Minnesota farmer suing state after not receiving grant

(Beltrami County, MN) -- A Beltrami County farmer is suing the state of Minnesota for discrimination after he was denied a grant.  

Lance Nistler has filed a federal lawsuit against the governor and the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture. He claims that he was denied a grant to help him buy his first farm because he is white. He claims the program he applied for gives preference to minorities, women, the disabled, veterans and other protected classes, violating his civil rights.  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has declined to comment on the lawsuit.