Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA)

Application forms are available from the department, agricultural education instructors, and county extension agents, or can be downloaded here. 
Mail your completed application to:

Montana Department of Agriculture 
P. O. Box 200201 
Helena, Montana 59620-0201 

Applications must be approved by the local loan committee, with final approval determined by the Montana Department of Agriculture Loan Committee. A written summary of past experience or education relating to the proposed project must accompany the application. A map showing directions to the applicant's farm or ranch is also required with the application.

Walt Anseth

The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are&#x2004;provided by the [Montana State University Extension Service](http://www.msuextension.org/), Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.


By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:

- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;

- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;

- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and

- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.



The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are provided by the Montana State University Extension Service, Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.

By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:
- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;
- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;
- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and
- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.

Active members of FFA, 4-H and other recognized agricultural youth organizations are eligible for this program. The Montana Department of Agriculture may also make direct loans to youths unable to participate as members of such organizations. Parents or guardians must be willing to cooperate with prospective borrowers and have ample facilities available to provide for the project. Applicants should be between the ages of nine and 21, Montana residents, and citizens of the United States.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Loan Terms & Application
- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Application Instructions & Forms

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Stewardship

Trade Relief

Succession

Historically Underserved

Marketing

The amount of a loan depends on the project, but cannot exceed $3,500 for applicants ages 9-11, or $8,500 for applicants ages 12-21. Applicants may refinance loans, providing they still qualify and do not exceed the $8,500 maximum. More than one family member may qualify for individual loans. Individuals may borrow up to 90% of the total first year cost of a project. Loan repayments periods can be one to five years, depending on the project. Payments are usually made annually. Additional terms, as well as information about the Local Loan Committee, are detailed below under the Loan Terms & Application tab, or download the Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program Loan Terms & Application.

Download the Rural Assistance Loan Application Form (pdf format) to get started. A complete application must include the following:
- Completed Application Form
- Review and signature from local committee
- Copies of the past two year’s federal income tax returns
- A $35.00 non-refundable application fee payable to the Montana Department of Agriculture

Completed applications should be mailed to:
Montana Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Finance Program
P. O. Box 200201
Helena, Montana 59620-0201. 

Additional information or documentation may be required at the discretion of the department. Final loan approval or denial will be determined by the Department of Agriculture Loan Committee.


The **Rural&#x2004;Assistance Loan Program** provides loans to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to provide financial experience and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture. Rural Assistance Loans are available through the Agricultural Finance Program of the Montana Department of Agriculture.


Funds may be used to finance the following:

- Agricultural property, such as livestock and farm machinery;

- Agricultural improvements, such as barns or irrigation systems;

- Annual operating expenses; and

- Agricultural land.



The Rural Assistance Loan Program provides loans to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to provide financial experience and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture. Rural Assistance Loans are available through the Agricultural Finance Program of the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Funds may be used to finance the following:
- Agricultural property, such as livestock and farm machinery;
- Agricultural improvements, such as barns or irrigation systems;
- Annual operating expenses; and
- Agricultural land.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of Montana at the time of application. Loans are available to persons who are unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders. However, the activity for which the loan is requested and the financial position of the applicant must show a positive cash flow and net worth.

The total value of an applicant's net worth, including those of spouse and minor children, cannot exceed $450,000.

- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Loan Terms
- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Additional Terms
- Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Application


HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Infrastructure

Water Management

Upon approval of a Rural Assistance Loan application, borrowers must agree to certain requirements:
- Cattle or horses that are used as collateral must be branded with a brand registered with the Montana Department of Livestock.
- Good records of production and expenses are required.
- Borrowers will pay the fees required to file, continue, or release financing statements, brand liens, and mortgages.
- Applicants may be required to establish a joint checking account with the Montana Department of Agriculture. Loan funds would be deposited in this account and used for financial transactions related to the loan.
- Comprehensive insurance or crop insurance may be required on secured or mortgaged property.
- For real estate loans, the Department of Agriculture requires a first mortgage position and title insurance in the name of the Department.
- A qualified appraisal may be required to determine the value of assets or collateral property.

Register & Apply Online:
- Applicants may apply for up to $75,000 per application.
- All applications must be submitted by an authorized organization (county weed district, conservation district, MSU extension or a non-profit).
- Refer to the Grant Guidelines for complete details and requirements.
- Register online at funding.mt.gov and choose Agriculture as your program of interest.

Application forms are submitted electronically using the online Montana Grants and Loans system.

Grant Presentations:

Applications are reviewed by Department staff and the Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council. Grant hearings are held annually in March, where each applicant provides a ten minute presentation (PowerPoint, photos, etc.) for their project. Applicants are notified of the date and time of their presentation prior to the grant hearings.

