A consortium of counties in the "thumb area" of Michigan initiated an effort called TARE (Thumb Area Research and Extension) to test new products and technologies as a third party source of grower information. Since it was, initially, an experimental program, older equipment was purchased for the field testing component of the program. Non-discretionary grant funds are available which could be used for equipment purchases but would require additional funds for other variable expenses.

The project will provide grant funds to allow the purchase of other variable expense items (fuel, seed, fertilizer, etc.) when transferring some non-discretionary funds to new equipment purchases.