Applications are now being taken for two grant programs being offered by the North Central Region Sustainable Agricutlure Research and Education (SARE)  program: the 2015 Farmer/Rancher Grants and Youth Educator Grants.

Farmers and ranchers in the North Central region are invited to submit grant proposals to explore sustainable agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or ranch.  Proposals should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their own innovative ideas to explore sustainable agriculture options and how they will share project results. Sustainable agriculture is profitable, socially responsible, and good for the environment. Projects should emphasize research or education/demonstration. 

Grants are available for up to $7,500 for a single farm proposal, $15,000 for a proposal from two farmers, and $22,500 for three or more farmers.

Youth Educator Grant projects provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region to learn more about sustainable agriculture (farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible).  Educators use the grants to encourage young people and their parents to try sustainable practices and to see sustainable agriculture as a viable career option. Projects should help youth discover that sustainable farming and ranching is profitable; good for families, communities, and their quality of life; and good for the environment long term. The maximum grant amount is $2,000; approximately $20,000 is available for this program.

Application Deadlines

Youth Educator grant applications are due Nov. 13 and Farmer/Rancher grant applications are due Nov. 20.Applications must be submitted on-line.

Information and applications for the Farmer/Rancher Grant can be found at http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Our-Grant-Programs/Farmer-Rancher-Grant-Program.

Information and applications for the Youth Educator Grant are available at http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Our-Grant-Programs/Youth-Educator-Grant-Program.

Grant Application Resources

Narrated presentations for Farmer/Rancher Grants and Youth Educator Grants are posted online at http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Write-a-Successful-Grant/Grant-Program-Presentations  

Links to Adobe Connect presentations for how to submit grant applications to these programs are available at

• Farmer Rancher https://umconnect.umn.edu/p39815690/  
• Youth Educator: https://umconnect.umn.edu/ye2015cfp/  

Nebraskans have had success over the years in receiving both Farmer/Rancher Grants and Youth Educator Grants. If you have questions, contact Gary Lesoing at (402) 274-4755 or gary.lesoing@unl.edu. 

Gary Lesoing
Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and UNL Extension Educator