USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program Phase 4 Diversifies Meat and Poultry Supply Chains and Opens New Markets

MPPEP Phase 4 provides grants to help eligible Wisconsin meat processors that primarily process cattle and want to expand their capacity

(Stevens Point, Wis., June 10, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced today that USDA is making more funding available for meat and poultry processors to expand operations, transform the food supply chain and create new and better markets for producers. USDA is making $60 million in grants available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPEPP) Phase 4.

"This round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program will help create new markets for small and mid-sized meat processors in Wisconsin," said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson. "This funding will provide more options for meat processors, create more jobs, and options for consumers in rural Wisconsin."

The grants will help independent businesses build and modernize processing facilities and equipment, adopt new technologies and train workers, advancing President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins' commitment to grow Wisconsin's rural economy.

Crescent Meats, LLC in Cadott recently expanded its facility by approximately 20,000 square feet with assistance from MPPEP Phase 1 funding. The additional space provides more office, dock and storage space. The project has improved food safety, streamlined processes, increased production, and added 35 jobs for rural Wisconsinites.

"The expansion has helped us negotiate with larger customers making us more efficient overall as a company," said Crescent Meats, LLC Co-ownerWayne Lautsbaugh. "We are now able to acquire Safe Quality Food certification as well with the ability to have way better separation throughout the entire facility that will open even more opportunities."

Eligible MPPEP projects may include processing expansion projects and simplified equipment-only projects. Ranges of funding and percentages of cost shares for each of the two categories are as follows:

1. Processing Expansion Projects: $50,000 to $2 million with 50% cost share
2. Simplified Equipment-Only Projects: $10,000 to $250,000 with 25% cost share

The primary purpose of MPPEP Phase 4 is to support the Wisconsin beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant's facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program; however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.

MPPEP Phase 4 applications must be submitted through www.Grants.gov by August 7, 2026, 11:59 Eastern Time. The application window opened May 7, 2026. To learn more about MPPEP Phase 4, contact [email protected].

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/wi, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Wisconsin.

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