Oklahoma Producer Grants
The Oklahoma Producer Grant Program is not currently accepting
new proposals.
General Information: Oklahoma Producer Grants
Farmers and ranchers know their land better than anyone else. They
know their problems, and they often have innovative ideas about
how to solve those problems.
While good ideas may not be in short supply, money often is. This
program, the first of its kind in Oklahoma, supports farmer and
rancher innovation with cash grants.
The Oklahoma Producer Grant Program awarded 48 grants between 1998 and 2008. Results were shared with the public through over 20 field days, and a series of free fact sheets are available online (see list, below left).
Farmers and ranchers all over the state have had projects funded, for both research and demonstration. Topics have included virtually all facets of sustainable agriculture, ranging from rotational and multispecies grazing, sunflower biodiesel, and variety trials, to vermicomposting, alternative crops, and eggmobiles. (Annual summaries of grants awarded are listed at left.)
All projects addressed at least one of the eight priority areas of sustainable agriculture.
What is a producer grant?
A producer grant funds the development of a new idea or innovative
practice in sustainable agriculture. Grants can be funded for
up to $3,500 for a two-year project, and up to $7,500 for a three-year
project.
Producer Grant recipient
Doug Walton and his
son Charley inspect
his cover crop trials.
|
What
types of projects may be funded?
Grants will be given for both research and demonstration projects.
Research projects are on-farm tests of a farming/ranching practice
or technology. Demonstration projects are on on-farm demonstrations
of a proven farming/ranching practice.
For tips on how to do research on your farm or ranch, see "How
to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch," an online
informational bulletin from the Sustainable Agriculture Network.
Projects with the best chance of being funded are innovative,
applicable to many other farms, and useful for more than one year.
Who may apply
for a grant?
Any active resident producer in Oklahoma is
eligible to receive a grant. Grants have been awarded to producers
owning or leasing farms and ranches of all sizes, from half an
acre to several thousand acres. Grant recipients have included
fruit and vegetable growers, wheat and corn growers, cattle producers,
wine-grape and pecan growers.
How and when
are grants awarded?
The Kerr Center has divided the grant process into two sections. The
first is the preproposal process. Producers write a two or three
page summary of the project they want to do on their farm/ranch
and submit the preproposal to the Kerr Center by the due date.
The preproposal should follow the guidelines outlined in the
information packet.
A technical committee will select a certain number of preproposals
for development into a full proposal. This allows producers
to write down an idea for consideration without spending long hours
completing a full proposal. If selected to complete the full
proposal, the preproposal will be further developed into a full
application and returned to the Kerr Center by the deadline date.
To apply for this grant, a farmer/rancher should read the Call
for Preproposals and Producer Grant Information Packet. The
project must fit into this year’s priority areas. All proposals
are reviewed by a qualified independent technical committee.
Farmers are encouraged to link up with extension personnel, other
state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, other farmers
or specialists to assist with executing and analyzing their projects.
Grants can be funded for up to $3,500 for a two year project
or up to $7,500 for a three year project. The application must
be returned by the due date. Confirmation of receipt of application
will be mailed, emailed or faxed within two working days.
What
are the objectives of the program?
The program's main objective is to encourage the use of sustainable
farming and ranching practices in Oklahoma. The program also seeks
to empower the individual producer and encourages an exchange of ideas
and experiences between producers. The program encourages farmers to
teach other farmers how to be more profitable while also conserving
natural resources and protecting the environment. The program brings
together farmers, ranchers, extension agents, NRCS technicians, and
researchers from private and public institutions to explore new ways
of solving problems on the farm.
Why is it
needed?
With decreased government support for agriculture, the
efforts of private organizations and individuals are needed more
than ever. Farmers and ranchers face daily challenges that are
often difficult to meet without fresh ideas and support from agriculture
professionals and organizations.
Contact
information
David Redhage
918.647.9123 fax 918.647.8712
mailbox@kerrcenter.com
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