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About the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation InitiativeSoutheast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) is an effort supported by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service focusing on Value-Added Dairy Businesses in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Dairy businesses interested in value-added operations, infrastructure improvements, and technological additions in these 12 states are eligible to submit applications for funding through the SDBII grants. This program also offers educational opportunities related to value-added production and a wide array of resources to support dairy businesses, including the Dairy Gauge tool.
If interested in applying or have any questions related to the SDBII program, please contact Jennifer Hickerson with KDDC at [email protected]. |
Updates and Events
2024 Specialty Processing Equipment and Dairy Business Planning Grants Now Open
Two dairy business grants are now open through the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative:
- The Specialty Processing Equipment Grant provides reimbursement funds to undertake projects that result in increased efficiency, capacity, or new processing capabilities in an existing or proposed dairy processing facility.
- The Dairy Business Planning Grant provides reimbursement funds to permitted dairy businesses (farms and processors) that are seeking the help of experts to plan for the future.
Applications are open for both grants until September 25th at 5pm/ET. An information session on these two grants will be held on August 5th from 11am - noon/ET. Register here. Contact Shep Stearns with questions at [email protected].
Two dairy business grants are now open through the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative:
- The Specialty Processing Equipment Grant provides reimbursement funds to undertake projects that result in increased efficiency, capacity, or new processing capabilities in an existing or proposed dairy processing facility.
- The Dairy Business Planning Grant provides reimbursement funds to permitted dairy businesses (farms and processors) that are seeking the help of experts to plan for the future.
Applications are open for both grants until September 25th at 5pm/ET. An information session on these two grants will be held on August 5th from 11am - noon/ET. Register here. Contact Shep Stearns with questions at [email protected].
Update from the 2023 grant period
11 Kentucky producers received funding for operation improvements through the 2023 SDBII Precision Technology and Infrastructure grant opportunity made available to the southeast states thanks to an USDA grant. KDDC is excited to be part of the collaboration with UT along with NCSU in orchestrating this grant opportunity to the southeast dairy producers.
These grants provided our Kentucky producers with opportunities to develop, grow and expand areas in their dairy operations that will ultimately benefit their management and sustainability of their dairy operations. A few types of opportunities that were made available to producers were in areas of housing focusing on cow comfort through improving stalls, mattresses, ect.; environmental sustainability through manure handling equipment; reproduction improvements through heat detection systems; and much more.
Jennifer, Kentucky's SDBII coordinator says, “I was really happy with last year’s participation level and excited that we had so many producers get funded for their projects. This is a unique opportunity and our producers should capitalize on the opportunity. The process can be overwhelming, but success can be achieved. It’s a great opportunity and I’m hoping more producers will reach out for assistance and support from us so Kentucky producers can be represented even more with this round of applications.”
We are looking forward to the next available round of funding for this grant opportunity. Look for more information as we go forward into the new year. It’s not too soon to be thinking about what these projects could offer your dairy. Please reach out to Jennifer Hickerson the Kentucky State Coordinator of the SDBII or your local dairy consultants with questions or to discuss your options.
KDDC is here to help so even if you think you are worried about the competitiveness of this grant, ask some of the others that received funding….it’s well worth the effort and we are here to support you through the process. Reach out to us today to get started planning for the next cycle available in 2024.
11 Kentucky producers received funding for operation improvements through the 2023 SDBII Precision Technology and Infrastructure grant opportunity made available to the southeast states thanks to an USDA grant. KDDC is excited to be part of the collaboration with UT along with NCSU in orchestrating this grant opportunity to the southeast dairy producers.
These grants provided our Kentucky producers with opportunities to develop, grow and expand areas in their dairy operations that will ultimately benefit their management and sustainability of their dairy operations. A few types of opportunities that were made available to producers were in areas of housing focusing on cow comfort through improving stalls, mattresses, ect.; environmental sustainability through manure handling equipment; reproduction improvements through heat detection systems; and much more.
Jennifer, Kentucky's SDBII coordinator says, “I was really happy with last year’s participation level and excited that we had so many producers get funded for their projects. This is a unique opportunity and our producers should capitalize on the opportunity. The process can be overwhelming, but success can be achieved. It’s a great opportunity and I’m hoping more producers will reach out for assistance and support from us so Kentucky producers can be represented even more with this round of applications.”
We are looking forward to the next available round of funding for this grant opportunity. Look for more information as we go forward into the new year. It’s not too soon to be thinking about what these projects could offer your dairy. Please reach out to Jennifer Hickerson the Kentucky State Coordinator of the SDBII or your local dairy consultants with questions or to discuss your options.
