The Farmer Rancher Grant Program

The Farmer Rancher Grant Program, administered by the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program, offers competitive funding for farmers and ranchers to explore regenerative and sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects. Established in 1992, this program aims to improve economic viability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being in agriculture across the 12-state North Central region. Applicants can apply as individuals for up to $15,000, or as a team of two or more operations for up to $30,000. Eligible expenses include labor, materials, travel, field day costs, and equipment rentals directly tied to the project. Permanent installations and general operating costs are not covered. Projects may last up to 23 months and are expected to contribute to broader agricultural knowledge, with grantees required to conduct outreach, such as field days, videos, or workshops, and share results publicly. Applicants must be farmers or ranchers operating in the North Central region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. NGOs that are actively farming may also apply. Only one application may be submitted per year per applicant, and previous recipients are eligible if past reports are up to date. Applications are due by Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. All proposals must be submitted through the online application system at projects.sare.org. The review process involves a peer-review committee and the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, with funding decisions announced in mid-February 2026. Projects may begin as early as April 1, 2026. Awarded grantees receive funding in three disbursements tied to contract approval, a progress report, and final reporting. Support is available through webinars, recorded video tutorials, and virtual office hours. Applicants are encouraged to explore past funded projects and consult local extension offices or NRCS agents when developing proposals. For questions, contact Liz Brownlee, the Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, at brow7263@umn.edu or 612-626-3658.

Focus on measurable results, community benefit, and outreach plan. Use past project examples. Budget must align with objectives.