US farmers to get $26.5 million in new grants as USDA backs beef producers and rural businesses across America

US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that more than $26 million in grants will be awarded to farmers and agricultural producers across the country through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. The funds can be used to develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and put business and marketing strategies into action.

“While the Biden Administration waged economic war against our ranchers and farmers, the Trump Administration is focused on putting our ranchers and farmers first. These grants represent another investment in the Great American Cattle Herd as we fortify the American beef industry,” said Secretary Rollins. “By supporting our ranchers and agricultural producers as they develop new products and increase the value of what they grow and raise, we’re helping to create new revenue opportunities to grow the herd and create long-term economic resilience in rural communities across this nation.”

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“USDA Rural Development partners with people in rural America so they have the tools they need to build stronger businesses and create jobs for people in their communities,” said Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith. “This program helps our producers eliminate the middleman, create homegrown products from the crops and animals they grow, and put more money in their pockets and their local communities. It’s a win all around and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

USDA Rural Development is investing $26.5 million across 194 agricultural projects nationwide, including $11.6 million for 80 beef producer projects.

Among the recipients are:

• Light Hill Meats in Columbia, Tennessee, which will receive a $199,309 grant to support processing, marketing, sales and distribution as it expands its grain-finished, hormone-free beef products to new customers.
• Family Farm Direct LLC in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, which will receive $145,838 for supplies, distribution, processing and manufacturing expenses as it turns Angus beef into dry-aged primal pet products and beef jerky. The project is expected to expand the company's customer base by nearly 31,000 people and increase revenue by about $165,000.
• Blair Carney Farms LLC in Adair County, Iowa, which has been awarded $48,000 to support marketing and processing activities as the family-owned business expands its market for various Black Angus beef products.

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Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program are generally accepted between January and May, although the exact timing can vary depending on when program funding becomes available.

USDA Rural Development supports rural communities through programs aimed at expanding access to high-speed internet, electricity and infrastructure while also supporting economic development, healthcare, education, housing and other essential services. More investment information and historical data are available through the Rural Data Gateway.