Tool & Equipment Rental

Washtenaw County Conservation District

​The WCCD Tools & Equipment Lending Library is designed to make various tools and implements accessible to local producers and landowners. The tools & equipment in the rental program are designed for conservation purposes. We offer Hand Tools, Herbicide Application tools, and larger Equipment rentals. Residents can request to reserve Tools & Equipment throughout the year.

Farmer Cost Share

Washtenaw County Conservation District

​The Farmer Cost-Share Program is intended to assist farmers in Washtenaw County with implementing conservation practices. The WCCD cost-share in particular is aimed at assisting with smaller, low-cost projects that can assist farmers in direct ways that will quickly be implemented on the farm

Michigan Farmland Preservation

Washtenaw County Conservation District

 The State of Michigan offers incentives in the form of tax breaks for landowners that meet certain requirements. The PA 116 agreement creates a temporary restriction on the land between the State and a landowner, voluntarily entered into by a landowner, preserving their land for agriculture in exchange for certain tax benefits and exemptions for various special assessments. (commonly known as  PA 116).

Rain Barrels, Composters & More!

Washtenaw County Conservation District

In 2023, the WCCD will host three Rain Barrel & Supplies sales & pick-up distributions at the following dates and locations:
​
March 27th, Monday, 1-4pm
Pre-sale period: January 3 - March 20
WCCD office
705 N Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48103

June 24th, Saturday noon-4pm
Also offering a Rain Barrels 101 Workshop !
Pre-sale period: March 21 - June 16
Limited Rain barrels and supplies will be available to purchase 6/24.
Growing Hope Farm
​​922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

September 29th, Friday, 1-5pm
Pre-sale period: August 1 - September 22
Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Rain barrels, accessories and composters are available only by pre-order. Preorders must be made at within the sale period to be included in that distribution.

If you ordered a rain barrel or supplies, and cannot pick-up the barrel at the distribution, we ask you send someone else to pick them up, and notify the WCCD Resource Coordinator in advance:
Doug Reith 734 302 8713 or doug@washtenawcd.org

Invasive Species Management

Michigan Invasive Species Coalition

Michigan is home to 22 cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMAs). Each CISMA operates cross-jurisdictionally to assist in the identification, containment and management of invaisve plants across the state. If you are in need of technical assistance or resources to help manage invasives on your property, do not hesitate to reach out to your local CISMA for help. You can find a map of thier respective counties here: https://www.michiganinvasives.org/managementareas/

Farm Bill Rapid Response Grants

Regenerative Agriculture Foundation

To succeed in our collective campaign efforts, we are excited to again support organizations in their work to build on or expand grassroots organizing and policy development efforts underway to shape the 2023 Farm bill. Housed at the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation (RAF) and managed by members of an advisory committee including National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, HEAL Food Alliance, Rural Coalition, and National Family Farm Coalition, we are thrilled to be able to offer a second round of funding. We anticipate granting over $350,0000 total in this round of funding; eligible organizations are invited to apply for mini-grants up to $10,000. 

2501 Program

USDA

The 1990 Farm Bill created the 2501 Program to help underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the 2501 Program to include veterans. The 2501 Program is officially called Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program.

The objective of the 2501 Program is to show USDA’s commitment to ensuring that underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters can equitably participate in USDA programs. Grants are awarded to community-based and non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and eligible Tribal entities with at least 3 years of experience in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers. Individual farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply for 2501 Program grants.

Manchester High Tunnels

Manchester High Tunnels

Manchester Hightunnels is a team of fabricators and builders that offer a combined 60 years experience in both the construction and horticultural industries. After several years of working with growers in the vegetable production space and green industry, they launched their 30’ gothic-style hoop house.

Indigenous Animals Grant

USDA

The Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program (IAG) is designed to support the priorities of Tribal Nations in meeting the needs of traditional harvesting methods and indigenous animals. This project intends to fund projects which invest in Tribal Nations’ supply chain resiliency, indigenous animals, restoring local indigenous food systems, and indigenous processing methods, and expanding local capacity for the harvesting, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution (communal or commercial) of meat, poultry, seafood, and other animals that provide culturally appropriate food and food security to tribal communities. The primary purpose of all projects must be to expand or enhance indigenous animals and meat processing capacity in Indian Country.

Local Meat Capacity Grant Program

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

Eligible applicants for Local MCap grants include business entities (regardless of legal structure) engaged in meat and poultry processing, including rendering animal carcasses or byproducts. Eligible entities include Tribes and Tribal Entities, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and State or local government entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all applicants must be domestically owned. Additionally, applicants’ facilities must be physically located within the 50 States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.