Greta Dige

NWTF Grant Coordinator

The **Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program** was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative-landowner cost share. Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project. 	



The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative-landowner cost share. Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project. 	

Applicants must work with and apply through an organization, such as a weed district, conservation district, extension office, non-profit, or tribal weed district to be eligible.
Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant funds may not be used for: 
- Application expenditures 
- developing grant proposals, grant hearing travel expense
- Purchase of biocontrol agents 
- Equipment purchases 
- Indirect costs 
- Capital improvements 
- Annual herbicide for cropland/CRP practices 
- Re-seeding efforts for alfalfa fields, grain for wildlife habitat, or other cropland situations

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Grant Guidelines
- Application for Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council Appointment
- Noxious Weed Trust Fund Important Dates & Information
- Noxious Weed Trust Fund Brochure
- Montana Noxious Weed Management Plan (Updated 2017)
- Current State Bid: Agricultural Chemicals
- Montana Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Program 2019 Summary
- User Guide for EDDMapS Pro (Updated 2020)

Certification

Trials

Certified Organic

Fertilizer

Inputs

Nutrient Management

The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines a project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.

BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture (e.g., increased sales by dollar amount or percentage, or number of jobs created).

Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

FY2026 Priority Areas:
- Projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to expanding access to diversified marketplaces
- Projects that can demonstrate a significant impact on the applicant's scalability
- Projects that can demonstrate increased access to local foods with a focus in rural areas (including rural grocery stores)
- Businesses that help strengthen supply chains and market access for rural areas (rural area = fewer than 10,000 people)

Important Dates:
- October 10, 2025 - GTA Pre-application opens
- November 10, 2025 - Pre-application deadline (5:00pm)
- Early December 2025 - Council meeting to select pre-applicants for full application
- Mid-December 2025 - Full application opens
- February 2, 2026 - Full applications due (5:00pm)
- Early March 2026 - Council meeting to review/award GTA applications

If you have questions, email gta@mt.gov.

 Food and Agriculture Development Center

Montana Small Business Development Center

MT Growth Through Agricultural Program

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The&#x2004;GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.


For Current GTA and BAM Recipients: We are holding quarterly Technical Assistance calls to go over claim submission, reporting, and any other TA questions you have as you progress with your grant and/or loan. These calls will be held at 11:30am on the last Tuesday of the quarter. 

For 2026, the calls are scheduled for March 31, June 30, September 29, and December 29.


[Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines](https://agr.mt.gov/_docs/GTA-docs/GTAGuidelines.pdf)



The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.

For Current GTA and BAM Recipients: We are holding quarterly Technical Assistance calls to go over claim submission, reporting, and any other TA questions you have as you progress with your grant and/or loan. These calls will be held at 11:30am on the last Tuesday of the quarter. 
For 2026, the calls are scheduled for March 31, June 30, September 29, and December 29.

Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria 
Projects should primarily add value to Montana’s agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. In addition, projects should either benefit additional agricultural producers and/or companies, and/or projects should accomplish research that will benefit Montana’s agriculture industry as a whole. An applicant that receives any two GTA grants within a two-year period will have a one-year cooling off period before applying again, starting in the current calendar year. Please contact GTA staff for any questions on this recent adjustment. 

Eligible Costs 
Eligible costs under the GTA program include, but are not limited to: 
• Equipment 
• Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational) 
• Travel 
• Advertising and Promotion 
• Supplies and Materials 
• Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.) 
• Data Processing 

Who Can Apply 
Proposals for funding are accepted from: 
• Individuals 
• Businesses and Industry Organizations 
• Public and Private Agencies and Organizations 
• Educational Institutions 
• Local Governments 
• Cooperatives 
• Non-profits 

Business Registration Required 
To be eligible to receive funding your business must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State's office (www.sos.mt.gov). If your business is not registered, we encourage you to begin that process prior to submitting an application. 

Joint Applications 
Two or more individuals or organizations may propose to conduct a project jointly by submitting one application as co-applicants. Please contact program staff for procedures if you are interested in submitting a joint application. 

Joint applicants must demonstrate their team has proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. In addition, applicants proposing to rely upon the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of that entity’s willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake that area of responsibility.

Additional Loan Eligibility Requirements 
The Council has the option to set loan interest rates and offer terms on awards up to $100,000. To be eligible for a low interest loan, the applicant must have unencumbered collateral to secure the full amount of the loan. 

The Council may select up to two targeted areas for projects which would be eligible for lower interest loans. These targeted areas encourage specific types of projects and will inform the public of the Council’s particular interests. Targeted areas must be announced 60 days prior to becoming effective. 

Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines

The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines a project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.
BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture. For example, the growth could be measurable either in terms of increased sales (by dollar amount or percentage) or in number of jobs created.
The Council strongly urges applicants to contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, Small Business Development Center network, and their local economic development organization for assistance with their GTA application, financial projections, business and marketing plans as necessary. In addition, the Department is offering the use of this one-page financials template for interested businesses that have been invited to apply and present for the main GTA program.
Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. Examples of project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services such as engineering costs. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the&#x2004;development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.

### New in 2023

The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:

- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.

- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.


**Cost-share Requirement** 

50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 


**Types of Funding Available**

Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 

- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 

- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding



The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.
New in 2023
The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:
- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.
- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.

Cost-share Requirement 
50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 

Types of Funding Available 
Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

Projects should primarily add value to Montana’s agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. In addition, projects should either benefit additional agricultural producers and/or companies, and/or projects should accomplish research that will benefit Montana’s agriculture industry as a whole. An applicant that receives any two GTA grants within a two-year period will have a one-year cooling off period before applying again, starting in the current calendar year. Please contact GTA staff for any questions on this recent adjustment. 

Additional Loan Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council has the option to offer high and low interest loans up to $100,000 for those projects that meet the general criteria for funding listed above. 
    - To be eligible for a low interest loan, the applicant must have unencumbered collateral to secure the full amount of the loan. 
    - The Council can select up to two targeted areas for projects which would be eligible for low interest loans. These targeted areas will encourage specific types of projects and will inform the public of the Council’s particular interests. These targeted areas must be announced 60 days prior to becoming effective. 

Additional Grant Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council may award grants up to $50,000. In addition to meeting the general criteria for funding, grant applicants must demonstrate through their application that they meet at least one of the following additional criteria: 
    - The project will benefit additional agricultural companies, 
    - The project will accomplish research that will benefit agriculture as a whole, or 
    - The applicant is a nonprofit entity.

Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs under the GTA program include, but are not limited to: 
- Equipment 
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational) 
- Travel 
- Advertising and Promotion 
- Supplies and Materials 
- Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.) 
- Data Processing

- Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines
- GTA Business Acceleration Program Guidelines
- GTA Marketing Development Program Guidelines
- FAQ


Legal & Finance

$1 for $1 match is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans.

Maximum $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

To submit a proposal: review the funding guidelines to ensure alignment with the committee's goals; prepare a detailed proposal outlining scope, objectives, and expected outcomes; and submit through the WebGrants system by the deadline. Applicants present a brief overview of the proposal (in person or via video). Research-specific projects are handled by the USADPLC RFP.

Liz Edmundson

The Pulse Crop Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Department of Agriculture and determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee, with a mission to improve the return on investment for Montana pulse-crop farmers. The Committee allocates its annual budget across three goals: Market Development (25–30% — expanding domestic and international markets for pulse crops); Communication & Education (20% — industry and producer education); and Innovation and Development (35% — innovation, agronomic/economic development, and product development). Research-specific projects are funded separately through the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) RFP.



Eligible applicants include: agricultural organizations, research institutions, industry associations, and other entities.

Dried Beans

Lentils

Peas

Chickpeas

Dry Peas

English Peas

Green Peas

Snap Peas

Sugar Peas

Pulse Crops

Other Commodities

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Market Development Program timeline: RFP open December 12, 2025; closes February 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.; application presentations March 2–4, 2026; awards March 2026, funding by June.

Application Page

Required Application Forms:
- 2026 Applicant Self-Assessment Form
- 2026 Application Narrative Cover Sheet
- 2026 Application Project Template (PDF form provided by USDA)

All applications must be submitted through the WebGrants system. The instructions below outline the basic procedures of operating the Webgrants system.
- WebGrants Registration Instructions
- WebGrants Application Instructions
- WebGrants Submitting Help
- WebGrants Quick Navigation



Caitlin Hortert

SCBG Program Specialist

Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) seeks to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Montana specialty crops. Grants are available to State and/or local&#x2004;organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops. A list of **[eligible crops](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop)** is available online.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in the following issue areas affecting the specialty crop industry: 

- enhancing food safety;

- improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors; 

- investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; 

- developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; 

- pest and disease control; 

- increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; 

- improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and; 

- sustainability.




Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) seeks to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Montana specialty crops. Grants are available to State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops. A list of eligible crops is available online.
Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in the following issue areas affecting the specialty crop industry: 
- enhancing food safety;
- improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors; 
- investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; 
- developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; 
- pest and disease control; 
- increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; 
- improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and; 
- sustainability.


State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Regional or multi-state projects may be considered. 

List of Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Funding Opportunities