State accepting watershed grant applications

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is accepting applications for 2026 Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants through Sept. 12.
The $1 million program awards grants up to $40,000 to producer-led groups supporting conservation solutions and farmer participation in local watershed efforts.
Applicants must be groups of at least five farmers whose farms are in the same or adjacent watershed. Each farm must have produced at least $6,000 in gross farm revenue last year or $18,000 over the past three years. Groups must partner with a county land conservation department, University of Wisconsin-Extension or a nonprofit conservation organization.
Grant information and applications are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ProducerLedProjects.aspx and must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format.
Since 2015, the program has awarded more than $7.2 million to 53 producer-led watershed groups statewide. Conservation practices implemented by program groups impacted 1.7 million acres in 2024.
For more information, contact Dani Heisler at dani.heisler@wisconsin.gov or 608-640-7270.