USDA Participates in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for a Waste into Nutrient Recovery Center in Iowa

(Woodbine, Iowa, July 31, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Natural Fertilizer Products, Inc. in Woodbine. The company is celebrating the completion of one of its two Waste into Nutrient Recovery Centers, which will turn food and livestock waste into natural fertilizer. Rural Development is investing nearly $4 million between this facility and another located near Audubon.

Since 2025, USDA Rural Development has made $458 million in investments to strengthen America's fertilizer supply chain. Natural Fertilizer Products, Inc. received a $3.9 million grant administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service to develop composting facilities designed to recycle food waste, manure from livestock operations, and yard and wood trimmings.

"USDA is focused on making fertilizer more accessible and affordable," said Sexton. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins, USDA is helping to rebuild America's fertilizer manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains, and ensure America's farmers have access to affordable crop inputs to help them compete in the world marketplace."

USDA is currently accepting applications through the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program, which has $500 million available to boost domestic fertilizer production and strengthen long term supply. This effort is intended to give American farmers better access to the fertilizer they need to produce agricultural commodities. The program is being carried out by USDA's Rural Business and Cooperative Service on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation.

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 rd.usda.gov.

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