The Center for Beef Excellence is pleased to offer cost-share grant funding through the Beef Excellence Initiatives Program. The goal of this program is to assist producers with implementing infrastructure projects that will make a positive impact on their operations and/or the Pennsylvania beef industry as a whole.

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Funding is subject to availability and is on a cost-share, reimbursement basis. Projects MUST be complete prior to applying. Projects must have been completed within the past 18 months, invooices must reflect those dates.

 

Grants will cover up to but not more than 50% of the total cost of the project. Maximum grant award up to but not exceeding $10,000.

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Prior grant recipients may not apply for a period of 3 years. 

 

Projects that will help a large cross-section of producers within a region are encouraged.

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Equipment such as tractors, balers, TMR mixers, etc., seed, cattle, power or hand tools and buildings not used for cattle are NOT eligible for funding. If in question, please contact CBE.

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CBE reserves the right to follow-up with an onsite visit of the project and to use photos and/or descriptions of projects for future programming and promotion.

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Program support is made possible through Ag Excellence funding provided by the PA Department of Agriculture. 

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Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Rounds:

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Applications for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will be accepted in Two Grant Rounds:

 

Round 1: September 15 through November 20, 2026

Round 2: January 1 through May 10, 2027 

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CBE MUST receive all applications by 5 pm on the last day of each round.

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Please be sure to review the Program Details page before completing & submitting the application.

 

Click here for application.

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2026-2027 Program Details/Qualifications:

 

**PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY**

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• Completed application must be received by CBE by 5 pm on the last day of each round to be eligible.​

  • For Round 2, if the project is in process but weather has permitted completion, applications and invoices to date must be submitted by May 10, 2027, however, projects MUST be completed and all final invoices/photos submitted to CBE by 5 pm on June 1, 2027.​

  • Scanned or mailed copies of application are preferred. Photos of application pages will not be accepted. 

• ​Projects MUST be completed prior to application. Projects in process/mid-construction must be completed by June 1, 2027 (see above).

• A detailed description of the operation and project must be included. Separate pages can be attached-no more than one page per description.

• A detailed budget of the total cost of the project from start to finish MUST be included on the form in the application.

  • Please include copies of receipts for the total cost of the project with your application. Do NOT send original receipts.

  • Each item on an invoice from supplier does not have to be broken out on the budget form, for example, a fencing invoice that breaks out number of corners/braces/length of wire, etc. can all go on one line as "fence" with the total cost.

• Define the impact the project will have:

  • On the individual operation​

  • On the beef industry in Pennsylvania (if applicable)

  • On the regional beef community (if applicable)

• Two references must be included who can give insight and support as to why the project should be funded (examples: extension educators, loan officers, NRCS/Conservation District employees, etc.). Letters of reference are NOT required.

• Maps and/or drawings of the project should be included if applicable (ex. fencing, water lines, etc).

• Before and after photos should be included to show project completion and improvement to the operation. At minimum, photos of the completed project MUST be included.

  • Please submit in jpg or png format, not in a pdf.​

  • MAXIMUM 10 photos

  • Do not submit videos

• BQA Certified producers will receive priority

  • To become BQA Certified, visit www.pa-bqa.org​

• Be sure to answer ALL questions on the application, review qualifications and sign before submitting.

• Grants are reimbursement grant programs. Funds will not be released until all receipts and proof of completion are received by CBE.

• If you have been awarded a BEI grant in the past, you are eligible to apply for funding every 3 years. 

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