The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for two livestock grants to foster growth within the Hoosier livestock industry. Applications are due by December 1, 2014.
“Our livestock industry is a vital part of our Hoosier economy,” said Ted McKinney, director of ISDA. “These grants provide resources to help various livestock organizations further promote the industry, encourage the development of new markets and support livestock educational programs.”
New this year, the former youth livestock grant will be combined with the livestock promotion grant. Special consideration will be given to organizations applying for the livestock promotion grant for youth programs and events. In addition to youth programs and events, other project proposals that will be accepted for livestock promotion grant funding include shows, sales, exhibitions, conventions and similar events or projects.
The market development grant provides funding for value-added feasibility studies, research projects, market development and other projects that encourage the development of business and industry related to livestock production, processing and distribution.
Both the livestock promotion and market development grants will reimburse up to 50 percent of the amount spent to conduct or support the projects, programs and events outlined in each of the grants.
The grants are open to non-profit organizations, commissions and associations with 501(c) status involving the following livestock species: cattle, swine, sheep, equine, goats, poultry, camelids, ostriches, cervidae, bison, aquaculture and rabbits.
All grant applications should be sent electronically to Kimmi Devaney at KDevaney@isda.in.gov. Award winners will be announced February 16, 2015. Applications are available at www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm.
In 2014, $155,000 dollars were awarded to 17 organizations by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to foster growth in the livestock industry throughout Indiana. Projects ranged in scope from livestock promotion to market development to youth programming.