Wisconsin Ag Connection - USDA Awards $1 Million in Grants to Local Beginning Farmers

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USDA Awards $1 Million in Grants to Local Beginning Farmers
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/11/2015

The USDA announced that a combined $1 million in grants are being awarded to two Wisconsin organizations that implement programs to train beginning farmers. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's office said the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship in Seymour and Growing Power of Milwaukee will share the funds, which are being provided through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

"Our strong agricultural tradition is a driver of economic growth and these grants are an opportunity to boost our agriculture economy by ensuring the next generation of farmers can get their start," Baldwin said. "The average age of Wisconsin farmers is almost 60 years old. Now more than ever, it is critical that aspiring farmers have the financial tools and technical assistance they need get up and running on their own farms."

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship will use $750,000 to expand its apprenticeship program. This will allow more master graziers to work with new apprentices who will gain expertise and experience to use as they start their own farms, or take over a farm from a retiring farm family.

Growing Power will receive $250,000. That money will help deliver a hands-on, intensive six-week program to train 30 beginning farmers in urban and peri-urban agriculture. This program will target socially-disadvantaged audiences.

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