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NCR-SARE Minnesota Office

120 BAE | University of Minnesota | 1390 Eckles Ave | St Paul, MN55108 | ph: 612-626-3113
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NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant and Youth & Youth Educator Grant Office

Lincoln Univ | South Campus Building | 900 Leslie Blvd | Room 101 | Jefferson City, MO 65101

ph: 573-681-5545 or 800-529-1342 | fax: 573-681-5534 |

NCR-SARE

2011Call forProposals

Youth & Youth Educator

Sustainable Agriculture Grants

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant (FRG) Program has two Calls for Proposals:

  • Youth & Youth Educator Sustainable Agriculture Call for youth, ages 8 – 18, and youth educators. The Youth & Youth Educator call is released in August and proposals are due in January.A total of approximately $34,000 is available for this program. Grant recipients have 25 months to complete their projects.
  • Farmer Rancher Call for farmers and ranchers to carry out Sustainable Agriculture research, demonstration, and education projects on their farms. The FRG call is released in August each year and proposals are due in December. Youth are eligible to apply for the Farmer Rancher grant as well as the youth grant.

Deadline for Receipt of Youth & Youth Educator Proposals

NCR-SARE Office in Jefferson City, Missouri

4:30 pm (CST), Thursday,January 12, 2012

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is funded through the USDA National Institute of Agriculture (NIFA). The SARE program works primarily through competitive grant programs administered by four regions: North Central, Northeast, South, and West.The 12 statesof North Central Region–SARE (NCR-SARE) include:Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The mission of NCR-SARE is to strengthen rural communities, increase farmer/rancher profitability, and improve the environment by supporting research and education.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including NIFA, prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information on civil rights and equal opportunity policies and programs, visit the NIFA Equal Opportunity Office website at:

Purpose: NCR-SARE Youth & Youth Educator Grants are intended to provide opportunities for youth in the North Central Region to learn more about Sustainable Agriculture: farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible. Please note that 21st Century Farming involves growing food and fiber and can include market gardens and urban agriculture.

There are two options:

1. YOUTHGRANTS (see instructions starting on this page)

Grantsfor on-farm research, demonstration, or education projects by youth ages 8-18.Research and demonstration projects are for hands-on efforts to explore Sustainable Agriculture issues and practices. Education projects can involve teaching others about Sustainable Agricultureor attending a Sustainable Agriculture conference, workshop, or camp.$400 maximum.

2. YOUTH EDUCATOR GRANTS (see instructions starting on page 12)

Grants for educators to provide programming on Sustainable Agriculture for youth. $2,000 maximum.

INSTRUCTIONS PROPOSAL FORM FOR YOUTH GRANTS (pgs 2-11)

Explain how you will design and carry out your own Sustainable Agriculture projectand report the results to the public. Guidance from your adult sponsor and parents is encouraged but some independence on your part is expected. You may only submit one proposal per year.

Developing a Project Idea: Sustainable Agriculture has no set rules but it does have a clear objective: to find ways of farming and ranching that help us meet our profit goals, our family and community goals for quality of life, and our environmental goalsover the long term. Review the following lists of Sustainable Agriculture practices and project ideas. Use them to help you think ofyour own project ideas.

NCR-SARE encourages you to be creative and innovative, and to work directly with local farmers and ranchers who practice Sustainable Agriculture.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES

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  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Rotational Grazing(including Management-intensive Grazing and Mob Grazing)
  • Soil Erosion Control
  • Soil Quality Improvement
  • Water Quality Improvement/Wetlands
  • Cover Crops
  • Crop/Landscape Diversity
  • Nutrient Management
  • Agroforestry
  • Value-Addedand Direct Marketing
  • Wildlife Preservation
  • Beneficial Insects
  • Poultry and Small-Scale Livestock Production
  • Holistic/Systems Approaches to Farming and Ranching
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Proactive Weed Control(For example: Interseeded cover crops, use of crop rotation, planting row crops in warm soils.)

