TBA (last known deadline was April 23, 2012)
We are announcing the 2012 Request for Proposals for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant Program. The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) is a partnership between USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and private sector agricultural and conservation groups, working together to promote best management practices on Wisconsin private grazing lands. Grazing is good for the environment, reduces labor and energy costs, and helps farmers keep more money in their pockets. As part of a comprehensive plan to re-invigorate dairy and livestock agriculture, DATCP supports the use of well-managed pasture for forage production. About one fourth of dairy farmers use some form of rotational or intensive grazing, allowing them to minimize cost of production and environmental risk. To capture those benefits, intensively managed grazing requires research, education and technical know-how. In 2012, grants will be offered in two categories: technical assistance and education. Education grants support the activities of grazing networks and allow organizations and agencies to conduct grazing schools, workshops, and conferences on management intensive grazing, whereas technical assistance grants provide funds for grazing specialists to work one-on-one with farmers to develop their grazing system. Eligible applicants include county, state and federal agriculture and natural resource agencies; colleges and universities; nonprofit organizations; grazing networks; and farmers. The GLCI grant program is supported by both state and federal funds. Projects will be selected through a competitive process after final funding levels are known, with grants available in July 2012.