Investing in rural Texas: CFC awards first-ever FIELD Fund Grants

Capital Farm Credit (CFC) is proud to announce the first recipients of its FIELD Fund grants, awarding $15,000 to organizations and programs strengthening rural communities, advancing agricultural education and fostering local development across Texas. 
 

The FIELD Fund, which stands for Fostering Investment in Education & Local Development, was established to support projects, programs and organizations whose work aligns with Capital Farm Credit’s commitment to agriculture and rural Texas. Funding is available in four key focus areas:

• Farmers markets
• Agricultural education
• Youth service projects
• Rural support and development

The inaugural grant recipients represent communities from South Texas to the Panhandle and demonstrate the powerful impact local organizations can have on the future of agriculture and rural life.
 

“By investing in organizations that educate youth, strengthen local economies, support community resources and promote agriculture, we’re helping build a stronger future for rural Texas,” said CEO Jeff Norte. “The FIELD Fund is an extension of our mission to serve rural Texas and agriculture beyond financing, and these recipients are creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on their communities.”
 

Grant applications are accepted year-round and awarded quarterly for projects and programs. Get more information about the grant categories and apply here.
 

Learn about our first-ever FIELD Fund grant recipients:
 

Agricultural Education – This grant is for hands-on learning, leadership projects and ag innovations that impact the future of agriculture.

• Alpha Omega Academy Agricultural Education Program in Walker County will receive $5,000 for its new Agriculture Science Facility. This facility includes a classroom, a working science lab, a greenhouse, a shop and a covered livestock pavilion for working livestock and helping students with projects.
• Blazing Trails 4-H Horse Club in Comal County will be awarded $2,500 for a project that focuses on improving the safety, education and overall well-being of the horses and youth participating in the 4-H horse project at the county livestock and equestrian facility. Funding from Capital Farm Credit will go toward replacing fencing, seeding and pasture management.
• A $2,000 grant is being given to the Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Rodeo Agricultural Education Program in Harris County. Inspired by the trailblazing legacy of Myrtis Dightman Sr., one of the first Black cowboys to compete at the highest levels of professional rodeo, the program serves as both a cultural tribute and a pathway for the next generation through a youth rodeo, which offers hands-on exposure to traditional rodeo events, horsemanship and livestock care, while also emphasizing discipline, responsibility and respect.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Egg-to-Chick Program in Taylor County will receive $1,000 to promote and expand its hatching in the classroom program. This includes the creation of materials and digital content of the hatching process to share online and at local events.
• World Hunger Relief Program in McLennan County will receive $500 for its Summer Farm Camp. This camp benefits the Waco community by increasing access to agricultural education, improving food literacy and creating meaningful opportunities for children to engage with how food is grown and produced.
   

Rural Support and Development – This grant underscores CFC’s commitment to strengthening and growing Texas communities.

• Lake Creek Greenway Partnership in Montgomery County will receive $1,000 to restore approximately 250 feet of trail at Lake Creek Nature Preserve that was damaged during construction of the Blackfin Pipeline. Geocells will be purchased and filled with gravel to stabilize the damaged trail sections. All labor will be provided at no cost through Eagle Scout service projects and community volunteers.
   

Farmers Markets — $1,000 grants are awarded to enhance and support farmers markets that provide fresh produce and homemade products and crafts in their communities.

• Laredo Main Street Farmers Market in Webb County will use its funding to increase awareness and utilization of SNAP benefits at the El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market to help more families access fresh, healthy, and locally grown food.
• Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market in Lubbock County will use its funding to cover the cost of a food assistance desk, which will recruit new growers through waiving vendor fees and expanding the use of SNAP benefits.
• Midland Downtown Farmers Market in Midland County will use its funding to connect local producers and artisans with the community, support small businesses and create a vibrant, trustworthy place to shop and gather. It will also provide education about seasonal foods, local foods, planting seeds and other gardening and cooking techniques.
   

“These investments reflect the cooperative’s long-standing belief that strong agricultural producers depend on strong rural communities,” Norte said. “Agriculture doesn’t thrive in isolation. When communities have access to educational opportunities, local markets, youth programs and quality community resources, everyone benefits. The FIELD Fund is designed to help cultivate those opportunities and strengthen the connections that make rural Texas resilient.”