U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Bruce Jones today recognized Ring-Neck Energy & Feed, LLC on receiving a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for a start-up ethanol processing plant in Onida, S.D. The grant is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“This program is one of the ways USDA Rural Development offers support to rural communities,” said Jones. “This project will provide another marketing choice for local grain farmers in the area.”
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers grow their businesses by turning raw commodities into value-added products, expanding marketing opportunities and developing new uses for existing products. Grants may be used for working capital and planning activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and agricultural producer groups. Military veterans, socially-disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given priority when applying for these grants.
“Ring-Neck Energy would like to thank the staff at USDA Rural Development for all their help and support for this project,” said Walter Wendland, President of Ring-Neck Energy & Feed, LLC. “I have utilized the VAPG grant at two other ethanol plants that I managed and have seen firsthand the positive effects these funds provide to a company just getting on their feet. As you look around and see all the corn piles, it’s obvious that grain producers in South Dakota need additional value-added opportunities and the Board of Directors are working hard to bring this project on line as soon as possible.”
President Obama’s plan for rural America has produced historic investment in rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have strengthened America’s small towns and cities and helped improve the nation’s economy.