Example Article for Broadwater County Extension Agent
Funding Opportunities for Montana Agricultural Businesses
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Funding Opportunities for Montana Agricultural Businesses
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
Starting or improving a farm or ranch can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding financial support. While there’s no single fund that covers every need, Montana producers have access to a wide range of programs designed to help them grow and succeed. From state grants and low-interest loans to federal cost-share initiatives, here’s a quick guide to the resources that can make a big difference for your agricultural operation.
The primary agency in Montana that supports agriculture through financial programs is the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). They offer numerous grants and low-interest loans for agricultural enterprises. Here are a few examples, but there are many more. The Beginning Farm and Ranch Loan Program is designed to assist beginning farmers and ranchers with acquiring agricultural property at lower interest rates. Growth Through Agriculture is a grant and loan program available to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. A local business, Bruce Seed Farm, was a recent recipient of this grant. The Rural Assistance Loan Program provides loans to producers to assist with purchasing property, agricultural improvements or annual operating expenses. For a full list of MDA’s programs, visit their website: https://agr.mt.gov/I-Want-To/Apply/Grants.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation operates the Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery Program. It specializes in bulk low-cost trees, shrubs and grasses with a focus on native or well-adapted varieties for Montana. This is a great resource if you have a large project in mind, such as a shelterbelt, conservation project, erosion control or habitat restoration.
Another agency that is often willing to partner with landowners is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. They work with landowners to improve land stewardship through habitat improvement and protection, improving public hunting and fishing access, and preserving key recreational and historical sites. Some of their programs, such as Block Management, include a financial incentive for landowners to participate.
At the federal level, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides financial assistance and loans to agricultural producers. Similar to MDA, they offer a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loan. They also provide a Noninsurance Disaster Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for crops that are not covered by traditional crop insurance, such as forage or seed crops. They offer a variety of other programs as well, so it’s a great idea to register your farm or ranch with their office so you can receive information about programs for which you may qualify.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to conserve natural resources. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a cost-share program where NRCS works directly with producers to improve natural resource concerns, such as increasing soil health, reducing erosion or improving wildlife habitat.
It’s also important to note that there are programs available at the local level to assist you with your needs in agriculture or natural resources. The Broadwater Conservation District works with landowners to promote and implement conservation practices for soil, water and wildlife. They facilitate special projects, administer 310 permits for altering a streambed or bank, and rent equipment for improvement projects. The Broadwater County Weed District is responsible for managing and controlling noxious weeds in the county. They provide technical assistance, have a cost-share program for purchasing herbicides or biological control agents, and have equipment to rent at a low cost. Lastly, Montana State University (MSU) Extension in Broadwater County provides technical assistance, educational programs and services in a variety of areas, including pest identification and management, crops, grazing management and much more. MSU Extension also leases out a no-till drill and can help with soil and forage testing.
I’ve shared many programs that can help Montana producers, but I know there are more out there. If you have additional resources, I’d love to hear from you so we can keep this list growing. Beyond government programs, numerous nonprofits also offer funding and technical assistance for projects that align with their mission. For a comprehensive list or to share ideas, contact my office at 406-266-9242 or email me at allison.kosto@montana.edu.
