Grants for Cattle Farmers
Cattle farming grants support beef production, dairy operations, ranching, pasture management, livestock equipment, rangeland conservation, and cattle business development. Federal and state programs provide funding for facility improvements, grazing management, herd genetics, equipment purchase, and sustainable ranching practices. Cattle ranching is strategic priority for USDA with extensive funding available. Below are 29 verified cattle farming grant opportunities.
Types of Cattle Farming Grants
Pasture & Grazing Management
Grazing land improvements, pasture establishment, rotational grazing systems, water system installation, fencing upgrades, and grassland conservation.
Equipment & Facilities
Cattle handling facilities, feed storage, water systems, shade structures, milking equipment (dairy), breeding equipment, and ranch infrastructure.
Herd Management & Genetics
Herd improvement, genetics testing, breeding programs, disease control, cattle breeding services, and herd management technology.
Business Development & Marketing
Value-added beef/dairy products, grass-fed/organic certification, direct marketing, farm-to-consumer operations, and cattle business expansion.
Major Cattle Farming Grant Programs
USDA FSA Equipment & Facility Loans
Funding: Up to $600K for equipment and facilities
Purpose: Cattle facilities, pasture improvements, equipment, technology, herd genetics
Terms: Favorable interest rates, extended repayment terms (7-10 years)
Website: FSA Loans
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Ranching
Funding: $23K-$38K annually for conservation practices
Focus: Grazing management, pasture improvement, water quality, wildlife habitat, soil health
Eligibility: Beef and dairy operations implementing conservation improvements
Website: NRCS CSP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Funding: Cost-share up to 75% (max $450K/year)
Practices: Rotational grazing, pasture installation, water systems, fencing, windbreaks, erosion control
Eligibility: Beef and dairy operations implementing environmental improvements
Website: NRCS EQIP
Value-Added Producer Grants
Funding: Grants up to $250K for value-added projects
Focus: Grass-fed/organic beef, direct marketing, beef processing, farm-to-table operations
Examples: Custom processing, grass-fed marketing, agritourism, farm store development
Website: AMS Grants
Beginning Rancher Programs
Funding: Down payment loans (40% of down payment), microloans (up to $35K)
Eligibility: New cattle operations (less than 10 years experience)
Support: Lower rates, extended terms, direct technical assistance
Website: Beginning Farmers
Organic Certification & Transition Grants
Funding: Up to $750/year for 3 years
Focus: Organic beef/dairy certification costs, grass-fed conversion, organic practice implementation
Programs: USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share, state transition programs
Website: NRCS Organic
Who Can Apply for Cattle Farming Grants?
Cattle farming grants serve diverse cattle producers with varying operation sizes and business models. Eligibility depends on program type and cattle operation characteristics.
- Beef Cattle Ranchers: All beef production systems (feed lot, pasture-based, grass-fed) eligible
- Dairy Farmers: Dairy cattle operations (conventional and grass-fed) eligible
- Operation Sizes: Small operations (10-20 head) through large commercial ranches (1000+ head) eligible
- Grass-Fed & Organic: Grass-fed beef and organic dairy operations receive enhanced support and higher funding
- Beginning Ranchers: Operations less than 10 years old receive priority and enhanced funding
- Socially Disadvantaged Producers: Women, minority, and other disadvantaged cattle farmers receive priority
- Ranch Partnerships: Family partnerships and corporate ranches eligible (structure may affect terms)
- Agricultural Businesses: Cattle cooperatives, producer associations, and agricultural businesses
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get in cattle farming grants/loans?
Funding varies by program: FSA equipment/facility loans up to $600K, CSP annual payments $23K-$38K/year, EQIP cost-share up to 75% of practice costs (max $450K/year), Value-Added grants up to $250K for beef processing/marketing, Beginning rancher Down Payment loans cover up to 40% of down payment, Microloans up to $35K. Combination approach typical: example—ranch combining FSA facility loan ($200K) + EQIP pasture improvement ($150K at 75% cost-share) + CSP annual payments ($30K/year for conservation) + grass-fed marketing grant ($100K) totals $300K+ in multi-year support. For large pasture/grazing improvement projects, cumulative funding $200K-$500K+ achievable through multiple programs.
What's the difference between beef and dairy cattle grants?
