Bozeman, Mont., Nov. 29, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Willims announced today an investment of nearly $2 million in nine Montana small businesses and agricultural producers to help expand markets and create economic opportunities in rural areas across the state.
“Small businesses are the life blood of Montana’s economy, and these investments will help our rural entrepreneurs and agricultural producers create opportunities to help grow prosperity in their communities,” said Williams. “These investments underscore USDA’s commitment to partnering with rural businesses to create new and better market opportunities and expand existing ones.”
Montana was one of 37 states to receive funding through several programs that help rural small businesses and agricultural producers expand markets and strengthen food and agricultural supply chains. USDA invested $196 million in more than 180 projects.
Montana investments came by way of the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program which helps generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Recipients included:
Powder River Premium Beef, dba Montana Premium Beef, in Ashland, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing, cold storage, marketing and transportation costs. This start-up family ranch in a rural community of 824 residents raises grass fed beef cattle.
Cold Springs Organics, LLC, in Bozeman, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for distribution costs. This first-generation farm in Gallatin County grows and supplies organic grains to several large brand name companies.
Shauna Stephenson, dba Good Mama Farm, in Harrison, Montana, received a $177,594 grant to provide working capital for marketing and packaging costs. This woman-owned farm in a rural town of 64 residents opened in 2020 and raises vegetables.
Beauty and the Beef, LLC, in Helmville, Montana, received a $246,923 grant to provide working capital for processing and marketing costs. This rural small business raises grass fed cattle and produces packaged meat products.
County Rail Farm, LLC, dba Field Five Flowers, in Huson, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to help with packaging and processing. This rural small business in Missoula County grows certified organic flowers and vegetables.
Go Roam Free, LLC, in Hot Springs, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for distribution costs. This rural small business raises bison and produces all natural packaged meat products.
Oswald Farms, Inc., in Joliet, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing costs. This family-owned ranch in a town of 595 rural residents raises grass fed beef cattle and processes it into specialty cut packaged meats, sausages, and snacks.
Crooked Creek Farms, LLC, in Sidney, Montana, received a $35,400 grant to provide working capital for marketing, supplies, and transportation costs. This woman-owned farm in a rural community of 5,200 residents started in 2019 and produces all-natural butter and cream made from locally raised dairy cows.
Montana Branded, Inc., in Westby, Montana, received a $250,000 grant to provide working capital for processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. This woman-owned rural small business, which began in 2018, raises single-sourced, grass fed, grain finished beef cattle in a town of 168 residents.
USDA Rural Development provides grants, loans, loan guarantees to expand economic opportunities, improve infrastructure, and provide for safe, affordable housing for residents in rural and Tribal communities. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
USDA Rural Development has six offices in Montana – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Montana, call (406) 585-2587 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.