USDA Invests in Idaho’s Beef and Ag Producers with Funding for Value-Added Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development Idaho
https://www.rd.usda.gov/id Contact: [email protected]

(Boise, Idaho, October 7, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Idaho State Director Rick D. Youngblood announced a total of $560,000 was awarded to support three agricultural producers in rural Idaho through USDA's Value Added Producer Grant program.

"These Value-Added Producer Grants will not only help Idaho producers bring new opportunities to their businesses, but also to families across the state," said Youngblood. "USDA Rural Development is proud to support producers who continue investing in the future of Idaho agriculture. As the saying goes, Idaho isn't just about agriculture, Idaho is agriculture."

Recently, Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced over $26 million awarded to farmers and agricultural producers across the country.

In Idaho, three agriculture producers are awarded:

• Cross O Meats LLC in Pollock, a sixth-generation family ranch founded in 1890 that expanded into a direct-to-consumer butcher shop and meat supplier, will use a $200,000 grant to process beef into packaged cuts, and its signature Grit Sticks. The grant, along with matching funds, will support slaughter and processing operations. The project is expected to create one job and retain another.
• Castle Rock Ranch Camp LLC in Kingston, a family run ranch founded in 2012, will use a $160,000 grant to process grass-fed cattle into finished beef products. The operation, located along the Coeur d'Alene River, has grown from a small ranch into a multifaceted agricultural and youth education business offering grass-fed beef, horseback riding, farm-to-table programs and outdoor camps for girls. The grant, along with matching funds, will support slaughter, processing and labor costs. The project is expected to create one job and retain one job.
• Onions LLC of Parma, an agricultural producer specializing in growing and distributing onions, will use a $200,000 grant to process raw onions into its new ready-to-use product Unstinkable Onion Trays. The grant, along with matching funds, will support peeling labor, packaging materials and marketing efforts. The project is expected to create nine jobs.

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/id.