Helping farmers achieve success

In 2024, Midwest Dairy teamed up with Lasso to roll out a free grant-writing support program designed specifically for on-farm projects. If you’re a dairy farmer with a solid idea, this could be your shot to bring it to life.

Lasso isn’t your average online tool. It’s been called a “grant writer in a box,” but really, it’s more like having an experienced partner who can find funding, manage deadlines and make sure your application stands out. Think of the Lasso team as your behind-the-scenes crew, helping with everything from finding the right grant to writing it and keeping it on track.

To get involved, you’ll need a project in mind, maybe even some vendors or installers lined up and the willingness to let others learn from your journey. In return, you’ll receive serious support and a genuine opportunity to secure grants that can propel your business forward, especially now that sustainable agriculture funding is more accessible than ever. The Lasso approach is hands-on and tailored to each farm, following a simple three-step process:

— Step 1, Discovery: Lasso meets one-on-one with producers to understand their farm operations, goals and proposed projects.

— Step 2, Grant Matching: Lasso then identifies all relevant federal, state, regional and local funding opportunities, working with each producer to ensure they are eligible, competitive and ready for the selected grants.

— Step 3, Application: Lasso handles the full application process from start to finish, including coordinating stakeholders, collecting necessary information and writing a professional, high-quality proposal.

Just a few months into its launch, the grant program has already made a significant impact, awarding more than $1 million to 10 dairy producers with two additional applications still under review. These grants help fund a diverse range of on-farm projects aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and business growth.

Funded initiatives include the development of value-added dairy businesses, such as small-scale cheese production, infrastructure improvements for A2A2 milk handling through enhanced cooling and storage systems, energy-saving upgrades like efficient lighting and ventilation and the adoption of labor-saving technologies, including robotic milking systems and automated feed pushers.

So far, projects have been awarded across three states, including Minnesota (4), Iowa (5) and North Dakota (1), and reflect a wide spectrum of investment areas:

— Two projects focused on energy efficiency improvements;

— Three centered on launching or expanding value-added processing;

— Five aimed at integrating labor-saving technologies.

These early successes highlight the demand for grant support and the wide-ranging innovations taking place on Midwest dairy farms. Let’s examine what this support can accomplish.

Jill Nelson and her family, based in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, operate Olmar Farms, home to a hardworking herd of 130 Holsteins producing more than 11,000 pounds of milk daily. The Nelsons wanted to take the next step: launching Compass Rose Creamery, a farm-based business focused on artisan cheese, bottled milk and building a stronger connection with their local community.

The idea was strong, but the cost of setting up a creamery — and the risk of doing it before testing the market — stalled progress. Jill had pursued grants before but often ran into tight deadlines or didn’t have the time to follow through. Between running a busy farm, family responsibilities and everything else life threw her way, something always had to give.

That changed when Jill connected with Midwest Dairy and Lasso. Lasso helped Jill get ahead of the game. Instead of scrambling, she had time to prepare a strong application with a clear timeline. Together, they applied for the Dairy Business Builder grant, while Jill also pursued the Minnesota AGRI Value-Add grant independently. The result: Compass Rose Creamery secured both grants, totaling $100,000.

That money is now being used to outfit their leased creamery with the equipment needed for small-batch cheese production. It’s not just about making cheese; it’s about testing the market, training their team and getting their brand in front of customers before committing to a full-scale facility. For Jill and her family, these grants were a game-changer. They’re launching a new arm of their farm, reducing risk and keeping control of their future. Most importantly, they’re doing it on their own terms, with help that made the process manageable.

Beyond the financial support, the grant program delivers meaningful strategic value to participating producers. Through the partnership with Lasso, farmers receive more than just application assistance — they gain a long-term approach to funding success. Lasso helps producers get organized, build personalized 12-month grant roadmaps and align their farm goals with current and future funding opportunities.

For many farmers new to the grant process, the program also serves as a valuable learning experience. Participants develop a clearer understanding of how to assess eligibility, gauge the competitiveness of their proposals and even combine multiple funding sources to support larger, more ambitious projects.

“Grants are a long process — to apply, to get approved, and to complete,” Jill said. “But, if you have a project that truly matters and benefits your community, there’s likely a grant for it. My advice? Get help. The finished product we received from Lasso is just fantastic.”

Fellow Minnesotan Karen Griffin echoes the sentiment: “Having gone through the grant process both with and without Lasso, I can say I’d absolutely choose Lasso again. The support and accountability they provided kept us on track and made the entire process so much smoother.”

If you have an idea that could take your farm to the next level, now is the time. The support from Midwest Dairy is available. The funding is available. Stories like Compass Rose Creamery show it’s not just for “other farms.” It could be yours next.

I am passionate about farmer grant programs because I’ve seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can change everything for a farm family. It’s more than just paperwork; it’s a powerful tool that can help hardworking farmers bring big ideas to life. Whether that means expanding into new markets, investing in sustainable practices or building something their kids can one day take over, I believe these programs can make a significant difference. I believe every farmer deserves a shot at that next level of success, and these programs open doors to make that happen. Helping others navigate that journey isn’t just a job; it’s a mission rooted in respect for the land, the work and the people behind it. I believe in the Midwest dairy farmer.

Visit midwestdairy.com to learn more about how Midwest Dairy and Lasso are helping farmers like you secure grant funding and grow their business in tangible, practical ways.