Small Farm Water Quality Improvement Project Grants

Malad River

Cattle in river, with muddy, bear banks
Before: Hammered Malad River riparian area from livestock and other animals. Direct access to water.
Fenced off river with willows and other vegetation growing back
After: Nearly 0.5 miles of fence were installed to prevent access to the river and to keep riparian areas healthy.

Weber River

Cattle trails leading to river bank, sparse vegetation
Before: Overused Weber River/Wetland riparian area from livestock and other animals. Direct access to water
Fenced off river with willows and other vegetation growing back
After: Over 0.5 miles of fence was installed to prevent access to keep riparian areas healthy.

USU Extension, in partnership with the Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ), are excited to offer a grant opportunity to help improve water quality on small farms. The small farm water quality improvement project will offer a unique funding avenue for small farms and agricultural operations to improve the state of their surrounding water quality. Farms located in any county in Utah are eligible to apply. Awarded funding can be used for projects that help with fencing, berms, corrals, and other best management practices that improves waste management and promotes water quality. The grant award is given in the form of a reimbursement, purchase receipts are required for the full award. Please note that the focus of this program is to improve water quality rather than conservation and/or efficiency. Projects that improve water conservation without improving water quality will be rejected without review.

Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 per project. The overall awarding of funds is based on an 80% award and 20% match from the applicant. The 20% may be given in cash, in-kind labor, or in-kind materials. For questions on budgets, please feel free to reach out to Elizabeth at elizabeth.cohen@usu.edu. Grant awards will be announced in early February so please check your emails!

We highly encourage 4-H and FFA youth to apply for these grants, to help improve the water quality with regard to their livestock or horse projects!

The grant application is linked below. Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm on January 5th, 2025. If grant applications are awarded, projects must be completed no later than June 1st, 2025.

Online Grant Application