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USDA Rural Development wrapped up a strong Fiscal Year with investments supporting communities across rural Wisconsin. Please take a moment to read our highlights from the last quarter of the fiscal year. USDA Rural Development is committed to helping you achieve goals and opportunities for your rural communities. 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.
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants-Funded
Project Benefits Wisconsin Farmers Market Producers and More
 The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing funding through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program in the farmer-owned Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC) project that aims to get more fresh vegetables into schools and childcare centers throughout Wisconsin. Many of the producers that make up the Waupaca-based cooperative got their start working with larger markets after first being involved in Wisconsin’s vibrant farmers markets. READ THE STORY
Photo: Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker
“Farmers markets can be steppingstones for agriculture producers aspiring to reach larger markets, such as schools, food pantries, cooperatives, and more.”
- Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker.
USDA Rural Development Announces Pilot to Cut Red Tape, Preserve and Produce Affordable Rural Rental Housing
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently announced the Multifamily Housing Loan Preservation Pilot and Multifamily Housing Guaranteed Loan Notice of Loan-to-Cost Percentage Change to preserve and produce affordable rural rental housing. The pilot speeds property transfers, reduces duplicate paperwork, and preserves rural affordable housing stock. INFO
USDA Opens New $410 Million Program to Boost Affordable, Reliable Rural Electric Energy
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Karl Elmshaeuser recently announced $410 million is available in the new Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) program to increase the supply of rural power and support the reliability of America’s electrical grid. INFO
New Affordable Rural Cooperative Program to Expand Rural Nuclear Power Supply, Strengthen America's Grid
$175 million has been made available in the new Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) program to boost rural nuclear power and strengthen the reliability of America’s electric power transmission. USDA's Rural Utility Service is accepting Letters of Interest beginning October 19, 2026, and until November 20, 2026, from electric cooperatives that serve rural areas. INFO
Opportunity Zones 2.0 ("OZ 2.0")
 Thank you to U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region 5 for recently hosting sessions about Rural Opportunity Zones. 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. There are currently 120 Qualified Opportunity Zones (OZ 1.0) designated in Wisconsin. New OZ 2.0 designations will replace the current zones with 77 new, different zones. INFO. Photo: HUD region 5 Administrator Duey Stroebel presents Rural Opportunity Zone information
OZ 2.0 Timeline
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Application Period June 11 – July 31
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Review Period August – September 2026
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Governor’s Submission – On or before September 28, 2026
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Opportunity Zones 2.0 will go into effect – January 2027
USDA Makes Grants Available to Support Agriculture Innovation Centers
USDA Rural Development is making funds available for centers that provide services to agricultural producers who want to develop and market value-added products.USDA is making $2.5 million in grants available through the Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) Program. INFO
 On September 15, St. Croix Valley Food Bank (SCVFB) hosted a Facility Preview and Reception celebrating the new food bank building in Hudson. SCVFB had been renting a facility that was no longer meeting capacity needs. Fresh produce now has a longer shelf life due to a temperature-controlled zone and improved insulation. A continuously running refrigerated semi-trailer was being used to store frozen food products, resulting in high energy costs. The new facility will eliminate lease costs and reduce energy costs as well as provide a safe, efficient space for patrons and employees. SCVFB used a $4,319,000 Community Facilities grant.
Photo: SCVFB Board Member Warren Schneider; USDA RD Community Programs Technician Emmy Elm; USDA RD Wisconsin State Community Programs Director Lisa Paulson; SCVFB Executive Director Lee Kroll; SCVFB Board President Brian Elwood
A New Chapter for the City of Delavan: Finishing Touches Completed on Renovation and Expansion of Aram Public Library; Celebration Set for Saturday, November 14
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The City of Delavan will officially open the new doors of the renovated and expanded Aram Public Library on November 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of Delavan used a $9.2 million Community Facilities loan for the project.
Read more about the event and project HERE.
Photo: Aram Public Library
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Village of Bristol Water Project
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The new Village of Bristol water tower is now freshly painted. The Village used an $8.5 million loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to construct the 600,000-gallon water tower; make improvements to an existing water tower and reconstruct 6,722 linear feet of water mains. INFO
Photo: Village of Bristol
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USDA Invests $800,00 in Value-Added Agriculture Projects Across Wisconsin
In Fiscal Year 2026, USDA invested $800,000 in four value-added agriculture projects across Wisconsin. The investments are through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grants program. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
Photo: GW Organics Owners Chaz and Megan Self
“Wisconsin’s agricultural producers are engaged in a wide range of innovative activities from converting maple syrup into natural energy products, to repurposing worm castings as organic soil amendments, and advancing the production of pasteurized meats, crop seeds, and other goods. These initiatives exemplify how USDA Rural Development supports rural Wisconsin producers as they establish new revenue opportunities, strengthen local economies, expand employment, and increase access to high‑quality agricultural products.”
