Contact:

Heidi Gant

317-692-7828

HGant@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – July 7, 2026 – Applications are now open for Indiana Farm Bureau’s new grant opportunity to assist with the growth and development of women's agriculture-related small businesses. The organization will award up to five $1,000 grants that may be used to fund training and professional development opportunities, technological enhancements or upgraded equipment for women-owned businesses in Indiana.

“In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we wanted to help provide more opportunities for women to succeed in farming and agribusiness,” said Chelsea Poe, INFB’s executive director of education and engagement. “This initiative also aligns with one of our top priorities this year to create incentives for rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification. We know funding can be a huge roadblock in growing a business, so hopefully this grant will alleviate that hurdle for some.”

To be eligible, applicants must be 21 years of age or older and represent a woman-owned and agriculture-related business.

The application and more information can be found here. The deadline to apply is midnight on August 15, 2026.

Winners will be recognized on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Indiana Farm Bureau's Harvest Dinner, an event to celebrate women in agriculture. The dinner will be held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Bicentennial Pavilion in Noblesville, Indiana, and will provide attendees an opportunity to network. Natasha Cox, senior vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America, will provide the keynote address.

Registration is required but attendance is open to anyone. The cost is $50, which includes the meal and a drink ticket. A portion of each registration fee will go toward the Janis E. Highley memorial fund through the Farm Bureau Foundation, supporting the Women’s Leadership Committee and Young Farmers & Ag Professionals at INFB. For more information and to register, visit www.infb.org/events.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected and enhanced the future of agriculture and our communities. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to cultivate a thriving agricultural ecosystem to strengthen the viability of Indiana agriculture. Learn more at INFB.org.