Funding Tip Tuesday is a weekly series that offers practical guidance to help producers prepare for farm funding.

Why knowing where to look matters

Many producers are aware that grants exist, but the challenge is figuring out where to reliably find them. Opportunities come from different levels of government and from private organizations, and each has its own release schedule. A clear system for where to look saves time, reduces frustration, and helps you catch opportunities before deadlines pass.

Places to check for funding updates

You can build a simple routine using a mix of local and regional sources:

• Monthly newsletters
  Check whether your co-op, check-off group, or banking partner offers funding or grant updates. These groups often highlight programs tailored to the commodities they support.
  
  

• Extension offices
  Your nearest university extension office can point you to state programs, technical assistance, and upcoming grant cycles. Extension teams often share updates well before deadlines.
  
  

• Local offices
  Visit or call your local NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation District offices. Staff can flag conservation-related programs and help you understand which ones fit your operation.
  
  

• Lasso
  A one-stop shop that pulls together opportunities across these sources, personalized for your farm in under five minutes.
  
  

  
  

While the first three can be reviewed once a month to keep you up to date on new grant opportunities for your farm, Lasso can be used anytime for a quick, personalized scan.

For example, a Minnesota dairy producer we worked with learned about a regional grant through a monthly newsletter focused on dairy operations. The program was a good fit for equipment upgrades, but at first glance, it looked like it would only cover part of the total cost. 

With Lasso’s support, he realized that the regional grant could work alongside other programs. By combining the regional dairy grant with the AGRI Value-Added Grant at the state level and the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) at the federal level, he was able to stack funding to cover a much larger share of the investment.

Building a habit of checking multiple sources ensures you never miss a good opportunity. Over time, this routine helps you anticipate what grants are coming, plan your projects earlier, and align your investments with programs that fit your goals.

One more tip

Check funding options at federal, regional, state, and local levels, and include both public and private programs in your search. You are more likely to find the right opportunity when you look across all available sources.

Building a habit of checking multiple sources ensures you never miss a strong opportunity for your operation. Over time, this routine helps you anticipate what grants are coming, plan your projects earlier, and align your investments with programs that fit your goals.

If you want an easier way to stay on top of grants that truly fit your operation, Lasso can help. We gather opportunities from multiple sources and filter them based on your location, goals, and project plans. You only see programs you are likely to qualify for, which saves time and helps you focus on the opportunities that matter most. Learn more at app.joinlasso.com.

Do you want to stay updated on practical grant tips, funding opportunities, and ways to strengthen your farm’s competitiveness in the application process? Follow us on our Lasso social media pages!

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