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PROJECT IDEAS

  1. Many farmers spend money on fertilizers and pesticides every year. Are there ways to reduce this expense while retaining profitability and productivity?
  2. Overgrazing can pollute streams and make pastures less productive. What ways of managing animals can improve pasture health, water quality, and profits?
  3. Soil is the basis for agriculture. It is made of minerals, organic matter, living things and air. How does soil managed in different ways compare? Why?
  4. Attend a Sustainable Agriculture workshop and bring back information to your classmates. For calendars of Sustainable Agriculture events see:
  5. NCR-SARE website:
  6. ATTRA website:
  7. Do you know someone in your area who has tried a new way of farming or ranching to become more sustainable? Visit with them to see what they do and report about a problem they faced, how they tried to overcome it, and how it worked out.
  8. Native prairies and wetlands are famous for their many plants and animals. Are there benefits to having native plants and animalson farms?
  9. Farmers used to develop breeds of livestock andcrop varieties on their own (some still do). What traits do breeders select for and why does this work? Grow your own vegetables, grain crops, or animals and demonstrate your own selections.
  10. What is a weed?Why do they matter and how do people manage them?Try different types of weed management in your field/plotusing sustainable practices. Report how they turn out.
  11. How can you make money selling what you raise? What local and regional markets are available and how do you get your animals and produce to consumers who want them?
  12. Grow field, fruit, or vegetable crops using sustainable farming techniques and sell the harvest locally or show your neighbors how to cook fresh foods. How will growing and eating more grain, fruits, and vegetables affect your health and farm income?
  13. Sustainable Agriculture is all about goals. What are your profit, family, and environmental goals? Are they the same as the goals of your friends and neighbors? How do these compare with the goals of your parents or grandparents?
  14. Why is farmland being lost? Meet with local farmers to discuss ways to protect farmland.
  15. Is locally-grown food available at your school? Meet with local farmers and work together to get their food served in your cafeteria.
  16. Explore organic agriculture. How do you know if your food is organic? Meet with local organic and conventional farmers and find out which organic practices they use or don’t use and why or why not.
  17. Compare sustainable and conventional agriculture. Meet with local farmers and discuss Sustainable Agriculture practices they use. How can they be more sustainable?
  18. What are the challenges faced by beginning farmers? What are ways to encourage young people or those changing careers to start farming usingSustainable Agriculture practices? Design a poster that promotes Sustainable Agriculture practices.
  19. What additional options or spaces are available as potential farm areas? Is there land available in town for school or community farms/gardens?
  20. Sustainable Agriculture involves systems thinking or a holistic approach to farming. What does that mean? Design a demonstration farm or ranch that shows how to use a whole farm systems approach.
  21. Diversity is an important part of Sustainable Agriculturebecause it contributes to a healthy farm. Visit local farms or ranches and evaluate the diversity of plant and animal life. Interview the farmers/ranchers and discuss how they can increase diversity.
  22. Explore the issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their effect on organic agriculture. Meet with local farmers and see if you can come up with solutions.

The project you choose is up to you and it should show your own interests inSustainable Agriculture. You can find more information about sustainability at or take a free National Continuing Education Program online course about the basic concepts at You are also encouraged to talk over your project ideas with your NCR-SARE state coordinator. For a list of state coordinators see pages 2021 or or call: 1-800-529-1342.

Funding: These are competitive grants. Funding is limited,so not allproposals will be funded. Youth Grant proposals will be reviewed by Sustainable Agriculturepractitioners and educators.

Reporting: Each project must have an outreach plan to share what you learn. You may write an article, have a field day demonstration, put up a web page, make a video, show a poster, give a speech or otherwise show the public what you did, what you learned, and why it is important. You have up to two years to complete your project. A progress report is due April 30, 2013, and a final report is due April 30, 2014. If your project is completed after one year, you can submit the final report at that time.

How to Apply:To be considered for funding, yourproposalfor a NCR-SARE Youth Grant MUST include the following items.

1. Signed and completed proposalincludinga parent’s signature.The Youth Grant proposal form is on pages 5-11. (Youth may also apply to the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals. Contact NCR-SARE for details at: 1-800-529-1342 or .)Do not include attachments or photos or list your website in your proposal. To make the process fair to everyone, reviewers will base evaluations only on information contained in the proposal.

2. Answers tothe proposal formquestions..

3. Signed and completed budgetform that shows what you will buy for your project.

Make a copy of your grant proposal to keep and send the original by mail or e-mail with all three required items to:Joan Benjamin, NCR-SARE Associate Regional Coordinator. Youth Grant proposals must be received by 4:30 pm (S) onThursday, January 12, 2012 or they will not be considered.Proposals may be submitted by mail or e-mail. Proposals submitted by e-mail must include scanned parent and youth signatures.

Joan Benjamine-mail:

NCR-SAREYouth Grants

Lincoln University

South Campus Building

900 Leslie Blvd, Room 101

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Selection Process:A committee of farmers, ranchers, educators, and researchers will review the proposals and make funding recommendations to the NCR-SARE Administrative Council. The Council members will make the final funding decisions. Awards will be announced by the end of March 2012.