- USDA RD Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson
USDA Invests $2.5 Million in New Solid Waste Infrastructure for the City of Viroqua
 The city of Viroqua will use a $2.518 million loan to install new solid waste infrastructure at the city’s closed landfill to prevent harmful gases from leaking. READ THE NEWS RELEASE
Village of Benton Opened Doors of Their New Community Center, Library, & Museum
The Benton Community Development Authority used a $785,000 Community Facilities loan to construct the new Benton Community Center, Library, & Museum. Thank you for hosting the open house celebration on August 2! INFO
Photo: Core Committee Member and Village of Benton Trustee Scott Cruse greets a crowd of over 265 people that gathered to celebrate the new Benton Community Center, Library, & Museum on August 2, 2026.
Wisconsin Association of Housing Authorities Hosted Annual Conference in Stevens Point
We presented an overview of USDA's Single-Family Housing and Multi-Family Housing programs during the Wisconsin Association of Housing Authorities (WAHA) annual conference in Stevens Point in September.
Photo: USDA RD Wisconsin State Director presents housing information during the WAHA annual conference.
"Stable and affordable housing helps support communities and promotes growth across rural Wisconsin," said USDA Rural Development State Director Andrew C. Iverson. "Our goal is to assist by supporting economic development and providing essential services to rural Wisconsin residents through housing programs, assisting rural residents in buying safe, affordable housing in rural Wisconsin. We are working hard to improve the economy and quality of life for rural Wisconsinites!"
Westby Cooperative Creamery Unveils $14.1 Million Cottage Cheese Modernization Project
 On September 9, Westby Cooperative Creamery (WCC) provided tours of the new equipment purchased with funds invested through the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program. 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 cuts cheesemaking time from 16 hours to six hours. Four new creamer blenders 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. NBC TV WEAU STORY
Photo: Left to right: WCC Farmer-Owner Jared Fleming, WCC Farmer-Owner Jerald Vesbach, WCC Farmer-Owner Seth Byom, WCC Farmer-Owner Ashley Olson; WCC Farmer-Owner Andy Olson, WCC Farmer-Owner Jeff LeJeune, WCC Farmer-Owner Ben Klinkner, WCC Chief Executive Officer and President JD Greenwalt, Sharpe Engineering Specialist Tim Sullivan, Security Financial Bank Specialist Duane Johnson, Nordic Dairy Technologies Founder Jon Foose, Sales & Marketing Manager Emily Bialkowski.
Wisconsinites Welcome Newly Appointed USDA Under Secretary Glen R. Smith to Wisconsin!
On Friday, August 26, Wisconsin welcomed newly appointed USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith at the American Hazelnut Company, LLC (AHC) in Viroqua. The AHC is using a $49,907 grant through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program for working capital, marketing, purchasing supplies, renting time in a commercial kitchen, and hired labor for making their various hazelnut products. This project is expected to expand customer base, create one job and save two jobs. NBC-TV WEAU STORY
Photo: USDA RD Under Secretary Glen Smith (center) talks with (left to right): U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (WI003); Vernon Economic Development Association Executive Director Susan Noble; and American Hazelnut Company, LLC Production Employee Julia Buskirk.
Housing Preservation Grants Provide Funding to Organizations to Repair or Rehabilitate Homes
The Housing Preservation Grants program provides funding to repair or rehabilitate homes, rentals, or co-ops that provide housing to low-income people in rural areas. These grants will be awarded to government entities, federally recognized tribes, and non-profit or faith-based organizations.FOX-TV KQDS STORY.
We hope to see you at one of these upcoming events focusing on rural prosperity for Wisconsin!
October 16 - UW La Crosse
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Lawfare and Regulatory Reform Hearing
October 16 - Green Bay
WI Wastewater Operators Association Conference
October 22 - Onalaska
Wisconsin County Code Administrators Conference
October 23 - Medford
Taylor County ADRC Senior Health, Wellness & Safety Fair
October 27 - Stevens Point
Poverty Matters Conference
November 4 - Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Council for Rural and Affordable Housing Annual Conference
November 5 - Green Bay
Great Lakes Indian Housing Association Conference
November 14 - Delavan
Aram Public Library Open House
November 20 - Plover
Statewide Organic Strategy and Summit
February 9-10 - Stevens Point
Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Conference
April 8 - Tomah
Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism Conference
April 12-14 - La Crosse
Habitat for Humanity Midwest Regional Conference
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