HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-23 Correspondence - US Dept of Agriculture - USDA Invests Nearly $2 Million to Expand Markets for Several Montana Rural Small Businesses and Agricultural ProducersFrom:USDA Rural Development MontanaTo:AgendaSubject:[EXTERNAL]USDA Invests Nearly $2 Million to Expand Markets for Several Montana Rural Small Businesses andAgricultural ProducersDate:Wednesday, November 29, 2023 8:48:01 AM
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USDA Rural Development - Together, America Prospers
News Release
Contact: mark.mccann@usda.gov
USDA Invests Nearly $2 Million to Expand Markets for SeveralMontana Rural Small Businesses and Agricultural Producers
Bozeman, Mont., Nov. 29, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural
Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Willims announced today an investment
of nearly $2 million in nine Montana small businesses and agricultural producers to help
expand markets and create economic opportunities in rural areas across the state.
“Small businesses are the life blood of Montana’s economy, and these investments will
help our rural entrepreneurs and agricultural producers create opportunities to help grow
prosperity in their communities,” said Williams. “These investments underscore USDA’s
commitment to partnering with rural businesses to create new and better market
opportunities and expand existing ones.”
Montana was one of 37 states to receive funding through several programs that help rural
small businesses and agricultural producers expand markets and strengthen food and
agricultural supply chains. USDA invested $196 million in more than 180 projects.
Montana investments came by way of the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program
which helps generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and
increase producer income. Recipients included:
Powder River Premium Beef, dba Montana Premium Beef, in Ashland, Montana,
received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing, cold storage,
marketing and transportation costs. This start-up family ranch in a rural community of 824
residents raises grass fed beef cattle.
Cold Springs Organics, LLC, in Bozeman, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide
working capital for distribution costs. This first-generation farm in Gallatin County grows
and supplies organic grains to several large brand name companies.
Shauna Stephenson, dba Good Mama Farm, in Harrison, Montana, received a $177,594
grant to provide working capital for marketing and packaging costs. This woman-owned
farm in a rural town of 64 residents opened in 2020 and raises vegetables.
Beauty and the Beef, LLC, in Helmville, Montana, received a $246,923 grant to provide
working capital for processing and marketing costs. This rural small business raises grass
fed cattle and produces packaged meat products.
County Rail Farm, LLC, dba Field Five Flowers, in Huson, Montana, received a $250,000
grant to help with packaging and processing. This rural small business in Missoula County
grows certified organic flowers and vegetables.
Go Roam Free, LLC, in Hot Springs, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide
working capital for distribution costs. This rural small business raises bison and produces
all natural packaged meat products.
Oswald Farms, Inc., in Joliet, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working
capital for processing costs. This family-owned ranch in a town of 595 rural residents
raises grass fed beef cattle and processes it into specialty cut packaged meats, sausages,
and snacks.
Crooked Creek Farms, LLC, in Sidney, Montana, received a $35,400 grant to provide
working capital for marketing, supplies, and transportation costs. This woman-owned farm
in a rural community of 5,200 residents started in 2019 and produces all-natural butter and
cream made from locally raised dairy cows.
Montana Branded, Inc., in Westby, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide
working capital for processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. This woman-
owned rural small business, which began in 2018, raises single-sourced, grass fed, grain
finished beef cattle in a town of 168 residents.
USDA Rural Development provides grants, loans, loan guarantees to expand economic
opportunities, improve infrastructure, and provide for safe, affordable housing for residents
in rural and Tribal communities. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
To receive USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page and
follow on Twitter @RD_Montana.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
USDA Rural Development has six offices in Montana – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls,
Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. To learn more about investment resources for rural and
Tribal areas in Montana, call (406) 585-2587 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
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