Grant
North Central SARE Farmer Rancher Grant
North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE)
What you can get
$15,000 individual; $30,000 team of two or more farmers/ranchers • Producer-led on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects lasting up to 23 months. About 40 projects are funded annually. This is the farmer-direct NCR-SARE track, distinct from the Partnership, Professional Development, Graduate Student, and Research & Education tracks.
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, Farmers and ranchers in the 12 state North Central region applying individually or as a team of two or more; NCR SARE states these grants 'are for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers,' and an eligibility quiz is posted on the program page.
- Coverage
- IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI
- Deadline & timing
- Due December 3, 2026. The 2027 Farmer Rancher Grant call is open. Proposals are due December 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) Central Time. An application webinar is scheduled for October 15, 2026 at noon Central. Individual grants are up to $15,000; teams of two or more farmers/ranchers may request up to $30,000. Projects support research, demonstration and education; not business startup, land purchase or everyday operating expenses.
- Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: producer, Farmers and ranchers in the 12-state North Central region applying individually or as a team of two or more; NCR-SARE states these grants 'are for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers,' and an eligibility quiz is posted on the program page..
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 7, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.