USDA Invests More Than $1 Million in Meat and Poultry Processing Projects in Wisconsin

(Stevens Point, Wis., November 2, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced that USDA will invest $1.07 million in four Wisconsin meat processing projects through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Phase 4.

"Small and mid-sized meat processors are essential to the strength of Wisconsin agriculture and rural communities," said Iverson. "These investments will help processors access new markets, expand local capacity, create jobs, and offer consumers across rural Wisconsin more options."

"Wisconsin agriculture is second to none," said Congressman Steil. "This investment will increase processing capacity in Wisconsin to lower costs for Wisconsin families. This is great news for Wisconsin family farms, consumers, and the Wisconsin workers who help deliver products and keep Wisconsin's agricultural economy strong."

In Wisconsin, the following recipients will receive MPPEP grants:

• Durand Smokehouse LLC in Durand will use a $158,250 grant to purchase equipment to help expand production in its processing plant.
• Lake Geneva Country Meats in Lake Geneva will use a $212,268 grant to purchase two pieces of packaging equipment, including a more modern clip machine.
• Salcherts Market Inc. in St. Cloud will use a $250,000 grant to purchase equipment to help expand production in its processing plant.
• Wilson Farm Meats Inc. in Elkhorn will use a $456,129 grant to reconfigure the rear portion of the existing facility and incorporate new processing equipment.

The primary purpose of MPPEP Phase 4 is to support the Wisconsin beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant's facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program, however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility. To learn more about MPPEP Phase 4, contact [email protected].

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway.

Learn more online about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Wisconsin.

Photo caption: USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Iverson and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) tour Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn.

Pictured left to right: USDA RD Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson, Wilson Farm Meats Owner Scott Wilson, Wilson Farm Meats Butcher Grady Stebnitz, Wilson Farm Meats Butcher Micheal Wehner, Wilson Farm Meats Butcher Alberto Castillo, Wilson Farm Meats Plant Manager Justin Corman, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Wilson Farm Meats Retail Manager Josh Wambold, and Wilson Farm Meats Master Meat Crafter/Production Supervisor Jeff Schmalfeldt.