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Grazing for Appalachian Sustainability (GRASS)

Serving small and underserved farmers in Central Appalachia.


Project Overview

West Virginia University Extension is leading the GRazing for Appalachian SuStainability (GRASS) grant project. The goal of the GRASS project is to improve knowledge and management practices for small farmers in Central Appalachia, including all of West Virginia and Virginia, to expand markets for Appalachian cattle, beef and sheep. The GRASS project was awarded by the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers initiative. The goal of GRASS is to facilitate the production of Appalachian cattle, beef and sheep, promoting a shift from conventional management practices to soil health-conscious practices on working lands and expand existing markets for these commodities.

The GRASS project provides farmers with educational and technical assistance, as well as financial incentives, to support the transition from conventional management to sustainable conservation practices on working lands. Transitioning to conservation management practices for cattle, beef and sheep production will improve soil health while boosting economic outcomes for small farmers in Appalachia. Participating farmers may qualify to receive an annual cash incentive, training and marketing assistance. 

Approved USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practices include:

  • Alley Cropping (Code 311)
  • Silvopasture (Code 381)
  • Fencing (Code 382)*
  • Pasture and hay planting (Code 512)
  • Prescribed grazing (Code 528)
  • Nutrient management (Code 590)
  • Tree/Shrub Establishment (Code 612)
  • Watering facility (Code 614)*

*To be used only in combination with other practices listed above.

Project Partners

  • WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources; WVU Extension Small Farm Center
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • West Virginia Conservation Agency
  • West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts
  • Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • Hickory Nut Gap
  • Farmers United Cattle Company

Working with our project partners, our goal is to recruit and support participating farms in West Virginia and Virginia.

Current News

In April 2025, the current GRASS grant was terminated. This termination came as part of a wide-sweeping effort by the USDA to reevaluate the Climate Smart Commodities Program as a whole. Grants under the Climate Smart Commodities Program were given the opportunity to resubmit a revised proposal under the new Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. West Virginia University and its partner organizations took advantage of this opportunity, and as of February 13, 2026, have a new grant agreement to continue the project under AMP. 

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For more information, reach out to Kate Fotos, GRASS project program coordinator.