Dunn County JDA Distributes 83 Young Producers Grants to the Ag Community

The Dunn County Job Development Authority (JDA) has distributed funds for its 2026 Young Producers Grant to support residents ages 18 to 40 who work in agriculture. In 2026, 83 grants were approved, totaling $415,000 in funding. Applicants could apply for funding of up to $5,000 and must use the grant funds before November of this year.

“Agriculture has long been a key industry in Dunn County,” says Carie Boster, Director of the Dunn County JDA. “When Ag does well, Main Street does well.”

The Young Producers Grant is issued annually by the JDA, and recipients may reapply up to 10 times. Learn more about this year’s projects and how this grant makes a difference in the community. 

Applications Funded One-Time Farm or Ranch Projects

Dunn County agriculture workers who applied for the grant sought funding for one-time projects on their farms or ranches. Some of these projects allow producers to operate more efficiently, while others will enable them to enter new markets. 

A few examples of this year's projects include:

• Livestock purchases 
• Fruit trees for an orchard
• Secondary farm income streams and small-scale boutique crops
• Building repairs
• Water projects
• Predator control
• Fencing and corrals 
• A high tunnel greenhouse to extend the growing season
• Technology upgrades

These grants make new investments (such as testing boutique crops) less risky and make essential upgrades more affordable.

The Grant is Funded by Oil and Gas Taxes

While the Young Producers Grant is distributed by the Dunn County JDA, funding for the program comes from the Dunn County Board of Commissioners through oil and gas taxes. This means residents don’t pay for the grant funds. Instead, the oil and gas companies fund the program and support agricultural initiatives in the community.

These grants also benefit the greater Dunn County community. Some recipients worked with local businesses and other entrepreneurs to fund their projects, like hiring a local company to assist with fencing or corrals. The JDA encouraged applicants to use their grant money locally, further stretching the benefits of the funds.

“Participants are using these grants as partial funding to cover larger projects,” says Boster. “In 2025, we invested $484,487 in the program, and our records indicate that over $1,023,000 was spent in the community and the surrounding region. In 2026, we asked recipients to spend more of their grants closer to home. I am excited to see the investment trend continue.

The same dollars awarded through the grants can help the Young Producers while also supporting other local businesses, giving them more spending money. The dollars keep getting recycled and benefit the entire region multiple times over.

This Program Supports the Next Generation of Producers

It is more important than ever for communities to invest in their farmers and ranchers. The average North Dakota farmer is nearly 60 years old, in line with the national average. Older producers are preparing to retire and looking to pass down their land to the next generation. Younger producers are preparing to take over the family operations, but they also have entrepreneurial spirits. They want to explore new ways of doing things or invest in diverse income streams. The Dunn County JDA is here to support these efforts.

“Farming and ranching can be one of the most capital-intensive sectors to enter,” says Boster. “Our hope is that this program helps new entrepreneurs get started and provides that little extra support during the generational transfer of the family farm.”

The JDA is excited to see which new crops emerge from this year’s grants and how local ranchers improve their workflows. By investing in agriculture, the JDA can help local producers while setting up the next generation for fulfilling, lasting careers.

Learn More About the Dunn County JDA

The Dunn County JDA supports residents and businesses across the community. It is committed to helping people grow while living a rural lifestyle. The Young Producers Grant is just one program administered by the JDA, and it takes on other projects and resource opportunities throughout the year. Explore everything the JDA has to offer and see how it can make a difference in your business and its operations. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help you