SUFFOLK GRANT PROGRAMS
The United Suffolk Sheep Foundation offers numerous grant opportunities to people raising Suffolks in support of producer education, flock development, sheep and lamb-related community outreach and flock start-up assistance.
View the applications for more details on specific requirements for each grant program.
For questions on grant programs, please email [email protected] or call 641-684-5291.
NEW! Shepherd Development Grant – Sheep-Related Small Business Development Assistance
Funds support initiatives related to sheep-related business development.
Examples include acquiring equipment for establishing businesses that extend beyond personal flock production and sheep handling equipment, instead providing specific services or value-added lamb and/or wool-related items or services. For example, equipment to provide business services to others:
· An ultrasound machine
· Professional sheep shearing equipment
· Computer, software, or other electronic equipment for accounting and/or processing payment transactions
· Equipment for direct-marketing of lamb – freezers, coolers, signage, etc.
The above are examples, but not all-inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.
NEW! Shepherd Development Grant – To Further Education of Sheep Producers
Funds support individuals to increase their personal knowledge on sheep and sheep-related topics.
Examples:
· Participation in a sheep shearing school to develop professional shearing skills.
· Training or ultrasound certification to enhance flock management.
· Attend a sheep-related workshop or conference.
· Take part in online training related to sheep.
· Participation in meat processing courses to gain expertise in producing and marketing American lamb products.
· Conduct a research project involving Suffolk sheep.
The above serve as examples but are not all inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.
NEW! Suffolk Community Grant
Funding for grassroots education and leadership programs. This grant is designed to assist in and support United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA) and/or United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association
(UJSSA) member-driven initiatives that advance Suffolk producer education, and/or Suffolk youth leadership development.
Examples:
· Organize a lambing school.
· Host a sheep livestock intern or complete a sheep-related internship.
· Support state Suffolk educational field days.
· Engage breeders in educational tours and outreach events that promote sheep industry knowledge and involvement.
· Establish a youth leadership clinic for young Suffolk producers.
· Host a lamb carcass cutting demonstration.
· Conduct a lamb tasting/cooking demonstration.
The above examples, but not all inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.
Suffolk Starter Flock Grant Program
The Suffolk Starter Flock Grant Program provides financial assistance to youth in purchasing ewes to establish a new registered Suffolk flock. The grant program is open to all youth, including siblings or other relatives of youth who have previously applied. Award selection is geared to starting new youth and families in raising registered Suffolk sheep. Up to twenty-five $1000 grants awarded each year.
Annual Application Deadline: February 1
Application: Check back for grant application!
Young Producer Suffolk Event Travel Grant
The Young Producer Suffolk Event Travel Grant awards up to 10 young Suffolk producers, aged 18-
40, up to $750 to attend the Suffolk Event annually held in June. The Suffolk Event is a popular national 3-day event that features activities for beginning and experienced sheep producers of all ages including educational programs, family, youth and networking opportunities, the National Suffolk Sale, a banquet honoring United Suffolk Hall of Fame inductees, plus a junior Suffolk sheep show for members of the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association (UJSSA).
Annual Application Deadline: March 15
Application: Check back for grant application!
American Lamb Summit Travel Grant
The American Lamb Summit Travel Grant awards one U.S. Suffolk producer up to $750, to attend the American Lamb Summit. The American Lamb Summit is an educational conference held at various
locations around the U.S. every other year. The summit is designed to inspire production improvements and collaboration among all segments of the U.S. lamb industry organized by the American Lamb Board.
Application Deadline: TBD
Application: Check back for grant application!
