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We hope your Summer is off to a purposeful start! America’s 250th birthday has brought celebrations and also great reminders of how far we have come together as a nation. There is so much more to do. USDA Rural Development is dedicated as ever to helping rural Wisconsinites achieve their goals. We want to be part of all you are focused on now that will help improve rural life for the next 250 years and beyond. Please reach out to let us know what we can do to help with applications, clarification on policy updates, or anything else to support your projects that will help sustain rural prosperity in Wisconsin.
A Rural Coffee Shop Owner Receives Technical Assistance and Training through USDA-Funded Program
At just 19 years old, Chloe Genske has already celebrated one year of owning the coffee shop where she used to be an employee during high school.
When the owner of The Daily Drip coffee shop in Shawano decided to sell the business, Chloe jumped at the chance to own her own business.
“I couldn't stop thinking about it,” said Chloe. “I was 18, fresh out of high school, it was a scary thought, and it was a big risk, but risks are worth taking. I had always wanted to be a business owner. I just didn't know what that would look like for me.”
That all changed when Chloe started working with the Community Education Initiative, Inc. (CEI) “Business Startup in Rural Wisconsin” program. READ THE STORY
More inspiring stories of people assisted through RBDG-funded projects: "USDA Rural Business Development Grant project benefits small and emerging businesses in 16 Wisconsin counties": PROJECT UPDATE
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USDA is providing $500 million to increase domestic fertilizer production through the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) program. The purpose of the FIELDS Program is to provide American farmers access to more fertilizer for producing agricultural commodities. Applications will be due on August 17, 2026. INFO FY26 NOFO.
Webinar: Water and Environmental Programs
Join us on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. Central Time
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
For questions, please contact Cristina Rivera at Cristina.Rivera@usda.gov.
Engineering for USDA Water and Waste Projects "Changes and Simplifications to Preliminary Engineering Report Requirements"
USDA Rural Development invites consulting engineers who are interested in learning about USDA water and waste projects to join our webinar. Water and Environmental Programs staff will discuss recent updates to RUS Bulletin 1780-2 and how to develop Preliminary Engineering Reports for USDA water and waste projects.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Update
Championed by Secretary Rollins, the NEPA Final Rule realigns National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations to speed up critical work for rural prosperity. Updates remove barriers to getting things done for rural Wisconsin. INFO
Opportunity Zones 2.0 ("OZ 2.0")
Under OZ 2.0, championed by President Trump, new incentives, like a 30% basis boost and lower improvement thresholds, are available for Qualified Rural Opportunity Zones. More INFO.
Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Program Provides Training, Technical Assistance and More
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The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program supports non-profit organizations, like WWBIC, in assisting rural entrepreneurs with training and technical assistance.
“The tools I learn during classes strengthen my confidence as a business owner.” - Rebecca Ratte, Driftless Healing, participant in a Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation program
Non-profit organizations can apply by September 30, 2026 for investments through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.
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Multiple Cheese Vat System Is The New Whey To Make Cottage Cheese
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Cottage Cheese or Ice Cream anyone? To keep up with the growing demand for cottage cheese (yes, it's even in ice cream now!) farmer-owned Westby Cooperative Creamery is using an investment through the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program to expand and purchase new equipment. The state-of-the-art Multiple Cheese Vat (MCV) system features special curd-cutting tools and gentle agitation to reduce curd damage and boost yield. The MCV equipment will cut cheesemaking time from 16 hours to six hours. Four new creamer blenders are being installed that are to improve the mix of dressing and curd and also control packaging temperatures. From lasagna to ice cream and more, cottage cheese is getting better than ever. |
Village of French Island Project Update
Progress continues on construction of a new independent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free municipal water system in the Village of French Island (Formerly Town of Campbell). The pump house and a second additional well are currently being built. |
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USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program Diversifies Supply Chains and Opens New Markets
 USDA is making $60 million in grants available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPEPP) Phase 4.
Applications are due by August 7, 2026.
MPPEP Phase 4 provides grants to help eligible Wisconsin meat processors that primarily process cattle and want to expand their capacity. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
Photo Credit: JM Watkins (MPPEP Phase 2 recipient)
USDA Awards City of Prairie du Chien with Grant to Construct Facility for Fire and Police Departments
USDA Rural Development awarded the City of Prairie du Chien with a nearly $5 million grant for the construction of a new joint facility for the police and fire departments. Once completed, this project will enhance the coordination between the departments and improve public safety for more than 5,500 people. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
USDA Invests Nearly $8 Million in Water and Sewer Systems Upgrades for the Village of Cedar Grove
USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $8 million to make necessary sewer system upgrades and water main replacements for the Village of Cedar Grove. The projects will benefit more than 2,100 rural Wisconsinites. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
USDA Announces Actions to Better Serve Rural America
On June 17, 2026, USDA announced a modernization and restructuring effort to strengthen customer service, improve program accessibility, and enhance support for rural communities across the country. This effort aligns with USDA’s broader initiative to modernize operations, increase accountability, and ensure federal resources are positioned where they can deliver the greatest impact. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
Bloomer Broadband Fiber Splicing Celebration Set for July 30 in Chippewa Falls
On July 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m., Bloomer Broadband will celebrate the start of the project to expand high-speed internet access to some 550 homes, farms and businesses in Chippewa and Dunn counties. USDA RD invested a $4.6 million grant and a $4.6 million loan through the ReConnect Loan & Grant program.
