses that will be purchased and paid for during the contract period. Projects are either approved or denied, and denied applicants receive reasons for denial and information about updating or resubmitting an application. Applicants advancing in the process undergo a pre-award risk assessment, which evaluates past performance and financial and operational capacity and may require additional financial, internal control, conflict-of-interest, or previous grant documentation. Final award decisions are made by the commissioner of agriculture. The RFP was released July 8, 2026, and MDA continues receiving applications until legislatively appropriated funds are awarded. There is no fixed final closing date stated in the RFP. Successful applicants must execute a grant contract before ordering equipment, beginning work, or incurring eligible expenses. Contracts may last six months from the start date, with the possibility of extension up to two years. Recipients must provide required project reporting and reimbursement documentation, including receipts or invoices, proof of vendor payment, and photographs documenting the installed and certified ROPS. Reimbursement requests are due no later than 30 calendar days after the grant end date, and relevant grant records generally must be retained for at least six years. Questions about the program, application, or online application system may be directed to MDA.AGRIgrants@state.mn.us or 651-201-6500.

Get pre-approval before purchasing. Do not install before approval. Ensure kit is certified and matches your tractor. Submit documentation promptly.