Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Precision Technology and Management Grant

Reimbursement grants that help permitted Southeast dairy producers and processors adopt precision technology to improve animal health, labor efficiency, energy use or land use. Run by the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative at the UT Institute of Agriculture with USDA AMS funds.

• Current licensed dairy businesses in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV or Puerto Rico

• Funding calendar lists eligible applicants as 'Dairy Producers'

• Projects should improve animal health/wellbeing/performance, enhance labor efficiency, reduce energy costs or environmental impact, or increase utilization of the farm's land base; must justify the technology chosen

Reimbursement grant; cash match of at least 25% of requested funds; competitive.

Published amounts: $150,000 maximum award; 25% matching funds requirement. (2026 RFP) $700,000 cap across all SDBII grants.

Apply online through the SDBII application portal (grantinterface.com urlkey=utk) with application, budget form showing 25% match, equipment quotes over $5,000, a Letter of Support and supplemental materials; UEI required before contracting.

Deadline text on the page: 2026 round closed March 4, 2026, at 5:00pm/ET (page text still says 'currently open'). SDBII funding calendar: 'January 6th – March 3rd, 2027'.