New WPA Grant Supports Climate-Smart Pork Farming

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) has announced that the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant program is now open to all Wisconsin farmers.

This initiative provides pork producers and row crop farmers with both financial assistance and technical guidance to adopt and maintain conservation-focused farming practices that strengthen long-term farm viability.

The program supports a wide range of climate-smart practices, including cover crops, livestock integration, improved manure management, and energy-efficient barn upgrades.

By participating, producers can enhance operational efficiency, protect their freedom to operate, and position their farms to meet growing market expectations for sustainably produced pork.

In addition to incentive payments, participants are paired with a technical advisor who helps ensure practices are implemented correctly and aligned with evolving supply chain requirements.

One of the program’s key advantages is its ability to strengthen producers’ market position. Retailers and foodservice companies are increasingly seeking suppliers that can demonstrate sustainability efforts. By documenting conservation practices, producers can increase their appeal to these buyers while improving transparency across the supply chain.

The program also helps attract partnerships with companies that value ethical and responsible production. Aligning with the pork industry’s We Care Ethical Principles allows producers to stand out as preferred partners while supporting resilience and long-term growth.

Eligible practices include cover crops, livestock integration with cover crops, no-till and strip-till systems, swine manure management, LED barn lighting, and heat mat upgrades.

Getting started is straightforward. Producers begin by completing the confidential Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, then select qualifying practices that fit their operation and submit grant paperwork. Once practices are implemented and verified through documentation such as receipts and photos, funding is issued.

The grant is supported by $35 million in total funding, including $20 million in federal support, $10 million from Nestlé, and $5 million from Pork Checkoff funds.

Through this program, producers can build resilience, demonstrate stewardship, and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable future for U.S. pork production.

To learn more, click here.

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic