LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund
The LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund supports Utah farm and ranch conservation projects by funding permanent easements that sustain agriculture, rural economies and working landscapes.
Funder: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Due Dates: August 31, 2027 (Annual batch deadline) | Rolling (Applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: $850,000 available annually; typical grants of $100,000–$500,000 for projects closing within two years
Summary: Grants help permanently protect Utah’s working farms and ranches through conservation easements.
Key Information: Projects need matching funds at least equal to the grant and consent from the local land use authority.
Description
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Land Conservation Program administers this fund, with final award decisions made by the independent Land Conservation Board. State legislative appropriations support the purchase of voluntary, perpetual conservation easements on working farm and ranch land. The fund aims to keep farmers and ranchers on the land, sustain agricultural production and rural economies, and preserve Utah’s agricultural landscapes.
The program prioritizes productive irrigated land, high-value agricultural soils and irrigation infrastructure. Projects must show a lasting public benefit, agricultural viability and readiness to complete. In limited circumstances, the fund may also support small restoration grants or acquisition of small parcels in fee title; prospective applicants should consult program staff about those uses.
