Indianapolis, In. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture awarded more than $70,000 in matching grant funds to 13 projects designed to promote and grow the state’s livestock sector.
“Livestock production is a driving force in our economy and critical to so many Hoosier communities,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “We are proud to support these projects, as they work to cultivate and strengthen this important industry.”
The grants were awarded to non-profit organizations, commissions and associations, who were eligible to receive a 50 percent match by the state. The funding can be used for either promotional or market development purposes, and projects were selected based on those that had the greatest impact on Indiana agriculture.
Most of this year’s projects will be used to conduct events and conferences, educational programs and industry studies.
“Our food system relies on the work being done by Indiana’s livestock producers,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director. “We’re always looking for ways to promote and add value to Indiana’s agricultural products. This grant program helps us achieve that goal.”
The following list includes the organizations that received funding for the 2019 grant cycle.
| Organization | Project | Award |
| Franklin County 4-H Association | Franklin County Open Breeding and Market Sheep Show | $2,300 |
| Illinois Indiana Bison Association | 2019 IIBA Spring Educational Conference | $3,000 |
| Indiana Beef Cattle Association | Hoosier Beef Congress | $5,000 |
| Indiana Forage Council, Inc. | Heart of America Grazing Conference | $7,600 |
| The Indiana Junior Hereford Association | The Indiana Junior Hereford Association Preview Show | $750 |
| Indiana Milk Quality Professionals, Inc. | Indiana Milk Quality Conference | $5,750 |
| Indiana Milking Shorthorn Society | American Milking Shorthorn National Convention | $9,400 |
| Indiana Pork Producers Association | Data Collection Study | $15,000 |
| Indiana State Board of Animal Health | Tag Trade IN Program | $10,100 |
| Indiana State Fair Foundation, Inc. | Celebration of Champions | $5,000 |
| Maconaquah FFA | Project “Get your GOAT” (Goal Oriented and Analytical Thinkers) | $3,000 |
| Maconaquah Middle School | Maconaquah Cattle Company | $2,500 |
| North Putnam Dollars for Scholars | Putnam County Farm to Fork Dinner | $1,400 |
All submitted grant proposals were reviewed by an independent committee of industry representatives to determine the awarded submissions. Details and information regarding the 2020 livestock grant cycle will be available early fall.
