Farmers and ranchers have a unique perspective when it comes to improving agricultural systems. Whether it’s finding ways to reduce off-farm inputs, limit erosion, create more time for family and community, strengthen marketing skills, or enhance overall livelihoods, there are resources available to help.

One such resource is the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE) Program, which currently has several grant opportunities open.

We recently spoke with Lais McCartney, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Purdue Extension Hancock County and Indiana SARE State Coordinator, on the VetFarm Network Podcast. Lais shared insights into the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program, which has been supporting farmers and ranchers pursuing agricultural sustainability since 1992.

The Farmer Rancher Grant Program is designed for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers themselves. Grants can be awarded as:

Individual grants – up to $15,000
Team grants – up to $30,000 for two or more farmers or ranchers working together

Projects may run for up to 23 months, and around 40 projects are funded each year. These grants support producers working to:

• Protect natural resources
• Strengthen communities
• Boost economic viability

Beyond funding, these grants emphasize outreach and networking, helping farmers and ranchers share results and maximize the impact of their work. The program uses an online application system, with grant decisions made by the NCR-SARE Administrative Council.
If you’re curious about past projects or looking for inspiration, you can explore previously funded grants here: https://projects.sare.org/search-projects/

For veterans and other farmers interested in applying, this program offers a fantastic opportunity to explore innovative solutions directly on the farm. You can hear more about it in our podcast episode with Lais McCartney — https://youtu.be/ZCsFTP91bvQ?si=42rB4Yt37MDj3-oq

SARE grants are a great way to test new ideas, improve sustainability, and build a stronger, more resilient farm business. If you’ve been considering a project to make your farm more sustainable, now is a perfect time to learn more and explore the application process