Dairy Farmer Leadership Grants

About this program

Midwest Dairy offers Dairy Farmer Leadership Grants to dairy farmers who contribute to the Midwest Dairy checkoff to support leadership development and skills for communicating their dairy story to consumers. Funds (up to $1,000 per farmer per calendar year, not to exceed the event/program cost) may be used for leadership programs, ag or non‑ag leadership conferences, and virtual or in‑person classes, but by statute cannot fund activities that increase production; awards are approved on a rolling basis and subject to fund availability. Eligible applicants must be dairy farmers contributing to the Midwest Dairy checkoff and complete an online application providing personal and farm contact information, program/event name, date, cost, description of leadership/storytelling development, and the requested award amount; there is no set deadline.