Bozeman, Mont., Jan. 17, 2024 – In 2023, USDA Rural Development in Montana awarded more than $2.2 million in direct funds to 10 rural small businesses and agricultural producers through its Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, which is designed to help generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase overall producer income to grow local economies in rural and Tribal areas.
“Small businesses and agricultural producers drive local economies across Montana,” said Kathleen Williams, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Montana. “These grants underscore USDA’s commitment to providing economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in rural and Tribal communities to grow their businesses toward self-sustainability while also supporting their families and communities.”
Montana’s Value-Added Producer Grant recipients in 2023 were:
Powder River Premium Beef, dba Montana Premium Beef, in Ashland, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing, cold storage, marketing, and transportation costs. This start-up family ranch in a rural community of 824 residents raises grass fed beef cattle.
Cold Springs Organics, LLC, in Bozeman, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for distribution costs. This first-generation farm in Gallatin County grows and supplies organic grains to several large brand name companies.
Shauna Stephenson, dba Good Mama Farm, in Harrison, Montana, received a $177,594 grant to provide working capital for marketing and packaging costs. This woman-owned farm in a rural town of 64 residents opened in 2020 and raises organic produce, pasture-raised chickens, eggs, goats’ milk, and sells product on farm and through delivery services.
Beauty and the Beef, LLC, in Helmville, Montana, received a $246,923 grant to provide working capital for processing and marketing costs. This rural small business raises grass fed cattle and produces packaged meat products.
County Rail Farm, LLC, dba Field Five Flowers, in Huson, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to help with packaging and processing. This rural small business in Missoula County grows certified organic flowers and vegetables.
Go Roam Free, LLC, in Hot Springs, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for distribution costs. This rural small business raises bison and produces all natural packaged meat products.
Oswald Farms, Inc., in Joliet, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing costs. This family-owned ranch in a town of 595 rural residents raises grass fed beef cattle and processes it into specialty cut packaged meats, sausages, and snacks.
Western Montana Grower’s Cooperative in Missoula, Montana, received a $246,447 grant to provide working capital funds for distribution to new customers in its market area. This independent, 35-producer owned cooperative aggregates locally sourced produce, meats, dairy, eggs, and honey within a 400-mile radius of Missoula.
Crooked Creek Farms, LLC, in Sidney, Montana, received a $35,400 grant to provide working capital for marketing, supplies, and transportation costs. This woman-owned farm in a rural community of 5,200 residents started in 2019 and produces all-natural butter and cream made from locally raised dairy cows.
Montana Branded, Inc., in Westby, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. This woman-owned rural small business, which began in 2018, raises single-sourced, grass fed, grain finished beef cattle in a town of 168 residents.
Value Added Producer Grants are awarded through a national competition and are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
Applications for 2024 grants are now being accepted. Paper applications must be postmarked and delivered by mail, email or in person to one of Montana's six offices by 4:30 p.m., Mountain Time, April 16, 2024. Electronic applications are due by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time, April 11, 2024.
For more information or to apply here in Montana contact USDA Rural Development Agriculture Producer State Specialist Marlee Johnston at marlee.johnston@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development offers grants, loans, and loan guarantees to expand economic opportunities, improve infrastructure, and provide safe, affordable housing for residents in rural and Tribal communities. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
To receive USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page and follow on Twitter @RD_Montana.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
USDA Rural Development has six offices in Montana – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. To learn more about investment resources for rural and Tribal areas in Montana, call (406) 585-2587 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.