USDA Highlights Funding to Beef Producers for Value-Added Agriculture Projects in Iowa

(Des Moines, Iowa, October 30, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today highlighted fiscal year 2026 awards to agricultural producers in Iowa made through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program to amplify the program's reach.

"This funding can help create additional options for farmers and other ag producers as they seek new revenue streams. They can use the grant funds from this program to develop value-added agricultural products, pay processing costs, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies," said Sexton. "Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA is supporting innovative Iowa producers as they expand markets, strengthen local food accessibility, and help build a more resilient food supply chain."

USDA Rural Development is investing $26.5 million in 194 agricultural projects across the country, with $11.6 million going to 80 beef producer projects.

In Iowa, the following awards for fiscal year 2026 are:

• O'Connell Organic Acres LLC, a family-owned and operated farm business in Dubuque County, Iowa, received a $199,762 grant to provide working capital. This project will fund hired-labor expenses, marketing, processing, and purchasing supplies and e-commerce software to support meat and poultry production. Farm products include grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and poultry.
  
• Blair Carney Farms LLC received a $48,000 grant, which will fund marketing and processing activities for the family-owned and operated company in Adair County, Iowa. This project will help the company expand its market for multiple Black Angus beef food products.

Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program are typically accepted for processing from agricultural producers between January and May, depending on when program funding is allocated.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

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