$2.4 million program supports sheep production marketing and growth
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced approximately $2.4 million in funding through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP). The program is designed to support sheep producers and strengthen the U.S. sheep industry through targeted investments and long-term development efforts.
The funding will help improve sheep production and marketing while encouraging projects that create lasting benefits for producers and rural communities. USDA said the program aligns with its goal of supporting farmers through investments that strengthen agricultural businesses and supply chains.
Funding will be awarded through a competitive process to one or more national organizations that have the ability to manage a subaward program. These organizations will oversee funding distribution, provide guidance, and help support projects across the sheep sector.
Eligible projects may focus on improving production capacity, expanding marketing opportunities, providing technical assistance and training, encouraging innovation, supporting animal health initiatives, managing risks, and strengthening infrastructure and supply chain activities.
To ensure funding directly benefits producers, recipients must distribute at least 80% of their total award funds through subawards that support sheep farmers and industry-related projects.
The funding is provided through Public Law 119-21, known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
Organizations interested in applying can find details in the Notice of Funding Opportunity available through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Applications must be submitted electronically through AMS SPMGP webpage by Oct. 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
USDA noted that this funding opportunity is intended for organizations capable of managing subawards and is not open for individual project applications at this stage. Opportunities for subawards will become available later through the organizations selected to administer the program.
The initiative aims to support innovation, improve market access, and strengthen the long-term success of the U.S. sheep industry.
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj