INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 15, 2018) —The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) awarded more than $65,000 to nine projects aimed at fostering growth and promoting Indiana’s livestock industry.
“We are dedicated to taking Indiana agriculture to the Next Level, and through these grants, there is opportunity for the livestock industry to continue to thrive,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I look forward to seeing the innovative ways these recipients use the funds.”
Most of this year’s livestock promotion and market development grants will be used to conduct and support industry shows, educational programs, exhibitions and conferences throughout Indiana. Projects were evaluated and selected based upon those that had the greatest impact across all sectors of Indiana agriculture.
“With more than 20,000 animal agriculture operations in Indiana, the importance of our livestock industry cannot be overstated,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA Director. “These projects will help grow and support this vital sector, which families and communities across the state rely on.”
The following list includes the organizations that received funding for the 2018 grant cycle:
Organization: Indiana Milk Quality Professionals
Award: $10,000
Project: Indiana Milk Quality Conference
Organization: Elkhart Community Schools
Award: $2,700
Project: Agriculture Days
Organization: Indiana Dairy Producers
Award: $15,000
Project: 2019 Dairy Forum
Organization: Indiana State Fair Foundation
Award: $8,500
Project: Various shows/promotional events
Organization: Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Award: $922
Project: Dairy Producers and Meat & Poultry Buyers Guide printing
Organization: All American Junior Sheep Show 2018
Award: $18,000
Project: All American Junior Sheep Show – Indiana
Organization: Indianapolis Charity Horse Show
Award: $6,000
Project: Indianapolis Charity Horse Show
Organization: Indiana Forage Council
Award: $2,250
Project: Excellent forage management makes a difference (N. Indiana)
Organization: Dearborn County 4-H
Award: $3,000
Project: Education through livestock learning lab kits and banners
All submitted grant proposals were reviewed by a committee of industry professionals to determine the awarded submissions. Details and information regarding the 2019 livestock grant cycle will be available early fall.
For more information about ISDA’s livestock promotion and market development grants, visit http://www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm or contact ISDA Grant Program Manager Ann McCambridge at AMcCambridge@isda.in.gov.