KDDC is here to help so even if you think you are worried about the competitiveness of this grant, ask some of the others that received funding….it’s well worth the effort and we are here to support you through the process. Reach out to us today to get started planning for the next cycle available in 2024.
Tips and Links When Submitting a Grant Application
The Function of a Letter of Support
A letter of support is often included as a part of the grant application package and serves an important role.
Each part of your grant application is important and is taken into consideration during the review process. A letter of support has a unique opportunity in that it can help strengthen your project application into an even more competitive application.
A letter of support potentially:
Who is a good potential candidate for a Letter of Support?
Your suppliers, finance advisors, consultant, nutritionist, veterinarian, milk co-op field representative, extension agents, community members, etc are all good Letter of Support options.
Be sure that they are someone that:
YOU are Your Best Grant Writer!
Interested in applying for the Infrastructure or Precision grant through SDBII, but stuck on the application process? Wondering if you need to hire a professional grant writer to get your application selected and funded? The answer is no.
Having a professional grant writer isn’t a requirement! After all, who can tell your story and explain the needs and goals of your operation better than yourself?
Though it’s perfectly acceptable if you want to hire a professional grant writer, using a professional is not a guarantee that your application will be awarded funding. In fact, many producers have been awarded grants without the help (or expense) of a professional. If hiring professional help, carefully consider costs and capabilities. Some pros may only receive payment if the project is funded.
Key things to remember:
1) You have access to the grant rubric. This rubric tells you exactly what you need to include in your application to maximize the number of points your application can receive.
2) Allow yourself enough time for reviewing. Ask your friends, family or available business resources to review your application to strengthen it. While KDDC consultants can't write applications, we are available to review them. Contact your local consultant or Jennifer Hickerson for more info.
3) More isn’t always better. If you can make your point in 4-5 sentences, don’t add unneeded “fluff” to your answers. Fluff is defined in writing as "any part of the statement that is off topic, increases word count unnecessarily, makes it harder to understand by unnecessary or redundant explanations." Focus on quality over quantity. Your point will be clearer if you focus on direct statements to catch the readers attention.
Rubric: https://valueaddeddairy.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/244/2023/02/Grant-Application-Review-Rubric_SDBII-Farm-Grants.pdf
Grant tutorial: https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/grant-webinar-spring-2021
Compatibility Matters
Take time to assess your project. If your project contains more than one component be sure that they are compatible with each other to have a higher chance of application success.
Examples:
Technology example one is applying for an inline milk meter system and an automatic feed pusher. One focused on milk quality/production and one on feed efficiency: INCOMPATIBLE
Technology example two is applying for an estrus detection system and genomic testing. Both are focused on reproduction: COMPATIBLE
Infrastructure example one is applying for curtains and a sprinkler system for their free stalls. Both are focused on heat abatement: COMPATIBLE
Infrastructure example two is applying for a manure spreader and a plate cooler. One focused on manure management and one on milk handling: INCOMPATIBLE
What is a UEI?
The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier used in SAM.gov and other federal government systems as a way to identify a unique entity.
What’s the difference between only getting a Unique Entity ID and registering your entity?
Registering your entity and getting a UEI: An entity registration allows your organization the opportunity to receive a contract or assistance directly from the federal government, not from another contractor or awardee. You need to register your entity in SAM.gov when you want to bid on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee. The process for entity registrations includes getting the Unique Entity ID and requires assertions, representations and certifications, and other information about your business. The Unique Entity ID does not expire. However, registrations must be updated and renewed each year to remain in the “active registration” status. If you do not update or renew your registration, it will be in an “inactive” status, but your entity will still have its same Unique Entity ID.
Getting a Unique Entity ID only: Dairy businesses should select this option if they are applying for a UEI specifically for SDBII grants only. Some entities who do business with the government may choose not to register in SAM.gov, for example, sub-awardees. In this case, those entities cannot bid directly on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee. If this is the goal of the entity, they can go to SAM.gov and get a Unique Entity ID only (no entity registration required). The information required for getting a Unique Entity ID without registration is minimal. It only validates your organization's legal business name and address.
A letter of support is often included as a part of the grant application package and serves an important role.
Each part of your grant application is important and is taken into consideration during the review process. A letter of support has a unique opportunity in that it can help strengthen your project application into an even more competitive application.
