USDA Invests $1M in Five Projects to Boost Rural Montana Agriculture

(Bozeman, Mont., March 23, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that the 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application period is officially open, offering Montana agricultural producers an opportunity to secure funding that supports business growth, product development, and expanded market access.

Producers may apply for up to $200,000 in working capital and $50,000 for planning activities, which may be used for processing, packaging, labeling, payroll, marketing, distribution, feasibility studies, business plans, and other eligible operational costs for up to 36 months. The program requires a 1:1 match, ensuring long-term investment in project sustainability.

"VAPG is one of USDA's most impactful tools for helping producers capture more value from the goods they work so hard to raise and grow," said USDA Rural Development Montana State Director Bill Warden. "We encourage Montana producers to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their markets, diversify their operations, and strengthen rural economies."

USDA Rural Development is also announcing $1,049,900 in new investments supporting five Montana producers through the 2025 VAPG program:

• 4 Diamond Ranch at Wallrock - Park County - $250,000 4 Diamond Ranch will use its grant to expand distribution of its direct-to-consumer beef products, sourced from its grassfed, grass-finished American Wagyu herd. Funding will support working capital needs as the ranch scales up processing, packaging, and marketing to meet growing demand for premium Montana beef.
• Big Mountain Ciderworks - Flathead County - $250,000 This family-owned orchard and cider house will use its grant to support working capital for the production and distribution of its locally crafted hard ciders. The funding will help Big Mountain Ciderworks increase production capacity, enhance marketing efforts, and reach new wholesale and retail markets across the region.
• Mannix Brothers Ranch - Powell County - $250,000 Mannix Brothers Ranch will use its award to process, package, and deliver its pasture-raised beef products to a broader customer base. The grant will support expanded marketing, distribution, and working capital needs as the ranch continues to grow its direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels.
• Shepherd of the Bees - Dawson County - $49,900 Shepherd of the Bees will use its grant to expand the market for its value-added honey products, including items made from raw honeycomb. Funding will support packaging, marketing, and distribution efforts to help the business reach new customers and increase production capacity.
• Wustner Brothers Honey - Missoula County - $250,000 This family-owned honey producer will use its grant to support working capital needs as it expands production and distribution of its Montana-made honey products. The funding will help the business strengthen its brand presence, reach new markets, and continue its long tradition of local honey production.

A Montana Success Story: Previous VAPG recipient Montana Prime Meats of Fort Smith demonstrates the program's long-term impact. As highlighted by the Montana Ag Network, the ranch-to-table beef business has expanded processing capacity, strengthened partnerships with local ranchers, and increased access to high-quality Montana beef for consumers in larger communities like Billings. Their growth shows how VAPG funding helps producers build resilient, value-driven business models that keep more dollars in rural communities.

These investments reflect USDA Rural Development's commitment to helping Montana producers innovate, diversify, and build stronger rural economies by moving beyond raw commodity sales and into value-added markets.

How to Apply - Applications are being accepted through the Grant Application Portal until April 22, 2026. Interested applicants in Montana should contact Marlee Johnston at [email protected] or 406-312-0189.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

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