All major programs available for both beef and dairy: CSP, EQIP, FSA loans have no beef/dairy distinction—they focus on conservation practices (shared by both) and facility improvements. Differences exist in specialty programs: Dairy-focused programs (some state level) emphasize milk quality, nutrient management, dairy equipment. Beef programs (some state level) emphasize grassland management, beef market development. NRCS conservation practices designed for both: rotational grazing, water systems, pasture improvement benefit both beef and dairy. Best approach: FSA/NRCS focus on your specific needs (grazing vs. facilities vs. conservation), programs are flexible for both systems.
Are there grants for grass-fed or organic beef cattle?
Excellent support for grass-fed/organic operations: Organic Certification Cost-Share covers up to $750/year for 3 years toward certification. Grass-fed operations receive priority in CSP and EQIP (higher payment rates, 85-90% cost-share vs. standard 75%). Value-Added Producer Grants prioritize grass-fed beef projects up to $250K. NRCS technical assistance free for developing grass-fed operations. Grazing management practices under CSP/EQIP: rotational grazing systems, pasture establishment, water system improvements all eligible at enhanced rates. Grass-fed conversion from conventional typically takes 1-2 years, cost-share and annual payments help offset transition costs. Organic certification 3-year timeline, full support available throughout transition.
Can I get help with pasture and grazing improvements?
Yes. EQIP and CSP both fund pasture/grazing improvements: EQIP provides 75% cost-share for pasture establishment ($500-$1,500/acre depending on method), rotational grazing infrastructure ($2K-$10K typical), water systems ($5K-$20K), fencing upgrades. CSP provides annual payments ($23K-$38K/year) for implementing grazing management plans. Combined programs can cover: complete pasture renovation (EQIP 75% cost-share) + 10 years of annual payments for maintaining/improving grazing system (CSP). NRCS staff provide free grazing plan development. Typical project: 100-acre pasture improvement = $30K-$50K EQIP cost-share (you pay 25% = $10K-$17K) + annual CSP payments $25K-$30K/year for 10 years = substantial support for grazing operations.
How do I apply for cattle farming grants?
Process varies by program: (1) FSA Loans: Visit county FSA office with tax returns, financial statements, farm records, complete loan application. (2) NRCS Programs (CSP/EQIP): Contact county NRCS office, develop conservation plan with conservationist, submit during signup windows (typically Feb-April, dates vary by state). (3) Value-Added Grants: Submit competitive applications through AMS website on published deadlines. (4) Organic Certification Cost-Share: Apply through NRCS. All services free. Timeline: 2-6 months from submission to decision. Locate your county office at USDA Service Locator. Staff assess your operation and guide program selection.
What if I'm a beginning rancher?
Strong support for new cattle operations: FSA Beginning Farmer Programs—Down Payment Loans (40% of down payment for land, facilities), Microloans (up to $35K, favorable terms), lower interest rates on equipment loans. Definition: "beginning farmer/rancher" = farming less than 10 years, personal labor is 50% or less of farm management, annual income under $350K. No cattle experience required. Most conservation programs have no experience requirement. Many states offer beginning rancher mentorship and business planning support (free through extension). Start with FSA for capital/equipment needs (2-3 months approval), NRCS for conservation planning (free technical assistance). Combination: Beginning Farmer Down Payment loan ($50K-$100K for land/facilities) + FSA equipment loan ($100K) + EQIP for pasture improvement ($100K cost-share) = strong funding for new cattle operations.
How to Apply for Cattle Farming Grants
- Assess Your Cattle Operation Needs: Identify funding priorities: facility/equipment upgrades (FSA loans), pasture/grazing improvements (EQIP/CSP), grass-fed/organic conversion (certification assistance + conservation grants), or beef market development (value-added grants). Document current operation: cattle numbers/type (beef/dairy), land acreage, facility condition, business goals.
- Locate Your Local USDA Office: Visit USDA Service Locator to find FSA (loans) and NRCS (conservation) county offices. Services are completely free. Schedule appointment or visit during office hours. Discuss cattle operation with staff, confirm program eligibility, receive application materials and guidance.
- Prepare Cattle Operation Documentation: Gather: farm financial statements/tax returns (3 years), cattle operation details (species, herd numbers, production type), land map/acreage documentation, facility documentation (age, condition), business plan (if applying for value-added grants), proof of farm ownership/lease, proof of residency.
