Grazing Infrastructure Cost-Share

The grazing cost-share supports aspiring or existing graziers who wish to adopt regenerative grazing practices that improve forage, soil and water quality. The cost-share also helps them expand their livestock enterprises through improved grazing management.

Basic information about eligibility and program requirements is below. For more information or for other questions, contact our livestock systems manager, Margaret Chamas, by emailing margaret.chamas(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org or by calling (515) 232-5661 x1033. Applicants are welcome to discuss grazing plans with Margaret before or during the application process, but should be aware that this does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Program Overview

Farmers are eligible for up to $2,500 to support the purchase of eligible items, including fence, water and some shelter needs. We will award approximately 40 cost-shares for the 2026 grazing season.

Applications for the next round of cost-share will be open from Dec. 1-31, 2025. We expect to make funding decisions by Jan. 15, 2026.

Program Steps

Complete an application survey between Dec. 1-31, 2025.
Sign agreement and complete initial data collection form by Feb. 15, 2026.
Schedule a consult call with Margaret Chamas by April 1.
Make eligible purchases and submit receipts by April 15.
Maintain grazing records throughout the season.
Complete follow-up data collection form by Dec. 31.

Program Eligibility

This program is open to aspiring and current farmers in the Upper Midwest, roughly Iowa and surrounding states.

There are no restrictions, limits, or requirements for acres or animals grazed, years of farming experience, or FSA status.

There is a slight preference for perennial pasture grazing above timber and brush management or cover crop grazing.

These funds should be stackable with EQIP; this will be discussed with accepted applicants during consultations.

Past cost-share recipients and their family or farm partners are welcome to apply, but in general we will be prioritizing first-time recipients.

Past applicants who were not accepted should reapply, as the survey and requirements have changed somewhat.

Program Details

This program is semi-competitive in that we expect to have more applicants than we can fund. The application survey will ask you to describe your goals for grazing and management – we recommend putting some thought into the type of system you hope to have and be able to describe how the funds would help you reach that goal.

Apply early! We will consider applications in the order in which they are received.

Participants will complete surveys at the beginning and end of the program to gather data allowing for before and after comparisons of their grazing programs. Participants will also complete a consultation or check-in call with Margaret, and must submit receipts to prove the purchase of eligible items.

Eligible expenses: almost anything directly related to rotational grazing of livestock is an eligible expense. Permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure may be eligible. You are welcome to contact Margaret with questions about eligibility or your desired use of funds. Any discussion like this does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Fencing

Eligible expenses: polywire or polyrope, electric netting, HT electric wire, fence chargers, solar panels, virtual fence (including collars, towers, and subscription fees), step-in posts, pigtail posts, temporary fiberglass fence posts and associated insulators
Possibly eligible expenses: permanent or semipermanent posts and supplies (things like t posts, wood posts and Timeless-style posts; cattle panels; barbed wire or permanent HT fence), pipe gates; portable corrals or handling systems

Watering

Eligible expenses: hoses or above-ground water lines, fittings, valves, floats, tubs, tanks, small water trailers
Possibly eligible expenses: hydrants, buried water lines, pond work, well drilling, hooking up to rural water, pasture irrigation

Housing and shelter

Eligible expenses: chicken tractors, portable shelters for hogs or possibly for small ruminants, portable shade structures

How to Apply

Applications will open Dec. 1, 2025.

Download our grazing infrastructure factsheet to learn about the impact cost-share projects had on previous recipient farms.

Contact our livestock farm viability manager, Margaret Chamas, by emailing margaret.chamas(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org or by calling the office at (515) 232-5661.

Sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter, The Monthly Feedstuff, to stay up to date on grazing and livestock cost-share news, upcoming events, the latest research and more.