The "Funding Opportunities for Farmers" database collects information on grants and other programs that provide funding directly to farmers and ranchers. All of the opportunities listed are available on the Central Coast. This database will be updated regularly with new opportunities and current application deadlines.

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Announcements

 

We are excited to announce the next phase of the Central Coast Soil Hub’s regional rangeland conservation program. We have hired Grant Johnson as our new regional rangeland conservation planner. Grant will be based out of the Coastal San Luis RCD but he is available to provide technical assistance to ranchers and rangeland managers in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. He will also play a major role in continuing the development of the Central Coast Rancher-to-Rancher network, as well as organizing a variety of technical workshops focused on rangeland conservation.

Born and raised on the Central Coast of California, Grant has always had a deep connection to the land. He studied Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and after graduating, he naturally found his way to the local Resource Conservation District, where he spent four years working on restoration projects and supporting local ranchers and farmers. While this work was meaningful and fulfilling, he felt called to deepen his understanding of grazing management, soil health, and get more on the ground experience.

Grant left the RCD to work and learn on ranches throughout the West, gaining practical experience and studying under respected mentors in holistic management. During this time, he became a certified holistic management practitioner and educator.

He was also selected to participate in the Integrity Soils CREATE program led by Nicole Masters—a 34‑week intensive designed to train consultants and coaches in the principles and practices of healthy, agroecological systems. This experience broadened his understanding of ecosystem processes and strengthened his approach to working with both land and people.

Grant continues to manage land and is currently expanding his cow–calf herd. When he’s not working, he enjoys being outdoors, surfing, spending time with friends, family, and partner, and—of course—putting his cows back where they’re supposed to be.

If you’d like to get in contact with Grant, you can reach him at gjohnson@coastalrcd.org