Looking for start-up capital for your new dairy goat operation? Perhaps you are seeking grant funding to pursue a project or experiment. Either way, the information below is a compilation of several locations and starting points for your financial quest.
Some groups, such as Farm Service Agency, provide low interest beginning farmer and operating loans. Other groups, such as the Grow Wisconsin Dairy Team, provide grants for modernizing dairy facilities.
One good place to start, not listed below, is your local bank. In smaller communities, many local banks have loan officers on hand who have backgrounds in agriculture and are usually better able to provide financial services than other financial entities.
Wisconsin Farm Service Agency
Provides beginning farmer loans and financial assistance in starting and maintaining a farm, also helps financially during times of disaster. Visit the web site to locate your county representative.
Contact:
The Wisconsin State Farm Service Agency Office
8030 Excelsior Drive, Suite 100
Madison, WI 53717
Phone 608-662-4422 Fax 608-662-9425
E-Mail Contact: teresa.jackson@wi.usda.gov
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/wi/
Farm Credit Services is "a network of independently owned and operated credit and financial services institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses of every size and income range across the country as well as those that desire country living.
Grow Wisconsin Dairy Team
There are numerous grants that you may be eligible for, such as the Dairy Farm Modernization Grant and Value Chain Grant. Visit the website to learn more about the Grow WI Dairy Team and the many services provided.
Contact:
Matthew Lange
Grow Wisconsin Dairy Team
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
Madison, WI 53718
Tel: 608-224-5081
Fax: 608-224-5110
matt.lange@wisconsin.gov
Website: http://www.growwisconsindairy.org/
Wisconsin Dairy Goat Initiative
The Wisconsin Dairy Goat Initiative is not a direct funding source for agricultural operations. However, staff can assist you in research of grant and other potential funding opportunities.
Contact:
Jeanne Meier
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
Madison, WI 53718
Tel: 608-224-5121
Fax: 608-224-5110
jeanne.meier@wisconsin.gov
Website: www.datcp.state.wi.us
National Livestock Producers Association Sheep and Goat Fund
The NLPA Sheep and Goat Fund is a revolving fund established within NLPA to assist the U.S. sheep and goat industries by strengthening and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and goats and their products in the United States. The Sheep and Goat Industry is in need of creative ideas that will add value to sheep and goats and the products they provide. National Livestock Producers Association encourages industry members to evaluate the immediate needs in their area, gather support from others who recognize those needs, and work together to find the most effective solutions to local concerns.
Contact
Scharee Atchison
National Livestock Producers Association
660 Southpointe Court, Suite 314
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
Phone: (719)538-8843
Fax: (719)538-8847
NLPA@nlpa.org
Website: http://www.sheepandgoatfund.com/
Other potential sources of funding for goat producers include:
North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Grants
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
Agricultural Development and Diversification Grants
