The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has launched a pilot program offering free grant consulting and grant-writing support for eligible dairy farm projects through a partnership with grant services provider Lasso. This initiative aims to help farms identify and secure public funding for on-farm investments without the time burden and complexity typically associated with grant applications.
The program is designed for farmers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be uncertain about available grant funding or how to navigate the application process. By reducing the administrative burden, the pilot allows farmers to focus on sustaining their family businesses while investing in their operations for future generations. Selected participants will receive Lasso's end-to-end support at no cost, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements.
"Dairy farmers are constantly looking for innovative ways to invest in their operations, but grant funding can feel out of reach when you're already juggling everything it takes to run a farm," said Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. "By allowing Lasso to handle the heavy lifting of applying for grants, farmers can pursue avenues quicker to strengthen their business and support their local community."
Lasso works directly with farms to understand their needs and match projects with federal, state, regional, and local grant programs, including opportunities such as the Value-Added Producer Grant and the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative. The company reports a 90 percent success rate and has helped customers secure more than 70 grants, representing millions of dollars in funding for on-farm projects. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
"Many farmers have strong project ideas but don't have the time or resources to navigate the grant process on their own," said Nicole Rojas, co-founder of Lasso. "Partnering with The Dairy Alliance allows us to remove that barrier by helping dairy farmers identify the right funding opportunities and manage the grant process from start to finish, so they can focus on running their farms and investing in their operations with confidence."
This program matters because it addresses a critical gap in agricultural support systems. Many small and mid-sized dairy farms struggle to access public funding due to complex application processes and limited administrative capacity. By providing professional grant-writing assistance at no cost, the pilot could significantly increase successful funding applications, leading to modernization of farm infrastructure, improved sustainability practices, and enhanced economic viability for family-owned operations.
The potential impact extends beyond individual farms to the broader dairy industry and local communities. Successful grant applications could lead to increased investment in rural economies, job creation through farm improvements, and strengthened food security through more resilient dairy operations. As climate change and economic pressures challenge agricultural sectors, programs that facilitate access to funding for efficiency and innovation projects become increasingly important for industry sustainability.
Dairy farmers interested in participating should be open to pursuing public grant funding and have an on-farm project in mind with potential vendors or service providers identified. Participants may also be invited to take part in a case study highlighting project type, outcomes, and the benefits of grant funding. The pilot represents a strategic approach to supporting agricultural businesses that form the backbone of many rural communities across eight Southeastern states.
