 News Release
Contact: mark.mccann@usda.gov.
USDA Invests more than $1 Million in Montana to Promote Competition and Strengthen the Nation’s Meat Supply Chain
Bozeman, Mont., Jan. 5, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams announced today an investment of more than $1.1 million across Montana to help farmers, ranchers, processors and rural businesses diversify the nation’s meat supply sector.
“Montana produces some of the highest quality meat in the world. The more we can process these products in-state, the more value stays here and with our local producers,” said Williams. “Through this funding, USDA will help Montanans generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase overall income and opportunities for our rural and tribal communities.”
These seven awards through USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant program will help Montana producers engage in value-added activities related to processing and marketing of bio-based, value-added products.
Investments in Montana include:
Todd Family Meats in Big Timber, Montana, is receiving a $48,173 Value Added Producer Grant to increase its production of packaged beef and lamb to meet growing demand. This family-owned company will also use the funds for marketing, packaging and processing.
Lane Legacy Beef near Ismay, Montana, is receiving a $49,900 Value Added Producer Grant to aid with processing and marketing costs to help increase its customer base. This woman-owned, family-operated farm and ranch produces locally raised Black Angus cattle for its premium grass-fed beef.
Belcrest Farms near Bozeman, Montana, is receiving a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to transition finished beef to packaged meat, increase product distribution opportunities, boost advertising and marketing, and maximize operational costs and payroll. This small, family-owned farm produces all natural, dry aged, ranch raised beef.
North of Nowhere Farm near Opheim, Montana, is receiving a $49,900 Value Added Producer Grant to help with processing costs with a future goal of featuring its products state-wide in convenience stores. This majority woman-owned family farm uses regenerative agricultural practices when raising its grass-fed beef to produce high protein, nutritional beef sticks.
E&S Ranch in Eureka, Montana, is receiving a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to assist in processing so it can increase production and support a growing demand for its product in the Flathead Valley of Montana. E&S is a direct-to-the-consumer beef business for grass-fed and grass-finished steers.
Pintler Mountain Beef in Phillipsburg, Montana, is receiving a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to support its processing and marketing operations. This direct-to-the-consumer business sells antibiotic and hormone free, humanely raised, sustainable, wildlife-friendly premium grass-fed and grass-finished beef and other meat products.
Math Farms Beef in Whitewater, Montana, is receiving a $211,436 Value Added Producer Grant to enhance its processing, packaging, and marketing efforts, and to support operational costs. Math Farms sells 100% pure pasture-raised, grain-finished Angus beef.
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) 585-2530 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans, grants and loan guarantees to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural and tribal areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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