MDARD Opens Application Period for the 2026 Equine Grant Program

Dec 24, 2025

By Lynsey Mukomel

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) announced today that they will accept proposals for the 2026 Equine Grant Program until February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

Established by Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, the Equine Grant Program provides a total of up to $125,000 in grant funding annually for:

• The promotion and marketing of horse racing
• Equine-related research
• Equine-related support and aftercare
• Other equine-related or horse racing programs

To qualify for the Equine Grant Program, entities must be in good standing with the State of Michigan, must be able to provide financial statements for the prior fiscal year and must have been in business for at least two years. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on MDARD’s website.

Source : michigan.gov

Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.