2008 Producer Grant Time Line
General Information: Oklahoma Producer Grants
Farmers and ranchers know their land better than anyone else. They know
their problems, and they often have innovative ideas about how to solve
those problems.
While good ideas may not be in short supply, money often is. This program,
the first of its kind in Oklahoma, supports farmer and rancher innovation
with cash grants.
What is a producer grant?
A producer grant funds the development of a new idea or innovative practice
in sustainable agriculture. Grants can be funded for up to $3,500 for a
two-year project, and up to $7,500 for a three-year project.
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Producer Grant
recipient Doug Walton and his
son Charley inspect
his cover crop
trials.
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What types of projects may be funded?
Grants will be given for both research and demonstration projects.
Research projects are on-farm tests of a farming/ranching practice or technology.
Demonstration projects are on on-farm demonstrations of a proven farming/ranching
practice.
For tips on how to do research on your farm or ranch, see "How
to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch," an online informational
bulletin from the Sustainable Agriculture Network.
Projects with the best chance of being funded are innovative, applicable
to many other farms, and useful for more than one year.
Who may apply for a grant?
Any active resident producer in Oklahoma is
eligible to receive a grant. Grants have been awarded to producers owning
or leasing farms and ranches of all sizes, from half an acre to several
thousand acres. Grant recipients have included fruit and vegetable growers,
wheat and corn growers, cattle producers, wine-grape and pecan growers.
How and when are grants awarded?
The Kerr Center has divided the grant process into two sections. The
first is the preproposal process. Producers write a two or three page
summary of the project they want to do on their farm/ranch and submit
the preproposal to the Kerr Center by the due date. The preproposal should
follow the guidelines outlined in the
information packet.
A technical committee will select a certain number of preproposals for
development into a full proposal. This allows producers to write
down an idea for consideration without spending long hours completing
a full proposal. If selected to complete the full proposal, the
preproposal will be further developed into a full application and returned
to the Kerr Center by the deadline date.
To apply for this grant, a farmer/rancher should read the Call
for Preproposals and Producer Grant Information Packet. The project
must fit into this year’s priority areas. All proposals
are reviewed by a qualified independent technical committee. Farmers
are encouraged to link up with extension personnel, other state and
federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, other farmers or specialists
to assist with executing and analyzing their projects. Grants can be
funded for up to $3,500 for a two year project or up to $7,500 for
a three year project. The application must be returned by the due date.
Confirmation of receipt of application will be mailed, emailed or faxed
within two working days.
What
are the objectives of the program?
The program's main objective
is to encourage the use of sustainable
farming and ranching practices
in Oklahoma. The program also seeks
to empower the individual producer
and encourages an exchange of ideas
and experiences between producers. The program encourages
farmers to teach other farmers how to be more profitable
while also conserving natural resources and protecting
the environment. The program brings together farmers,
ranchers, extension agents, NRCS technicians, and researchers
from private and public institutions to explore new
ways of solving problems on the farm.
Why is it needed?
With
decreased
government
support
for
agriculture,
the efforts of private organizations and individuals
are needed more than ever. Farmers and ranchers face
daily challenges that are often difficult to meet without
fresh ideas and support from agriculture professionals
and organizations.
Contact information
David Redhage
918.647.9123 fax 918.647.8712
mailbox@kerrcenter.com
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