The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $2.4 million in funding available through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP). The funding will support projects that strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of U.S. sheep and sheep products through infrastructure improvement, business and resource development, technical assistance, market development, and innovative approaches to address long-term industry needs. The program is furthering USDA's efforts to put Farmers First by awarding funding that directly benefits sheep producers and to projects that build long-term capacity in rural communities.

This year's funding will be awarded competitively to one or more national entities with the capacity to manage and oversee a competitive subaward program. Selected recipient(s) will provide management, oversight, consultation, and subject matter expertise to advance the purpose and activities of the program, primarily through subawards and optional recipient-led projects that support the sheep sector.

SPMGP is intended to support projects with measurable benefits for sheep producers and the broader sheep industry. Eligible activities may include production capacity, marketing and market development, technical assistance and training, innovation and product development, animal health and risk management, and infrastructure and supply chain activities. Recipients must allocate at least 80% of their total award amount to subawards that benefit sheep producers.

This funding is provided through P.L. 119-21, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Application Information

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available on the AMS SPMGP webpage. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 2, 2026.

This NOFO is not for applicants seeking subawards to conduct individual projects under the program. Subaward opportunities will be made available later through the competitive process administered by the selected recipient(s) of awards made under this NOFO.

Additional information, application resources, and program information are available on the AMS SPMGP webpage. For program questions, contact [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.