As the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Idaho State Director, I’m proud to support President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins’ vision and commitment to putting America’s rural communities, farmers, ranchers and producers first. USDA continues to prioritize investments that strengthen agriculture; expand access to broadband, clean water and housing; and support local businesses and critical infrastructure that rural towns rely on every day. These investments are rooted in the people who call Idaho home, whose hard work sustains small towns and growing cities. We will continue working with federal, state and local partners to ensure these communities have the resources and support they need to preserve and build a better future.

It was an honor to meet USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in Washington D.C., alongside fellow USDA Rural Development national state directors, as we gathered to focus on the shared commitment to serving rural America.  -Rick D. Youngblood

December is here bringing holiday cheer, and the season of sharing! Even Santa's face lights up as he discovers all the incredible programs USDA Rural Development has to offer.

Explore the full list at: USDA RD Idaho Programs

USDA Rural Development has many programs focused on supporting rural America. These programs help improve quality of life in rural communities. Below are several opportunities you can explore.

Intermediary Relending Program
USDA Rural Development provides 1-percent-interest loans to local intermediaries who then relend to businesses to help improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities. Application deadlines: Second Quarter- December 31, 2025, Third Quarter - March 31, 2026, and Fourth Quarter - June 30, 2026 
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Programs
USDA Rural Development funds eligible projects using local utility organizations as intermediary lenders. Funds support projects that help create and keep jobs in rural areas. Application deadlines: Second Quarter - December 31, 2025, Third Quarter - March 31, 2026, and Fourth Quarter - June 30, 2026
Value Added Producer Grant Program
USDA Rural Development funds help agricultural producers generate new products, create or expand marketing opportunities, and diversify revenue.  Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.
All applications must be completed via the Grant Application Portal. The application window for Fiscal Year 2026 opens January 15, 2026, and applications due April 15, 2026. 

USDA Rural Development Idaho Director joined Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey (right) and team gathered to review partnered projects across Idaho's rural communities. These projects are funded through USDA RD Community Facilities Water & Environmental Programs and Idaho Commerce Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) program. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in Idaho provides financial assistance to Idaho cities and counties for the development and improvement of essential public infrastructure and community facilities. Through years of collaboration, this partnership has significantly bolstered rural Idaho’s resilience. 

USDA Rural Development Idaho Director is honored to stand alongside the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce President/Executive Director and Founder Mindi Anderson and her dedicated team members. We share a commitment to serving those who have served our nation. Collaboration is the key to stronger communities and when we work together, everyone wins.

The USDA Rural Development team recently met with College of Southern Idaho (CSI) President Dean Fisher and his leadership team to discuss progress on the new LeRoy Craig Jerome Center in Jerome. This state-of-the-art facility will expand educational opportunities for local students and provide resources for families across rural Idaho. The center is designed to support workforce development, technical training, and community programs that strengthen the region’s economy. Thanks to strong partnerships between USDA RD, CSI, and local stakeholders, this project is paving the way for a brighter future for rural communities in Idaho.

The Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a key partner in strengthening Idaho’s rural water infrastructure across the state of Idaho. During a recent meeting, IRWA Chief Executive Officer Shelley Roberts met with USDA Rural Development Idaho Director to discuss ongoing partnerships and future initiatives. IRWA provides technical assistance, training, and advocacy for rural water and wastewater systems, helping communities maintain safe, reliable services. Its grassroots approach and hands-on expertise have been instrumental in advancing critical projects that support public health and economic development in Idaho’s rural areas. The discussion highlighted shared priorities, including improving system sustainability, addressing aging infrastructure, and expanding access to federal resources for small communities. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure Idaho’s rural residents have access to clean, dependable water.

IRWA recognized USDA Rural Development with the 2025 Friend of Rural Water Award at their Spring Conference Awards Banquet in Boise. The Friend of Rural Water Award recognizes provided outstanding service and exceptional contributions to amplify the goals of rural water in Idaho. USDA RD Idaho was selected to honor the service, dedication, and excellence in collaboration for our Idaho rural communities. Investments that help ensure safe, reliable water systems in rural areas are critical to supporting public health, economic growth, and community resilience. Read more about the Idaho Rural Water Association in the latest edition of the digital Water Gram newsletter.

The Great American Water Taste Test is the nation’s largest drinking water taste contest hosted at the IRWA Spring Conference. The winners of each state-wide competition will compete for the best tasting water in the country at the National Rural Water Association’s annual competition. The drinking water is judged based on three attributes: clarity, bouquet, and taste. State Rural Water Associations conduct preliminary competitions selecting the best water from small and rural water supplies to represent their state at the national finals. IRWA asked three judges from the industry to vote on the final samples to then determine the winner of this year’s contests. You could see the excitement on his face as USDA Rural Development Western Idaho Area Director Noe Ramirez eagerly joined the panel to sample the state’s top water contenders.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. With a mission to help Americans start, grow, and build resilient businesses, SBA is fully dedicated to helping the burden of small businesses. USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with SBA for years and work together to uplift rural Idaho.

Frontier Community Resources, formerly known as Region IV Development Association, Inc. (RIVDA), celebrated its 50th anniversary in September with a community event that honored five decades of service, leadership, and regional impact. The event brought together local leaders, partners, and community members to reflect on the organization’s evolution and achievements. The USDA Rural Development team was honored to participate, with Frontier recognizing the critical USDA investments and strong partnerships in bringing community projects to life. Keynote speaker and best-selling author Peter Kageyama inspired attendees with his message on “Love Where You Live,” encouraging deeper connections.

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure, the USDA Rural Development team met with engineering partners from Merrick & Company. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss current and upcoming projects that exemplify how this partnership, investments and local expertise can come together to build resilient, sustainable rural communities. We had the pleasure of working closely with Kristina Gillespie and wishing her the best on the next chapter of her career.