Advancing Markets for Producers
G R A N T S
ALB has received a USDA AMP (Advancing Markets for Producers) grant, and we’re excited to invite sheep producers to be part of this opportunity to help grow the US sheep industry. This grant will integrate new technology and sustainable management strategies to boost productivity, open new markets, and strengthen opportunities for the next generation of producers.
Producer Program
The project will provide an opportunity for 150 sheep producers to identify production inefficiencies and to develop conservation plans. Producers will also modify management plans through technology implementation to mitigate emissions and improve their overall productivity. Enrolled producers will work with a Technical Service Provider (TSP) to establish operational plans, implement recommended changes and organize farm data to identify best management practices for productivity improvements.
Questions?
For more information about the Advanced Markets for Producers (AMP) Grant, please contact the American Lamb Board.
Enrollment Benefits
Producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. Additional enrollment benefits:
Technical Service Provider
Electronic livestock identification system
Soil sampling
NSIP ultrasound and genetic consulting services
Timeline
Applications for enrollment are now open through May 1. Accepted producers will be notified by June 1, 2026. For each producer, the program will start once the required eligibility documents are submitted and will conclude on September 30, 2028.
Producer Eligibility:
To be eligible for the payment, a producer must:
Establish Farm Records with the USDA Farm Service Agency
Complete an AD-2047 (Customer Data Worksheet to facilitate the collection of customer data for Business Partner Records)
Certify that they are not a foreign person
Certify that they are not receiving funds from other government programs, such as EQIP, for the same practices on the same acreage
Agree to share farm data to calculate production efficiencies and management practices associated with implemented land stewardship management practices
Participate in educational workshops and webinars
Producer Deliverables
$23,000 stipend
1. Work with Technical Services Provider (TSP) to gather data and complete the initial phase of the MSU Climate Emissions Calculator for your farm
2. Work with your TSP todevelop and complete the operational efficiency and conservation planning process
Schedule and complete initial site visit with your TSP
Complete the conservation planning process of identifying natural resource concerns, and then identifying conservation management practices that could address these issues
Develop overall Farm Management Plan that will include the following:
Grazing Management Plan (similar to NRCS format, so it is transferable)
Identify natural resource concerns
Identify farm goals & objectives
Identify forage availability throughout the year (quantity, quality, location, etc.)
Identify livestock nutrient needs throughout the year
Optimize resource conservation and livestock production
Soil and Water Management Plan
Identify soil and water resource concerns
Identify how livestock grazing and management could affect these resources
Identify mitigation measures
Operational Efficiency Plan
Identify operational inefficiencies
Identify methods and tools that could be used to improve efficiency, thereby increasing production
Review and incorporate American Lamb Board 12 Best Practices to Increase Your Lamb Crop
Incorporate information received from
NSIP genetic consultation
Genetics Improvement Plan
Based on NSIP consultation, describe plans for improving the genetics of your flock
Describe how $2,000 earmark will be used for genetic improvement
Climate Resiliency Plan
Develop strategies for reducing/mitigating emissions and increasing sequestration
3. Complete initial soil sampling
4. After developing all of the above plans, input new expected information into MSU Climate Emissions Calculator to show expected improvements (compared to initial assessment)
5. Work with TSP to complete COMET-Planner for your farm, based on your expected farm practice implementation
6. Through ALB, obtain and begin implementing electronic identification system
7. Through ALB, obtain and begin implementing marketing assistance
8. Complete self-monitoring and reporting, and documenting qualitative observations, including ecosystem services provided by the farm (form will be provided)
9. Final, end-of-project site visit from TSP