Gianna Short

Expert Analysis for Data-Driven, Inclusive, and Resilient Agriculture

I’m an economist helping agricultural stakeholders navigate credit systems, reduce financial risk, and improve access to capital. I bring a unique blend of technical precision and policy fluency, serving as a bridge between data and decision-makers. I offer a collaborative and flexible approach with an ability to work within your systems and workflows, or independently as needed.

My professional background includes 10+ years of experience leading data-driven evaluations of agricultural technology and credit programs. I am an expert in analysis of the intersection among credit infrastructure, borrower access, and program performance. I have extensive federal experience at USDA, including published research and cross-agency collaboration.

I offer three types of services:

Background

  • Applied Economics PhD, University of Minnesota

  • Former USDA GS-15 with Farm Production and Conservation Agency  

  • Architect of USDA’s Application Fast Track credit scoring model and pilot

  • Widely published on credit risk and implications of agricultural policy (Google Scholar)

  • Contingent Faculty Member with Graduate Faculty Status at the University of Arkansas

  • Full resume

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Services

Strategic Consulting on Agricultural Credit & Policy

  • Design and evaluation of credit scoring models to improve efficiency and reduce risk

  • Equity and disparate impact assessments across groups 

  • Technical assistance for program design, pilot evaluation, and performance monitoring

Business Financial Guidance

  • Loan or grant application preparation (Grant Opportunities)

  • Financial readiness coaching

  • Personalized business planning and credit strategy

  • Translation of complex program rules into action steps

Applied Data Strategy for Complex, Incomplete, and Administrative Datasets

  • Over 10+ years experience translating agricultural and administrative data into insights 

  • Data cleaning and development of reproducible queries to combine multiple data sources across time and geography or for incomplete, inconsistent, or legacy data

  • Advanced data analytics, econometrics, and economic analysis 

  • Deep understanding of federal data security and privacy protocols

 

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Grants

The FY 2025 grant application period is open for Local Agriculture Marketing Program Grants (LAMP) grants. Applications are due on June 27, 2025.


USDA Rural Development (RD) Grants

Value-Added Producer Grants (Application period closed April 17, 2025.)


Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Grants

Grant RFAs available by region. 2026 RFA has not been announced yet.

2025 Award Funding Timeline:

  • September 16, 2024 – Application Open

  • November 14, 2024 – Application Deadline

  • February 14, 2025 – Award Notification