Location: Town of Eagle Point Town Hall, 14802 WI-124, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
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Celebrating National Homeownership Month
 "Whether a family is purchasing their first home or making essential safety repairs to a home they’ve lived in for years, Rural Development’s housing programs play a vital role in strengthening rural communities across Wisconsin. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA Rural Development continues to support rural prosperity in Wisconsin and throughout the nation."
- State Director Andrew Iverson
For Homeownership Month, we presented webinars about USDA RD Housing programs and visited homes where Housing Preservation Grant investments will be used for new roofing and more. Thank you for hosting our visit to New Holstein, Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity!
READ THE HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH NEWS RELEASE
Village of Cedar Grove Prepares to Start Sewer System Upgrades and Water Main Replacements
We visited the Village of Cedar Grove, where the village will use nearly $9 million to make necessary sewer system upgrades and water main replacements. The projects will benefit over 2,100 rural Wisconsinites.
"Reliable water infrastructure is crucial for the well‑being of rural communities," said State Director Iverson. "Projects like these protect public health, support economic growth, and help keep utility costs affordable for residents — priorities emphasized by President Trump and Secretary Rollins."
The funding is through two separate loans through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program.
Photo: Julie Giese / USDA Rural Development
St. Croix Health Hosted Groundbreaking Celebration
 On June 23, shovels in tow, we were honored and pleased to help St. Croix Health break ground and begin construction on the 130,000-square-foot replacement critical access hospital facility in St. Croix Falls! St. Croix Health is using a $95,000,000 direct loan and a $10,000,000 guaranteed loan through the Community Facilities program for the project. Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication and partnership!
University of Wisconsin Extension Hosted Annual Housing Summit
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Thank you to the UW Extension for hosting us during the Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit in May.
We were pleased to be able to highlight the importance of housing for people in rural Wisconsin and for rural prosperity.
Thank you for hosting these important meetings and for making us a part of them!
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Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Hosted Annual Convention
 Thank you to the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors for hosting the annual convention, April 7-12, 2026. On April 10, RD presented information with the U.S. Small Business Administration about principal funding for meat processors. RD State Director Andrew Iverson presented information with SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Everett M. Woodel, Jr. and SBA National Rural Affairs Advocate Joe Knilans.
Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association Hosted Annual Conference
Thank you to the Wisconsin State Telcommunications Association for the opportunity to present an overview of USDA Rural Development programs during your 2026 conference on May 21. You brought leaders in rural prosperity together from across our great state. We talked about investments in telecommunications for rural Wisconsinites and more. |
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University of Wisconsin Extension Hosted 3rd Annual "Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities" Conference
Thank you to organizers and participants of the UW Extension’s 3rd annual "Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities" conference on May 15. You helped bring together Wisconsin business leaders who are dedicated to rural prosperity, sharing success and inspiration for future endeavors. |
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Thank You President Trump, Secretary Rollins and Everyone Who Helped Celebrate Dairy Month with Farm Breakfasts and More!
 On Friday, June 5, Wisconsin welcomed President Trump and Secretary Rollins at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls. The special Dairy Month event celebrated the farmers who help make the State of Wisconsin great!
"Farm First!" The photo below is from the Marquette County Dairy Breakfast on June 16, 2026 at the Kempley Sod Farm in Endeavor.
Establishing A Lifetime of Learning about Vegetables
This WAOW ABC TV story highlights local farmers who are working with RD Value-Added Producer Grant funding to increase vegetables in schools and childcare centers: STORY.
Friends of The Sparta Free Library Celebrated Expansion Project on April 29
We hope to see you at one of these upcoming events focusing on rural prosperity for Wisconsin!
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July 15, 11 a.m. Farm Technology Days, Stratford
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July 30, 10:30 a.m. Bloomer Broadband Fiber Splicing Ceremony, Eagle Point
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August 15, 5:45 The Hive Taproom Anniversary Celebration, East Troy
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August 27 Wisconsin Rural Water Association Outdoor Expo, Plover
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October 5, 3:45-4:45 Wisconsin Towns Association Annual Convention, Stevens Point
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November 4, 8:30-8:45 Wisconsin Council for Rural and Affordable Housing Annual Conference, Wisconsin Dells
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