Growing Tomorrow Grant

Applications are open for the 2026 Growing Tomorrow Grant, a program offering up to $100,000 to support innovative agricultural business ideas and projects led by Ohio’s next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. 

Created through the vision and generosity of former Ohio Farm Bureau Trustee Mike Boyert, and his wife, Patti, the grant helps create opportunities for early-stage agricultural businesses to move forward by addressing financial and startup hurdles.

Available to any Ohio Farm Bureau young farmer or entrepreneur member, the funding is available for efforts focused on agricultural education, environmental stewardship, rural economic opportunities and solutions that strengthen local communities. 

“Ohio Farm Bureau and our foundation have long been focused on creating opportunities for our young agricultural professionals, and as agriculture faces a long list of challenges, the grant helps these young leaders use their skills to address these challenges and generate a deeper understanding of farming to our consumers and communities,” said Kelly Burns, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation executive director.

Applications are open through July 31, and finalists will be invited to present their business plans to a panel of judges in September. All recipients of the Growing Tomorrow Grant will be announced Dec. 11 at the 108th OFBF Annual Meeting. 

Applications and eligibility requirements can be found at ofbf.org/growing-tomorrow-grant/.

The grant is made possible by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation and its generous supporters such as Nationwide Foundation, Farm Credit Mid-America and numerous other individual donors.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org. 

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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