The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than $26 million in Value Added Producer Grant funding for farmers and ranchers on Sept. 18, 2026. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins unveiled the awards, which will support 194 agricultural projects nationwide. USDA Rural Development is sending $11.6 million of that total to 80 beef producer projects. The grants help producers turn raw crops and livestock into higher-value goods, creating new revenue streams for rural communities.
How the Value Added Producer Grant Program Works
The Value Added Producer Grant program, known as VAPG, gives money to farmers who want to add value to what they grow or raise. Producers can use the funds for market research, processing equipment and marketing strategies. As a result, ranchers and growers gain the tools to sell finished products instead of raw commodities.
For example, a rancher might use grant money to convert live cattle into packaged, branded beef products. This process typically increases profit margins because processed goods command higher prices than raw ingredients. Additionally, the program supports business planning services that help producers navigate new markets.
Beef Producers Receive Largest Share of Funding
Beef operations received the biggest slice of this round, with 80 projects sharing $11.6 million. Light Hill Meats in Columbia, Tennessee, will use a $199,309 grant for processing, marketing and distribution. The company plans to expand its grain-finished, hormone-free beef products to new customers.
Family Farm Direct LLC in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, received $145,838 to transform Angus beef into dry-aged jerky and pet treats. The company expects the project to add nearly 31,000 new customers. Meanwhile, officials project the venture will generate about $165,000 in additional revenue.
Blair Carney Farms LLC in Adair County, Iowa, will receive $48,000 for marketing and processing. The family-owned operation plans to expand sales of its Black Angus beef products. These awards show how small and mid-sized producers can strengthen their position within the beef industry. This growth also supports the broader livestock sector across rural America.
What USDA Leaders Say About the Value Added Producer Grant Awards
Secretary Rollins said the grants support the Great American Cattle Herd initiative. “These grants represent another investment in the Great American Cattle Herd as we fortify the American beef industry,” she said. She added that helping producers develop new products creates long-term economic resilience in rural communities.
Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith echoed that sentiment. “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,” Smith said. He called the program “a win all around” for rural America.
Applying for Future Value Added Producer Grants
USDA typically accepts VAPG applications between January and May, depending on when funding becomes available. Producers interested in future rounds should watch for the next application window. Furthermore, USDA Rural Development oversees a range of programs supporting rural infrastructure, including broadband, electricity and housing access. These efforts tie into broader agriculture policy initiatives like VAPG.
Why This Value Added Producer Grant Round Matters for Farmers
This round of Value Added Producer Grant funding shows USDA’s continued focus on rural economic growth. For farmers and ranchers, these grants offer a pathway to boost income without relying solely on raw commodity prices. Consequently, producers who add value to their products can better withstand market swings. Farmers should watch for the next application period and consider how a Value Added Producer Grant could support new products or expanded markets.
Producers can find more information about eligibility and deadlines by visiting USDA Rural Development’s Value Added Producer Grant program page. This story is based on a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.