The Dairy Alliance Launches Free Grant-Writing Support Pilot for Southeast Dairy Farmers

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has launched a pilot program providing free grant consulting and grant-writing support to eligible dairy farmers through a partnership with grant services provider Lasso. The initiative aims to help farms identify and secure public funding for on-farm investments while minimizing the time and complexity typically associated with grant applications.

The program targets farmers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be uncertain about available grant funding or how to navigate the application process. By alleviating administrative burdens, the pilot enables farmers to concentrate on sustaining their family businesses and investing in their operations for future generations. Selected participants will receive Lasso's comprehensive support at no cost, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements.

Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, stated that dairy farmers constantly seek innovative ways to invest in their operations, but grant funding can seem inaccessible amid the demands of farm management. The partnership with Lasso allows farmers to pursue funding avenues more efficiently to strengthen their businesses and support local communities.

Lasso collaborates directly with farms to assess their needs and match projects with federal, state, regional, and local grant programs, such as the Value-Added Producer Grant and the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative. The company reports a 90 percent success rate and has assisted customers in securing over 70 grants, representing millions of dollars in funding for on-farm projects. Nicole Rojas, co-founder of Lasso, emphasized that many farmers have strong project ideas but lack the time or resources to manage the grant process independently. The partnership with The Dairy Alliance removes this barrier by helping dairy farmers identify appropriate funding opportunities and oversee the grant process from start to finish, allowing them to focus on farm operations with confidence.

Dairy farmers interested in the pilot should be open to pursuing public grant funding and have an on-farm project in mind, with potential vendors or service providers identified. Participants may also be invited to contribute to a case study for The Dairy Alliance, highlighting project types, outcomes, and the benefits of grant funding. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.

This pilot program addresses critical challenges in the agricultural sector by facilitating access to financial resources that can enhance farm sustainability and innovation. For dairy farmers in the Southeast, it represents an opportunity to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and secure long-term viability without the typical hurdles of grant applications. The initiative may also set a precedent for similar support programs in other agricultural regions, potentially influencing broader industry practices and policy discussions around farm funding.