News and Events

In addition to scholarships and other awards, WCO offers a mini-grant program designed to support projects that benefit the custom farming and broader agricultural communities. These flexible grants help bring innovative ideas to life and strengthen the industry at the local level.

WCO is committed to investing in people and practical programming. One example is our support of five tractor safety courses across Wisconsin, including programs at the Food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover and Camp Tapawingo in Mishicot. Through these courses, WCO is helping offset costs for nearly 100 youth to learn safe tractor operation and basic first aid skills—building a safer next generation of agricultural workers.

Mini-grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. Funding is available shortly after approval, with 50% distributed upfront and the remaining 50% provided with a final report.

Priority is given to projects that directly benefit the custom farming community, involve custom farmers or their clients, support student engagement, or emphasize safety, leadership, innovation, and community involvement.

The program is open to university and technical college faculty, staff, students, student organizations, and nonprofit organizations, as well as others deemed appropriate by the WCO Scholarship and Awards Committee.

Even small investments can make a meaningful difference, and WCO encourages members and partners to consider how this program could support ideas, events, or initiatives in their own communities.

To learn more or apply, visit wiscustomoperators.org under the “About Us” tab, or contact execdir@wiscustomoperators.org.