The blog
Guides, comparisons, and straight talk on farm grants.
Practical, plain-English answers on individual USDA programs, written for farmers deciding where to spend their time.
SARE
SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant: How to Apply, Deadlines, and What It Pays (2026)
A plain-English guide to the SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant: who qualifies, how much you can get ($7,500 to $30,000), regional deadlines, and how to write a proposal that gets funded.
VAPG
Value-Added Producer Grant Requirements: Do You Qualify in 2026?
The real eligibility rules for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG): who can apply, the matching funds requirement, what counts as 'value-added,' and how to tell if you have a fundable project.
USDA Programs
Every Major USDA Program for Farmers, Explained
A plain-English reference guide to every major USDA program that puts money in farmers' hands. What each one does, who qualifies, and whether it's worth your time.
Grant Writing
How to Write a Farm Grant Application That Gets Funded
Most farm grant applications fail because of avoidable mistakes. Here are specific tips from successful applicants and the people who review applications.
Cost-Share
USDA Cost-Share Programs Explained (in Plain English)
Cost-share programs are the most common way farmers get USDA money, but most people don't understand how they work. Here's the plain version.
Small Farms
Grants for Small Farms Under 50 Acres
Small farms qualify for every major USDA program, and several are specifically designed for small operations. Here's what's worth your time.
Organic
Best Grants for Organic Farmers: Federal and State Programs
Organic farmers have access to specific USDA programs most conventional farmers don't. Here's what's available, from certification cost-share to transition payments.
EQIP
High Tunnel Grants: How to Get EQIP Funding for a Hoop House
EQIP will cover 75-90% of your high tunnel cost. Here's exactly how the process works, what it covers, what it doesn't, and how to apply.
Getting Started
Can You Get a Grant to Start a Farm? What Actually Exists
There's no USDA program that hands you money to start a farm. But there are real programs that help. Here's what exists, what doesn't, and where to start.
Getting Started
How to Get a Farm Grant: A Realistic Step-by-Step Guide
Most farm grant advice online is vague or wrong. Here's what actually works, which programs to apply for first, and what the process really looks like.
Program Comparison
EQIP vs CSP: Understanding the Difference Between USDA Conservation Programs
EQIP and CSP are both NRCS conservation programs, but they fund different things. Learn which one fits your farm and whether you can use both.
Program Comparison
EQIP vs VAPG: Which USDA Program is Right for Your Farm?
Side-by-side comparison of EQIP and VAPG — two of the most popular USDA programs for farmers. Learn the differences in funding, eligibility, and application process.
Getting Started
USDA Grants vs Loans: What Farmers Actually Need to Know
Most 'farm grants' aren't what you think. Learn the real difference between USDA grants, cost-share programs, and loans — and which ones you can actually get.