Dairy producers who are looking to start building a herd of Registered Ayrshires in Wisconsin may want to apply for grant money from the state's breed association. The annual Beginning in Ayrshires Grant program is being sponsored by the Wisconsin Ayrshire Breeders' Association.

The chosen applicant will be awarded $1,000 from WABA, which will be used to help purchase an Ayrshire cow. The goal of the program is to show farmers the profitability of Ayrshires in their milking herd.

The grant will be given in the form of a certificate to be redeemed with the purchase of animals at the annual Wisconsin Ayrshire Spring Sale in Thorp on April 17.

For more information or to obtain an application, call 920-980-5722. The deadline to apply is January 20.