USDA Awards $249,540 in Value-Added Producer Grants to Hi Bräu Beef Co and Fabel Farms in South Carolina

(Columbia, S.C., October 15, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development South Carolina State Director Jacob French and USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Jeb Wilson announced the agency is awarding $249,540 through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program to two South Carolina producers: $200,000 to Hi Bräu Beef Co in Newberry and $49,540 to Fabel Farms LLC in Winnsboro. French and Wilson presented ceremonial checks during visits to the operations today.

"From premium beef to free-range, pasture-raised eggs, Hi Bräu Beef Co and Fabel Farms show what South Carolina producers can do. These investments will help both businesses grow, reach new customers and strengthen our rural economy," said French. "Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA is putting American farmers and producers first."

Hi Bräu Beef Co, in Newberry, is a cattle operation that produces premium beef and value-added beef products. The grant funds will be used for beef processing, packaging, shipping and market expansion. It is anticipated that over the three-year grant period, this project will increase customer base and revenue by more than two hundred percent.

Fabel Farms LLC, in Winnsboro, produces free-range, pasture-raised eggs, fresh produce and honey. Owned and operated by Joshua Fabel, the farm is expanding its market reach and sales of its locally grown, pasture-raised eggs by strengthening its brand, enhancing marketing efforts, and increasing distribution to restaurants and retail stores.

"I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins' strong support of rural America and especially for farmers like Ben and Josh," said Wilson.

USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant Program supports agricultural producers as they develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies. Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program are typically accepted for processing from agricultural producers between January and May, depending on when program funding is allocated.

USDA Rural Development recently invested $26.5 million across the country through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, including $1,430,934 in South Carolina.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that makes USDA Rural Development investment data available to the public, supporting partnerships with rural residents, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/sc and follow us on X at @RdSouthcarolina .

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