Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Grants

Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Grants is sponsored by Montana Department of Agriculture. These grants promote local research and develop trade markets for wheat and barley.

The department offers the following grant and loan opportunities for agriculture-related enterprises. Contact MDA for application assistance, or to request information about additional programs and opportunities. Beginning Farm & Ranch Loans Beginning Farm & Ranch loans are available from a tax-exempt bond program that aids financial institutions in assisting Montana's beginning farmers and ranchers.

Loans can be used to purchase agricultural land and other depreciable agricultural property. Commodity Crop Development Programs Commodity Crop Development Programs are available for Alfalfa Seed, Pulse Crops (Peas, Lentils & Chickpeas), Potatoes, and Wheat & Barley. The Pulse Crop Research & Market Development Program is led by the Pulse Crop Advisory Council.

The Potato Research & Market Development Program is led by the Montana Potato Advisory Committee. The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC) is guided by a Board of Directors made up of producers from around the state.

Commodity Monthly Reporting - Submit Required Monthly Assessments Growth Through Agriculture Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) offers investments for new and innovative agribusiness developments or agriculture marketing programs. The Agriculture Development Council , which consists of representatives from industry and government, reviews applications and selects successful projects for GTA investments.

Junior Agriculture Loans assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects when funding is unavailable from other sources. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing, processing and other financially feasible projects.

Montana Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance The Montana Department of Agriculture understands that the producer is the most important part of a farm or ranch operation and will be prioritizing mental health among Montana’s agricultural communities through a comprehensive program aimed at alleviating stress for Montana farmers and ranchers.

Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grants Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grants were established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the development and implementation of weed management programs. The trust fund also supports research and development of innovative weed management techniques including biological controls, and funds research and education projects.

Rural Energy For America Program(REAP) Grant-Technical Assistance The Montana Department of Agriculture was recently awarded a grant by USDA to provide technical assistance for small businesses and ag producers interested in applying to the Rural Energy for America program.

Regional Food System Infrastructure Program Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Cooperative Agreements (RFSI) funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.

Rural Assistance Loans are available to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to enhance producers' operations and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture.

Specialty Crop Block Grants Specialty Crop Block Grants offer grant funds to Montana's specialty crop industry solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana: fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Funds are provided from the federal USDA Farm Bill.

Trade Show Assistance This program assists Montana agriculture companies in exploring domestic wholesale markets by encouraging exhibition at new trade shows outside of the state. It is not only for companies new to trade show exhibition but can also be useful for established companies who are looking to exhibit at a show that they have never been to before.