Otter Tail County was awarded a $96,000 Growing Careers Agricultural Workforce Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The grant funding will be used to expand the County’s Empowered Worker Program to serve employers and workers in agriculture and ag-related industries. This program will grow the area’s workforce by providing skills training and resource navigation to help individuals overcome employment barriers and enter high-demand, household-sustaining wage jobs. 

The Empowered Worker Program aligns with the County’s “OTC Works” workforce strategy to create partnerships that improve occupational readiness, reduce barriers to employment, and align skills for future workforce needs.

Growing Careers grant recipients will use the awarded funding to develop training programs to help more Minnesotans enter agricultural careers. The Empowered Worker Program will leverage this funding to create a pipeline of well-trained workers to meet the needs of employers and increase the number of new entrants into agricultural sector pathways.

“As a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy, agriculture plays a vital role in our state’s prosperity. These new training programs will help build a skilled workforce, expand opportunities in high-growth agricultural sectors, and ensure long-term success for generations to come,” said DEED’s Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors.

Otter Tail County Commissioner Dan Bucholz said he is eager to expand the program to serve agricultural industries. 

“We are thrilled that the Growing Careers Grant will allow us to expand the Empowered Worker Program to our valued agriculture industry. The program has proven to be successful serving employers and individuals, and we can grow that impact with this funding,” said Bucholz.

Otter Tail County invites agricultural and ag-related employers to partner with the Empowered Worker Program to prepare and upskill individuals entering these industries. Employers interested in learning more or joining as a partner are encouraged to visit ottertailcounty.gov/empowered-worker.

Otter Tail County is also seeking qualified individuals or organizations with experience in workforce development, career navigation, or employer engagement to expand service capacity through this new funding. Professionals and agencies are invited to respond to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Workforce Navigation Services, available at www.ottertailcounty.gov/news/rfq-workforce-navigation-services/ by November 17, 2025.