- Develop Cattle/Grazing Plan (If Applicable): For EQIP/CSP programs, work with NRCS conservationist to develop grazing/conservation plan addressing pasture improvements, grazing management, water systems, fencing, or organic conversion. Field visit by NRCS staff typical. Plan development 2-4 weeks. Strong plans more competitive for CSP selection.
- Complete & Submit Application: FSA Loans: Complete at county FSA office with all documentation. Conservation Programs: Submit through NRCS (deadlines typically Feb-April, vary by state). Value-Added Grants: Submit through AMS website on published deadlines. Include all requested documentation and attachments.
- Follow Up & Approval: Track application status with USDA office. Respond to requests for additional information promptly. Timeline: 2-6 months from submission to decision. Once approved, receive loan documents (FSA) or Notice of Award (grants). Sign documents and begin program participation. Comply with annual reporting and compliance requirements.
Cattle Farming Grant Resources
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Equipment, facility, and operating loans for cattle farming operations.
NRCS Conservation Programs
CSP, EQIP, grazing management, and pasture improvement assistance.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Grass-fed, organic, and value-added beef marketing grants.
Organic Cattle Programs
Organic certification, transition assistance, and organic cattle farming guides.
Beginning Rancher Support
Down payment assistance, loans, and resources for new cattle operations.
Available Cattle Farming Grants (29)
Showing 1-20 of 29 grants
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Service
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Farmworkers Advancement Program (FAP) Grant for Program Year 2025-26 (PY 25-26)
Employment Development Department
The goal of this grant is to fund projects that focus on farmworker needs at a regional level by offering essential skills and upskilling training for farmworkers to either advance in the agricultural industry and/or prepare for advancement outside of the agricultural sector. This grant program is intended to address multiple existing and emerging gaps in the current workforce system for farmworkers. FAP PY 25-26 programs will position farmworkers to obtain access to good-quality jobs including jobs that pay family-sustaining wages, offer benefits, have predictable hours, opportunities for career advancement, and promote worker voice. Projects will also provide wrap-around support and resources to build skills to prevent job loss and lay the foundation for upward mobility. Funded...
Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Proposals may focus on research and/or education projects to enhance control measures of vertebrate pests that pose a significant threat to the welfare of state’s agricultural economy, infrastructure, environment, and the public. CDFA does not support proprietary product development projects. Proposals that originate from outside of California are considered if the proposal includes relevance to vertebrate pest concerns within California. Proposals may focus on research and/or education projects to enhance control measures of vertebrate pests that pose a significant threat to the welfare of state’s agricultural economy, infrastructure, environment, and the public. CDFA does not support proprietary product development projects. Proposals that originate from outside of California are...
Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program FR90
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
The Farm & Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up & Abatement Grant program provides funding for cleaning up and preventing illegal dumping on agricultural properties (CCR, Section 17991(d)). Each fiscal year has four application cycles, with the fourth serving as the pilot cycle. Cycle 90 (FR90) is the fourth and the pilot cycle. CalRecycle administers the program per Section 48100 of the Public Resources Code. The project sites eligible for the grant must be located on 'farm and ranch' property, encompassing both private and public land, where the owner is not held responsible for the illegal disposal. The definition of 'farm and ranch' property can be found in the Eligible Geographies section below. Grantees are given approximately two years to complete the project(s). The sites should be fully...
Request for Application (RFA) 25-10031: Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (DV)
Department of Public Health
The purpose of this RFA is to increase public awareness of Domestic Violence (DV), specifically Interpersonal Violence (IV), and support community-led efforts to adopt and implement primary prevention strategies that improve the scope and quality of services provided to victims of IV. The California Department of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (CDPH/IVPB) anticipates releasing Request for Application (RFA): 25-10031, Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of DV. CDPH/IVPB anticipates awarding up to one (1) local project with (3) three or more years of demonstrated experience and capabilities implementing local community organizing and/or public health policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change work. Funding will be available from State of...
Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program Grants
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
The Program may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative or Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved pesticides registered for use in CA on BLH and/or on rangeland/hillside. Project Scope: The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program (BCTVCP) may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), the primary vector of the beet curly top virus or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. Priorities: The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative...
