Remember prodding your high school senior to fill out scholarship applications because it was “free money”? Well, that is the same idea behind grant opportunities available now for Missouri farmers and ranchers.
I remember our daughters agonizing over the scholarship process because, frankly, it was daunting. But let me remind you of what we, as parents, told them: “Every scholarship you win is money you won’t have to borrow or pay back later.”
This “free money vs. future debt” argument is just as compelling in the current agriculture climate as it provides the money you need to upgrade, expand and stay competitive.
Tap into money for cattle
Missouri's cow numbers are declining, but there is money available to help with a rebound.
While the state maintains 3.95 million total cattle and calves, cow numbers dropped from 1.92 million in 2024 to 1.864 million in 2025.
Even more alarming is the dairy sector's steep decline — from 68,000 dairy cows in 2021 to just 57,000 in 2025, continuing a decades-long downward spiral that saw numbers plummet from 154,000 in 2000 to today's level.
The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority has two grant programs that can help either build back the herd or improve infrastructure for current operations:
1. Beef Producer grants
- How much?: Up to $40,000 (They pay 75%; you pay 25%.).
- Who can apply?: Anyone with a commercial beef herd or purebred herds with fewer than 50 registered cows.
- What you can buy: New feed bunks, replacement heifers, manure equipment, breeding improvements.
- When to apply: By 3 p.m. Nov. 19.
2. Dairy Producer grants
- How much?: Up to $40,000 (They pay 75%; you pay 25%.).
- Who can apply?: Grade A dairy farms.
- What you can buy: Equipment, facility upgrades, herd expansion, breeding technology.
- When to apply: By 3 p.m. Nov. 19.
Farmers who need assistance can call MASBDA at 573-751-2129 or email masbda@mda.mo.gov. Also, your local University of Missouri Extension office can answer questions and help you brainstorm ideas, but they cannot write the grant for you.
Sustainable ag money available
The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program has different grants open right now:
- Partnership grants: For groups working together like dairy farmers and an Extension agent testing different feeding strategies, or beef producers trying rotational grazing with help from a consultant. (Due Nov. 20)
- Farmer rancher grants: Direct money for producers trying no-till farming, testing different cover crop mixes, experimenting with rotational grazing or testing direct-marketing strategies. (Due Dec. 4)
To learn more, visit northcentral.sare.org/grants.
Conservation money, too
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has Conservation Crop and Livestock Project funds available starting Nov. 3 for two projects:
- Regenerative brazing: $50 per acre for livestock producers.
- Conservation fieldscapes: $10,000 over three years for small farms.
Farmers with questions can reach out to Erin Kiley at erinkiley@missouri.edu for grazing programs or Kelly Wilson at kellyrwilson@missouri.edu for fieldscapes. Other projects through the center can be found on its website.
Sharpen your pencil, or stretch those fingers, and fill out the forms either printed or online. Don’t let these grant opportunities pass you by.