Beef Producer Grants

The Beef Producer Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), provides financial support to established beef producers within the state. The program is designed to bolster production capacity in both commercial and small purebred beef herds. It prioritizes capital investment projects that contribute to herd growth and operational efficiency, aligning with the state’s goals of strengthening Missouri’s beef sector through targeted infrastructure and technology upgrades. Funding is allocated on a competitive basis, with applications assessed for credibility, impact potential, and timeliness. Specifically, reviewers evaluate the qualifications of the key personnel involved, the clarity and justification of the proposed budget, and the realistic potential for project outcomes to improve production. A minimum average score of 60 out of 100 points is required for funding consideration. The maximum grant amount awarded per project is $40,000, with MASBDA funding up to 75% of eligible costs. Applicants must contribute a minimum 25% cash match toward the project, and documentation of this contribution is required before final disbursement of funds. Eligible uses of grant funds include facility expansion or construction, equipment purchases, herd expansion, and breeding technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Projects must clearly demonstrate how the investment will result in increased production capacity. Examples of eligible items include new feed bunks, covered feeding facilities, and manure spreading equipment. However, the program excludes a broad range of costs such as operational expenses, land purchases, vehicle acquisitions, salaries, indirect expenses, and any purchases made prior to the grant award date. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, legal Missouri residents, and actively engaged in beef production. Both individuals and entities such as cooperatives or agricultural businesses are eligible, provided the operation is based in Missouri. Additional requirements include proof of citizenship, Missouri residency, and registration in the federal E-Verify program. The program is open to commercial herds and small purebred herds consisting of fewer than 50 mature registered cows. The submission process requires a complete application to be submitted electronically or via hard copy to MASBDA by 3:00 p.m. on November 19, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. MASBDA will notify applicants of funding determinations, and all selected grantees will enter into a formal contract outlining project plans and budget responsibilities. Reimbursements are processed upon submission of proper documentation, and the authority reserves the right to audit and withhold funds if contractual obligations are not met. This is not a recurring grant and does not feature any pre-application stages or rolling deadlines. The program is highly competitive, and funding is limited. For further details or to access the application, applicants may visit MASBDA's official website or contact the agency by phone or email.

Proposals must score at least 60 points. Competitive selection based on credibility, cost effectiveness, impact, and timeline. Include strong work plan and budget justifications.