The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for its Healthy Soil Program. The act’s purpose is to promote and support farming and ranching systems and other forms of land management that increase soil organic matter, aggregate stability, microbiology and water retention to improve the state’s soil health, yield and profitability. New Mexico farmers and ranchers interested in applying must do so by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 through an Eligible Entity, such as a Soil and Water Conservation District; a tribe, nation, or pueblo; or a land grant or acequia.