HELENA, MONTANA – The Montana Livestock Loss Board (LLB) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Loss Prevention Grants. These grants align with the LLB's mission to support Montana livestock producers and communities by mitigating the economic impact of livestock losses caused by wolves, grizzly bears, and mountain lions. The Board aims to provide financial assistance to programs that help prevent these predators from preying on livestock and reduce conflicts.

The deadline for submitting applications is May 31, 2025. Grant applications can be found on the LLB website at http://www.llb.mt.gov. Interested individuals or entities can also request an application by contacting the LLB office at [email address removed] or 406-444-4994.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible applicants include individuals or entities directly engaged in the business of raising and selling livestock or livestock products. Applicants who have previously experienced livestock losses due to wolves, grizzly bears, or mountain lions must submit a summary of their prior losses with their application. The LLB may, at its discretion, also consider the following applicants:

Youth agricultural program participants, such as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H members.
Nonprofit entities (including grazing associations) that partner or conduct business on behalf of livestock producers.
Grant Funding Limits and Conditions:

The amount of a grant request cannot exceed 10% of the total value of the livestock to be protected by the loss prevention project. All activities proposed by the applicant must be allowable predator prevention practices as outlined in policies or publications issued by the LLB, USDA Wildlife Services, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), or other entities deemed appropriate by the LLB.

Project applicants are required to provide a 30% match of the total project costs. Additionally, up to 10% of the total grant request can be used for indirect costs such as office overhead, grant administration, and consulting fees.

About the Montana Livestock Loss Board:

The Montana Legislature established the Montana Livestock Loss Board in 2007 to address the economic losses resulting from wolf predation and to encourage producers to implement proactive measures to reduce the risk of loss. The LLB is administratively attached to the Montana Department of Livestock.

The purpose of the Montana Livestock Loss Program is to recognize the importance of the economic viability and sustainability of individual Montana livestock operations negatively impacted by wolves, grizzly bears, or mountain lions. Specifically, the objectives of the loss reduction and mitigation program are to:

Provide financial compensation to producers for losses caused by wolves, grizzly bears, or mountain lions according to program criteria.
Employ proactive tools and incentives to reduce the risk of losses caused by wolves, grizzly bears, or mountain lions.
The Montana Livestock Loss Board's provision of these Loss Prevention Grants is expected to make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Montana's livestock industry. Livestock producers are encouraged to take an active interest and participate in this opportunity.