The 2024 SDBII Farm Infrastructure & Precision Technology grants are now open! The application period is open between January 5th and March 1st at 5pm. Applicants can choose between the Farm Infrastructure Improvement Grant or the Precision Technology Investment Grant. Both grant tracks are designed to improve the competitiveness of southeastern dairies. They will provide farmers with opportunities to upgrade existing facilities or purchase innovative technologies.
The Farm Infrastructure Improvement Grant will provide funds for projects that increase milking parlor throughput to reduce labor costs, improve animal comfort to increase production, and facilitate milk marketing efficiencies by expanding storage and ease of transportation of raw milk. Applicants can apply for up to $100,000 in reimbursable funds through this grant program. $1M in award funding will be available in this category and the SDBII team anticipates making at least 10 grant awards under this call. Applicants must provide a cash match of 25% of the requested amount in eligible expenses.
The Precision Technology Investment Grant will support the utilization of new and existing technologies that help farmers track and manage key farm metrics to maximize the impact of inputs like labor, feed, and fertilizer and improve farm efficiency. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 in funding from this grant program. $1.5MM in award funding will be available in this category with at least 10 grant awards. Applicants must provide a cash match of 25% on this grant as well.
More information about these grants is available on the SDBII website or reach out to one of the following contacts:- Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, & Puerto Rico: Shep Stearns & Liz Eckelkamp: sdbiigrants@utk.edu
- Kentucky, Arkansas, Virginia, & West Virginia: Jennifer Hickerson: j.hickersonkddc@gmail.com
- North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, & Mississippi: Brittany Whitmire & Stephanie Ward: ncdairyextension@ncsu.edu
