The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has completed another round of grants to promote livestock growth in the Hoosier state. Fifteen non-profit organizations received a total of $89,500, down from the prior year total of $155,000. Livestock Program Manager Kimmi Devaney explained one of the recipients is Indiana Pork and their biodigester study aimed at helping producers interested in that form of manure management.
“This particular project will work with producers and financing entities to determine what the needs of both sides are and how to maximize the chances that digesters would be able to be financed. If producers want to put in a digester they’re pretty much on their own as far as putting together a proposal, maybe they would work with a consultant, but this would hopefully streamline it a little bit more for them.”
The Indiana Dairy Producers received two grants, including one for the Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange.
“Which is a collaboration between Indiana dairy producers, Purdue Extension and also the University of Kentucky Extension. Every year they get all the producers in Indiana and Kentucky together for a great opportunity to learn from each other and see different types of facilities. I’ve been on the tour a few times myself and it’s just a wonderful opportunity to not only network but learn a lot as well. this year it’s going to be in southern Indiana so they’re looking for more opportunities to expand what’s available to Indiana dairy producers.”
Ted McKinney, Director of ISDA added, “Livestock is an important segment of Indiana agriculture. The projects selected represent those that will have the greatest impact and we are excited to partner with these organizations to further promote and develop the livestock industry.”
The 2016 round of grant applications will be announced in the fall of this year, and Devaney says there could be an emphasis on innovation for future grants.
2015 Grantee Name | Project |
American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. | Dairy Princess Program |
Indiana State Board of Animal Health | Dairy & Poultry Buyers Guide Printing |
Southwestern Hanover FFA | Expansion of Community Calf Project |
Indiana Guernsey Breeders Association | Hoosier Classic Sale |
Indiana Dairy Producers | Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange |
Indiana Dairy Producers | Summer Tour |
Indiana Boer Goat Classic | Indiana Boer Goat Classic |
Indiana Pork | Biodigester study |
Indiana State Poultry Association | Poultry industry economic impact study |
Indiana Milk Quality Professionals, Inc. | Milk Quality Conference |
Purdue University | Aquaculture industry tour |
Scott Co. 4-H Livestock Committee | 4-H Livestock Workshop |
Daviess County Economic Development Foundation, Inc. | Southern Indiana Grazing Conference |
Sullivan FFA | Wabash Valley Youth Classic |
SWAG Team | Promotion activities for Washington Co. Farmers & Merchants Fair |
Turkey Market Development Council | Moms choose turkey’ campaign |