A letter of support potentially:
- establishes credibility of your project and validates your plan
- can give deeper insight into your operation
- demonstrate your commitment to the project
- demonstrate your abilities to complete the project
Who is a good potential candidate for a Letter of Support?
Your suppliers, finance advisors, consultant, nutritionist, veterinarian, milk co-op field representative, extension agents, community members, etc are all good Letter of Support options.
Be sure that they are someone that:
- knows you and your operation
- has knowledge of the details of project requested
- can communicate about the positive outcome for your operation
YOU are Your Best Grant Writer!
Interested in applying for the Infrastructure or Precision grant through SDBII, but stuck on the application process? Wondering if you need to hire a professional grant writer to get your application selected and funded? The answer is no.
Having a professional grant writer isn’t a requirement! After all, who can tell your story and explain the needs and goals of your operation better than yourself?
Though it’s perfectly acceptable if you want to hire a professional grant writer, using a professional is not a guarantee that your application will be awarded funding. In fact, many producers have been awarded grants without the help (or expense) of a professional. If hiring professional help, carefully consider costs and capabilities. Some pros may only receive payment if the project is funded.
Key things to remember:
1) You have access to the grant rubric. This rubric tells you exactly what you need to include in your application to maximize the number of points your application can receive.
2) Allow yourself enough time for reviewing. Ask your friends, family or available business resources to review your application to strengthen it. While KDDC consultants can't write applications, we are available to review them. Contact your local consultant or Jennifer Hickerson for more info.
3) More isn’t always better. If you can make your point in 4-5 sentences, don’t add unneeded “fluff” to your answers. Fluff is defined in writing as "any part of the statement that is off topic, increases word count unnecessarily, makes it harder to understand by unnecessary or redundant explanations." Focus on quality over quantity. Your point will be clearer if you focus on direct statements to catch the readers attention.
Rubric: https://valueaddeddairy.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/244/2023/02/Grant-Application-Review-Rubric_SDBII-Farm-Grants.pdf
Grant tutorial: https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/grant-webinar-spring-2021
Compatibility Matters
Take time to assess your project. If your project contains more than one component be sure that they are compatible with each other to have a higher chance of application success.
Examples:
Technology example one is applying for an inline milk meter system and an automatic feed pusher. One focused on milk quality/production and one on feed efficiency: INCOMPATIBLE
Technology example two is applying for an estrus detection system and genomic testing. Both are focused on reproduction: COMPATIBLE
Infrastructure example one is applying for curtains and a sprinkler system for their free stalls. Both are focused on heat abatement: COMPATIBLE
Infrastructure example two is applying for a manure spreader and a plate cooler. One focused on manure management and one on milk handling: INCOMPATIBLE
- Your project should have compatible components that flow together for a common purpose.
- Your project does not have to utilize the maximum amount. Don’t add components in just to reach the max level of funding unless they are compatible with your whole grant project.
What is a UEI?
The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier used in SAM.gov and other federal government systems as a way to identify a unique entity.
What’s the difference between only getting a Unique Entity ID and registering your entity?
Registering your entity and getting a UEI: An entity registration allows your organization the opportunity to receive a contract or assistance directly from the federal government, not from another contractor or awardee. You need to register your entity in SAM.gov when you want to bid on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee. The process for entity registrations includes getting the Unique Entity ID and requires assertions, representations and certifications, and other information about your business. The Unique Entity ID does not expire. However, registrations must be updated and renewed each year to remain in the “active registration” status. If you do not update or renew your registration, it will be in an “inactive” status, but your entity will still have its same Unique Entity ID.
Getting a Unique Entity ID only: Dairy businesses should select this option if they are applying for a UEI specifically for SDBII grants only. Some entities who do business with the government may choose not to register in SAM.gov, for example, sub-awardees. In this case, those entities cannot bid directly on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee. If this is the goal of the entity, they can go to SAM.gov and get a Unique Entity ID only (no entity registration required). The information required for getting a Unique Entity ID without registration is minimal. It only validates your organization's legal business name and address.
- You do not need a UEI number to apply for the SDBII grants. However, if your project application is approved for funding having your UEI number will speed the reimbursement of funds up for you.
- If interested in applying for other grant opportunities other than SDBII it is likely you will need a UEI to do so.
- An UEI is free to obtain. It can be found on the SAM.gov website. So be aware. If you are on a website that prompts you to pay for this service please double check that you are on the correct website because you will not be asked to pay for this service.
- See this quick start guide for directions on obtaining a UEI number or reach out to a KDDC representative for help.
2020 Value-Added Dairy Workshop Videos
