It's always nice to hear Gov. Tim Pawlenty talk about Minnesota. Hasn't happened all that much lately. But this week he attended the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council in St. Paul and announced $1 million in state aid to livestock producers.

The grants are as part of the Agriculture and Veterans Omnibus Bill passed last session.

The money went to 38 farm operations around the state.

Here's more from the announcement:

"A big part of Minnesota's economy is tied to agriculture and food processing," Governor Pawlenty said. "These grants will help our livestock producers improve their operations so they can compete, thrive, grow our state's economy, and pass on their farms to the next generation."

Livestock is an important part of the state's economy. The livestock industry in Minnesota generates $27 billion in annual economic activity and approximately 177,000 jobs, up from $10 billion and 100,000 jobs in 2001.

Minnesota Livestock Investment Grants cover 10 percent of the first $500,000 of investment in the purchase, construction, and improvement of facilities for the production of livestock. A minimum investment of $4,000 is required. The full value of the projects described in the approved 38 grant applications is $12.9 million.

Grant recipients are located across Minnesota and represent a variety of livestock sectors. Approved projects include the renovation of milking facilities, repairing fences and constructing new buildings to expand operations and accommodate the next generation of livestock producers.

Nearly 600 applicants requested approximately $11 million in grants, well beyond the $1 million available. "We were impressed by the positive response to this program," Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson said. "It's very encouraging to see how much interest farmers have in reinvesting in Minnesota agriculture."

Here's a list by county and type of livestock the new investment grant recipients:
Renae D. Saurdiff, Beltrami, beef            
Robyn L. Schnobrich, Brown, dairy/beef  
Kristine E. Winum, Crow Wing, horses        
Luke J. Scherger, Dodge, hogs       
Joseph N. Wagner, Douglas, beef            
David C. Olsen, Faribault, hogs 
Dean C. Schimek, Faribault, dairy    
Peter D. Burfeind, Goodhue, dairy    
Timothy J. Hinrichs, Goodhue, dairy
Douglas C. Heintz, Houston,    dairy
Curtney, Chad, Carl Carlson, Kandiyohi, dairy    
Brian H. Punt, Kandiyohi, hogs    
Perry G. Miller and Jill M. Bisek, Mahnomen, dairy              
Garrett S. Luthens, McLeod, dairy
Gregory A. Jans, Meeker, dairy
Andrew G. Nelson, Meeker, hogs    
Lance C. Nelson, Meeker, dairy      
Donald K. Schiefelbein, Meeker, beef      
Cory A. Minion, Morrison, goats and dairy    
Christine K. Sukalski, Mower, dairy    
Jeff Barber, Tim Meyer, Nobles, turkeys    
Steven D. Dykstra, Nobles, dairy    
Herickhoff Family Farms, Pope, hogs
Aaron Lass, Rock, sheep      
Triple L Pork (George Lass),     Rock, hogs      
Joshua G. Altendahl, Stearns, dairy        
Glen J. Frericks, Stearns, dairy      
David R. Goebel, Stearns, dairy    
Gerard J. Jennissen, Stearns, dairy and beef      
Jeron L. Nathe, Stearns, dairy    
Thomas C. Peterson, Stearns, dairy    
John R. Wasner, Stearns, dairy
Braxton A. Deml, Steele, hogs
Matthew T. Holland, Steele, hogs    
Michael B. O'Leary, Swift, hogs
Roger K. Rinde, Todd, dairy    
Patricia K. Lee, Wadena, dairy      
James M. Timm, Yellow Medicine, dairy