Lasso Grant Writing Support

Choose Iowa – Dairy Innovation Grant: This grant supports projects that expand dairy processing capacity, improve on-farm efficiency, or introduce new dairy products to the market. It is aimed at helping Iowa dairy businesses grow through innovation and modernization.

• What it funds:
  • Equipment for on-farm processing or packaging
  • Facility improvements related to dairy innovation
  • Development or expansion of value-added dairy products
  • Marketing or branding initiatives for new dairy lines
• Funding amount: Up to $100,000 per project. The grant covers up to 50% of the project cost or requires a one-to-one financial match from the applicant.

Choose Iowa – Value-Added Grant: This grant helps agricultural producers and processors in Iowa add value to their products through local processing, packaging, or market development. It supports efforts to bring locally grown or raised products—including dairy—to new markets.

• What it funds:
  • Equipment and infrastructure for value-added processing
  • Packaging and labeling to meet retail standards
  • Development of new dairy or agricultural products
  • Branding, promotion, and direct-to-consumer sales tools
• Funding amount: Up to $25,000 per project. The grant covers up to 50% of the project cost or requires a one-to-one financial match from the applicant.

AGRI Livestock Investment Grant: This program helps Minnesota farmers start, improve, or expand livestock operations by funding equipment purchases, facility improvements, and new construction.

• Eligible project expenses include:
  • Buildings or facilities to produce livestock or livestock products.
  • Development of pasture for use by livestock, including but not limited to lanes, watering systems, and fences.
  • Equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding, and waste management.
• Eligible applicants must:
  • Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota that produces and sells at least $1,000 of livestock products annually, or would normally sell at least $1,000 of livestock products in a typical year.
  • Be a resident of the state of Minnesota, a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota, or a unit of Tribal government.
  • Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable.
• Grant amount and terms:
  • Grant awards will range from $400 to $25,000.
  • The grant will reimburse 50% of the first $20,000 in eligible expenses, then 25% of eligible expenses, up to the maximum grant award of $25,000.
  • An individual or farm may only receive one grant in FY 2026.
• Timeline:
  • The application deadline is November 13, 2025.
• Priority will be given to:
  • Applicants who have farmed 10 years or fewer
  • Generational transitions
  • Producers of livestock for kosher or halal markets
  • Requests for robotic milking equipment
  • Applicants who have not previously received a Livestock Investment Grant
• Miscellaneous:
  • The grant does not cover livestock, tractors, skid steer loaders, general purpose buildings, pasture or crop land, animal feed, crop seed, planters, combines, or debt refinancing.

Dairy Producer Grant Program (Due by November 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM): This program provides partial funding in the form of grants to established dairies in Missouri for facilities, equipment, and upgrades directly related to increasing efficiency and growing the dairy industry. This is a competitive grant program, based on the credibility and merit of the proposal and personnel, impact potential to improve efficiency and grow the dairy industry, and timeliness and feasibility of the project plan. Full program guidelines can be found here.

• Who is eligible:
  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old
  • Missouri resident
  • Must operate a Grade A permitted dairy recognized by the State Milk Board
• Grant amount and terms:
  • Grants fund up to 75% of eligible project expenses
  • Maximum grant award: $40,000
  • Minimum 25% cash match required
• Eligible project expenses:
  • Applications will be considered for projects directly tied to increasing efficiency, improving herd health, or growing production capacity.
    • Expansion of existing facilities
    • Construction of a new facility
    • Equipment purchases
    • Breeding and reproductive technologies
    • Herd expansion
  • Examples of eligible projects:
    • Purchasing new feed bunks or upgrading feeding floors
    • Constructing free-stall or loafing barns
    • Upgrading milking units or milk-handling systems
    • Investing in manure management or removal equipment
• Restrictions:
  • The program does not provide funds for:
    • Operational costs (payroll, utilities, supplies, insurance, travel)
    • Paying off existing debt
    • Research
    • Salaries for owners or employees
    • Land purchases
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Equipment such as UTVs, ATVs, trucks, or tractors
    • Reimbursement for expenses prior to the grant award

APUC Grant (Expected to open in October 2025): This grant helps North Dakota businesses and producers develop or expand uses for agricultural products through innovation, marketing, research, and diversification. It supports efforts to increase the value of North Dakota-grown ag commodities and grow rural economies.

• What it funds:
  • Market research, feasibility studies, and commercialization plans
  • Equipment and process improvements for value-added products
  • Prototype development and technology applications
  • Diversification into non-traditional crops, livestock, or agri-tourism
  • Technical assistance for ag-related business growth
• Funding amount: Grants typically cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a required 25% match (cash or in-kind). Most awards range up to $25,000 for technical or diversification projects.

ADD Grant (Next deadline: January 1, 2026): This grant helps North Dakota farmers, ranchers, and ag-related businesses invest in value-added agriculture projects that strengthen the state’s economy. It’s designed to support the launch or expansion of businesses that increase farm profitability, create jobs, and develop new ag markets.

• What it funds:
  • Equipment purchases for processing, manufacturing, or product development
  • Facility construction or upgrades tied to value-added production
  • New ventures or expansions that use ND ag commodities in innovative ways
  • Projects that demonstrate economic feasibility and long-term sustainability
• Funding amount: Grants are competitive and can be awarded up to $500,000, based on project scale. Funding is reimbursement-based and typically requires a detailed business plan, financial projections, and proof of matching funds or other capital commitments.

Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program (AEDP) Grant or Loan (Next deadline: January 1, 2026): This program helps Oklahoma farmers, ranchers, and ag entrepreneurs diversify their operations, develop value-added products, and strengthen rural communities. It offers both grants and 0% interest loans to support innovation, marketing, and infrastructure improvements in agriculture.

• What it funds:
  • Farm diversification projects involving non-traditional crops, livestock, or agritourism
  • Product development, feasibility studies, and prototype planning
  • Equipment or facility upgrades to support value-added production
  • Agricultural events that promote education and market expansion
  • Projects led by veterans or young farmers (45 or younger)
• Funding amount: Grants typically provide up to $10,000 per project, depending on the category. Larger projects may qualify for 0% interest loans. Matching funds are required, and reimbursement is based on documented expenses.