USDA Awards Grant to Morgan County Beef Processor

(Malta, Ohio, November 10, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell announced that USDA will invest $186,653 in Hilltop Butcher Shop through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). Ohio Senator Brian Chavez, Ohio Representative Ty Moore, and Morgan County Commissioners joined State Director Tassell to announce the award.

"President Trump is focused on putting American ranchers first, and providing more local processing opportunities will help our ranchers to expand their herds." said Tassell. "It was great to join our partners at Hilltop Butcher Shop in supporting the ranchers of Morgan County."

Hilltop Butcher Shop will receive a $186,653 MPPEP grant to expand its processing capacity and increase direct-to-consumer sales of processed beef. Hilltop Butcher Shop is an independent meat processor based in Malta. The company operates a federally inspected processing plant, a retail meat shop, and wholesale supplies to local retailers and restaurants.

The primary purpose of MPPEP Phase 4 is to support the Ohio beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant's facility must primarily process cattle for the project to be eligible for the program, however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility. To learn more about MPPEP, contact Ohio Business Programs Director Evan Kohler at [email protected] .

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway .

Learn more online about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/oh , subscribe to updates , and follow us on X at @ohio_rd.

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