If you have any questions about the program, the process of selection, or your project ideas, call or e-mail Joan Benjamin at ph: 573-681-5545 or 800-529-1342 or e-mail:
NCR-SARE Youth Sustainable Agriculture Grant

2011Proposal Form

Please fill in this form electronically or by hand using a pen. The signed and completed proposal and budget must be received by mail or e-mail by 4:30 pm (CST) on Thursday, January 12, 2012. Include scanned signatures if submitting the proposalelectronically.

Project Title:

Amount of Money Requested ($400 maximum):

Youth Name: ______Youth Age as of 1/1/2012:______

Mailing Address:

City:State:Zip Code:

Telephone:Youth E-mail Address:

Does this project involve livestock? Yes_____No_____. If Yes, complete the Livestock Care form on pages 1011.______

______

The youth taking part in this grant program are the project leaders, but they will stillneed an adult to guide themon their project. Examples of sponsors are:Farmers/Ranchers involved in Sustainable Agriculture, FFA Leaders, 4-H Leaders, Scout Leaders, Church Leaders, Teachers, High School or College Advisors, Agency Educators, Non-Government Organization (NGO) staff, or Parents.

Sponsor Name:

Sponsor Telephone:Sponsor E-mail Address:

Parent or Legal Guardian Name (if different):

Parent Telephone:Parent E-mail Address:

By signing this form we agree that we understand the purpose and costs of the proposed project,that SARE funds will only be spent on this project, and that this youth will carry out this project and complete a final report, with adult permission and guidance, if the project is chosen for funding.

Youth SignatureDate

Sponsor SignatureDate

Parent or Legal Guardian Signature (if different)Date

NCR-SARE Youth Grant, Proposal

1. What specific issue, practice, or other part of Sustainable Agriculture do you want to explore?Why does it interest you?

2. Why is this aspect of Sustainable Agricultureimportant to your family and community?

3. Provide a step-by-step description ofhow you will carry out your project and how you will use the supplies, materials, and labor listed in your budget.

4. List the people, groups,and information sources that you will use to guide you as you carry out your project.

5. Describe your outreach and information sharing efforts. How and when will you share what you learn with others?

NCR-SARE 2011Youth GrantBudget Directions

Fill out the budget form electronically or by hand using a pen. Use accurate figures and include a brief explanation of how each item listed in your budget relates to your project. The signed and completed proposal and budget forms may be submitted by mail or e-mail and must be received by4:30 pm (CST) onThursday, January 12,2012.

Budget Guidelines:

  • Equipment and Supply Costs. List the items you will need and provide a brief explanation of why each item is necessary for your project.
  • Labor Costs. If you request funds for Labor (someone to assist you with the project), explain what kind of labor you need and why it is necessary to complete the project.
  • Food and Drink Expenses. Refreshments/meals are allowed for meetings including educational events like field days and tours if they support the continuity of the event or the health, safety, and convenience of the attendees, especially if alternatives are not available in the vicinity. Meals may not be charged as project costs when individuals decide to go to breakfast, lunch, or dinner together when no need exists for continuity of a meeting. Breakfast meals are generally not allowable because no continuity of the meeting exists. Refreshments/meals to support continuity of events should be included in the proposed budget.
  • Unallowable Expenses. Grant funds cannot be used for construction and remodeling of buildings or to buy motorized vehicles, but these items may be leased or rented with grant funds, if they are needed for the project.

2011 Youth Grant Budget

Description of Equipment, Supplies or Labor / Price Each or Hourly Rate / # Needed/Hours / Cost
Total Cost: The total cannot be more than $400. You can contribute additional funds from other sources, but do not include that information in the budget.

By signing this form we agree that we understand the purpose and costs of this proposed project, that SARE funds will only be spent on this project, and that this youth will carry out this project and complete a final report, with adult permission and guidance, if the project is chosen for funding.

Youth SignatureDate

Sponsor SignatureDate

Parent or Legal Guardian Signature (if different)Date

Animal Care Plan – 2011 Youth Grant

If your proposal involves livestock (vertebrate animals such as cows, sheep, poultry, fish, etc), please fill out this form and return it with your grant proposal.

Please note these questions are written relative to the most common animals used in these projects. If you will use a less common species (fish for example), please answer the question relative to your species. For example, for question #3, stocking density for fish would be number of fish per tank, pond, etc.).

It is possible that some of the questions in this section might not apply to your particular project. If that is the case, simply record “not applicable” or “NA” as your response. However, do realize that we do expect to see specific responses to all of these questions for most, if not all, of the projects submitted to NCR-SARE.