Riparian Habitat Conservation
Wildlife Conservation Board
The California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (Program) is accepting concept proposals for projects that provide meaningful and sustainable improvements to riparian habitats. The goal of the CRHCP is to protect, preserve, and restore riparian habitats throughout California. Typical riparian projects include, but are not limited to: Restoration of riparian vegetation and re-establishing floodplain connectivity. Active or passive restoration that may include an element of invasive plant removal and control. Installation of fencing along the riparian corridor to manage livestock or wildlife and reduce impacts to streams or riparian vegetation. Reconfigure degraded, incised, or undefined streams to restore natural hydrology and encourage reestablishment of native riparian habitat.
Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue
Wildlife Conservation Board
The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program was created by Assembly Bill 2421, and signed into law in 2018 becoming effective immediately. The Program was created for the purpose of recovering and sustaining populations of monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Eligible activities under this program include: Provide grants for the restoration or enhancement of California prairie and other appropriate breeding habitat for monarch butterflies and pollinators on private and public lands. Provide grants for the restoration or enhancement of overwintering monarch butterfly habitat on private and public lands. Provide technical assistance to grant recipients, including farmers and ranchers, regarding restoration and enhancement of breeding, overwintering, and other appropriate...
Oak Woodlands Conservation
Wildlife Conservation Board
The Oak Woodlands Conservation Program offers landowners, conservation organizations, cities and counties, an opportunity to obtain funding for projects designed to conserve and restore California's oak woodlands. While the Program is statewide in nature, it provides opportunities to address oak woodland issues on a regional priority basis. The Program is designed to help local efforts achieve oak woodland protection. More importantly, this Program provides a mechanism to bring ranchers and conservationists together in a manner that allows both to achieve that which is so valued - sustainable ranch and farming operations and healthy oak woodlands.
Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program
Department of Fish and Wildlife
The purpose of the grant is to help mitigate the impact of wolves on livestock producers in California. The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program has established three primary areas of need and compensation; direct livestock loss from wolf depredation, the use nonlethal deterrent tools, and the compensation for indirect loss or affects from wolves on livestock. The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program has three “prongs”, or potential grant opportunities, for eligible applicants: direct loss compensation, nonlethal deterrent methods support, and indirect loss compensation. This grant opportunity involves the first prong, direct loss compensation, in which producers can be compensated for direct livestock loss (death, injury) due to confirmed or probable wolf depredation. Wolf...
Cannabis Research and Innovation Funding Opportunity (RIFO)
Department of Fish and Wildlife
CDFW seeks high quality grant proposals that facilitate environmental sustainability of legal cannabis cultivation and addresses environmental impacts related to cannabis cultivation. Grants are provided through the Environmental Restoration and Protection Account pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019(f)(2)(A). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP) is seeking Research and Innovation proposals from eligible applicants to evaluate environmental conditions and impacts relative to cannabis cultivation; produce resources for ecological and environmentally sound cultivation practices; facilitate environmental sustainability of legal cannabis cultivation; and overall, address environmental impacts related to cannabis...
California Forest Improvement Program
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate high quality timber supplies, related employment and other economic benefits, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations. The program scope includes the improvement of all forest resources including fish and wildlife habitat, and soil and water quality. Cost-share assistance is provided to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land. Cost-shared activities include: Preparation of a Forest Management Plan by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and RPF...
Coastal Conservancy Grants
Coastal Conservancy
Each year, the Coastal Conservancy issues millions of dollars in grants for projects that restore and protect the California coast, expand public access to it, and enhance its resilience to climate change. We fund a wide variety of projects along the California coast, San Francisco Bay, and in coastal watersheds. The Coastal Conservancy funds a wide variety of projects along the California coast, San Francisco Bay, and in coastal watersheds to increase availability of beaches, parks and trails for the public, protect and restore natural lands and wildlife habitat, preserve working lands, and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Conservancy will fund most stages of a project including: pre-project feasibility studies, property acquisition, project planning...
CDBG Program - City Of Rancho Cucamonga
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Rancho Cucamonga serving City Of Rancho Cucamonga, California.
CDBG Program - City Of Rancho Cordova
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Rancho Cordova serving City Of Rancho Cordova, California.
CDBG Program - City Of Rio Rancho
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Rio Rancho serving City Of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
CDBG Program - City Of Farmington
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Farmington serving City Of Farmington, New Mexico.