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 | Grant Harvester |
Issue 26 · Week of April 13, 2026 Weekly funding alerts for the rural entrepreneur | | 3 federal programs · 3 state grants · 1 private opportunity · policy updates | | Grant Harvester has partnered with Legible AI to bring you plain-English updates on state bills and agency actions that affect your farm or rural business. |
| Horizon Weather · Pre-Alpha | |
 HORIZON WEATHER | ● PRE-ALPHA | | | 🌿 Spring 2026 Planting Score — Midwest | SD 1.2 | MN 1.4 | ND 1.5 | WI 1.6 | MI 1.7 | IA 2.0 | IN 2.1 | OH 2.2 | IL 2.6 | NE 3.1 |
| soil temp · moisture · frost risk · fieldwork window |
| Federal Programs · Apply Now | |
| Programs closing within 45 days. Program names link to official pages. Verified April 13, 2026. |
| 2 | Northeast SARE Partnership Grants Deadline April 14, 2026 · 5 pm EST | Who Researchers, extension personnel, nonprofits, and consultants working with at least one farmer in the Northeast SARE region |
| First Action Form a team with farmers and researchers and submit your proposal via the SARE portal by April 14. |
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| State & Regional · Upcoming Deadlines | |
| State and regional programs with deadlines in the next 45 days. |
| 1 | Massachusetts APR Improvement Program (AIP) Deadline April 14, 2026 · 4 pm | Who Commercial farms with land protected under Massachusetts' Agricultural Preservation Restriction program |
| First Action Review the RFR, develop a list of eligible improvements, and submit through the state procurement system by 4 pm. |
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| 3 | Michigan Farm & Fairs Hunger-Relief Grant Deadline April 1, 2026 | Who Agricultural fairs, festivals, and events in Michigan partnering with local food banks or pantries |
| First Action Review grant guidelines, develop a hunger-relief plan with your fair board or 4-H club, and submit your application. |
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| Federal and state updates via Legible AI — bills and actions affecting your land, costs, taxes, or program eligibility. |
Federal USDA Funding Connecting Farmers to Local Markets USDA announced funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Promotion Program, and Regional Food System Partnerships — building market infrastructure and connecting farmers with consumers. Active |
Congressional Action Farm Bill — Passed House Agriculture Committee The House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 in early March with a bipartisan vote, signaling momentum for a new farm bill. Moving to full House vote · Read more → |
USDA Initiative Healthy Diets & SNAP Reforms USDA's Make America Healthy Again initiative launched partnerships to promote updated nutritional guidelines and pilot SNAP stocking standards in Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming. Active — pilot states being evaluated |
State · Powered by Legible AI Illinois · HB 5593 Agricultural Land Conservation Act Proposes a program to preserve farmland and help farmers of color and socially disadvantaged producers access land. In committee · Read more → |
Missouri · HB 3329 Agricultural Education Grants Would appropriate funds for new programs supporting urban and rural agricultural education, including apprenticeships and farm incubators. In committee · Read more → |
Illinois · HB 4923 Distressed Farmers Act Establishes grants to emerging and socially disadvantaged farmers and directs state funds toward supporting new and beginning producers. In committee · Read more → |
| Private & Philanthropic · Apply Now | |
| Private programs typically have lighter paperwork and move faster than federal grants. |
| 1 | AgWest New Producer Grant Deadline May 31, 2026 | Who Aspiring farmers and ranchers within AgWest Farm Credit's territory operating two years or less — or planning to start within two years |
| First Action Visit the AgWest website, attend the required webinars, prepare your business plan and budget, and submit by May 31. |
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1. Submit Massachusetts AIP and MEGA applications — Both programs close April 14 — finalize your project list, confirm matching funds, and upload all materials today. |
2. Submit Northeast SARE Partnership proposal by April 14 — Reach out to farmer collaborators, finalize your budget, and submit through the SARE portal before 5 pm EST. |
3. File AFRI Predoctoral Fellowship proposal by April 16 — Work with your university grants office this week — the deadline is just days away. |
4. Register for AgWest webinars and start your business plan — The May 31 deadline gives you time, but the required webinars and business plan take preparation — start now. |
5. File AFRI Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal by April 30 — Identify your host institution and mentor this week, then begin drafting your independent research plan. |
6. Submit comments on Illinois and Missouri state bills — HB 5593, HB 3329, and HB 4923 are in committee — contact your legislators now if these bills affect your operation. |
| Programs not yet open or closing later — worth monitoring now. |
Massachusetts AIP & MEGA Awards Awardees will be announced later this spring — watch for program updates from the MA Dept. of Agriculture. |
USDA Fellowship Results Watch NIFA announcements for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship award notifications. |
Farm Bill — Full House Vote Follow House and Senate debates as the Farm Bill moves from committee to a full floor vote. |
AgWest Grant Winners Look for announcements after May 31 to see which new producers receive funding in your region. |
| — ✦ — Grant Harvester · Issue 26 · Week of April 13, 2026
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