Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program

The Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and financed through the State Water Plan Fund, a statutory fund established by the Kansas Legislature in 1989. The fund exists to implement the Kansas State Water Plan and to support water-related projects, programs, and technical assistance across the state. The Water Plan serves as a comprehensive and adaptive framework for addressing Kansas’s present and future water resource challenges, guided by five key principles—conservation of the High Plains Aquifer, protection and restoration of Kansas reservoirs, improvement of water quality, reduction of vulnerability to extreme events, and increased public awareness of water resources. This program provides financial support for applied research that aligns with the State Water Plan’s first three guiding principles. It aims to improve Kansas agriculture’s sustainability, resilience, and water-use efficiency. Projects of particular interest include the development of drought-tolerant crops, innovations in agricultural technology that enable producers to optimize inputs, reduce nutrient runoff, and enhance livestock feed, forage, and water efficiency. Research proposals that demonstrate measurable outcomes in crop science, water quality enhancement, and drought mitigation are especially encouraged. For Fiscal Year 2026, the program has an allocation of $450,000. Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project for a performance period of up to two years, with preference given to projects that can be completed within one year. The grant period will begin on January 1, 2026, and must conclude by December 31, 2027. The program does not require matching funds; however, applicants are encouraged to show evidence of organizational or partner support as part of their proposals. The Kansas Department of Agriculture may adjust award amounts based on available funds and programmatic priorities. Applications will be competitively evaluated based on alignment with the State Water Plan, potential impact on Kansas agriculture, feasibility, and the ability to achieve clear, measurable outcomes. This reimbursement-based grant requires successful applicants to incur project expenses and submit documentation for reimbursement. To support applicants, the department will host two webinars: an overview session on October 28, 2025, and an application walkthrough on November 4, 2025, both scheduled for mid-morning Central Time. The FY26 application period closes on November 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must complete the online form available through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website and are encouraged to review the official Request for Applications prior to submission. All inquiries should be directed to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, located at 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502. The department can be reached by phone at 785-564-6700. Award notifications and performance period management will be overseen by the department’s grants administration office.

Emphasize alignment with water conservation and efficiency; propose measurable, feasible projects; demonstrate organizational support.