Dairy Producers Win Big with Grant Writing

By Andi Anderson

Dairy producers across Iowa are being offered new learning opportunities to help strengthen applications for the 2026 Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting grant-writing workshops designed to guide producers through the process of preparing clear, competitive, and well-organized grant proposals.

The workshops are created for dairy producers who are interested in on-farm technology improvements or value-added processing projects.

 Each session lasts about 90 minutes and focuses on practical steps that producers can apply directly to their grant applications. The goal is to help participants clearly explain their project ideas, show benefits to their operations, and meet grant program expectations.

During the workshop, producers will learn the basics of the grant submission process. Topics include understanding grant requirements, organizing ideas, writing clearly, and communicating project goals effectively.

Special attention is given to helping producers turn everyday farm challenges and ideas into strong, fundable proposals. These skills can also support future funding opportunities beyond this program.

The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant program continues to attract strong interest, and competition has increased each year. Extension educators developed these workshops to help producers put forward their best applications and improve their chances of success.

The sessions are practical, focused, and suitable for producers with limited grant-writing experience.

Workshops will be held at three locations across the state to improve access for dairy producers. All sessions will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and run for approximately 90 minutes.

A small registration fee applies, and the program is supported by industry sponsorship. Space may be limited, so advance registration is recommended.

These workshops offer a valuable learning opportunity for dairy producers who want to invest in innovation and long-term farm growth. By improving grant-writing skills, producers can better communicate their ideas, strengthen their businesses, and take advantage of available funding programs.

Overall, the program supports informed decision-making and encourages continued progress in Iowa’s dairy industry.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university