(St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 3, 2026) – During his first week as the USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith toured several Midwestern states including Minnesota. While in Minnesota, he joined Rural Development State Director Mick Ditlevson and other partners to tour USDA-funded projects in the state. The visit allowed Under Secretary Smith to see first-hand how USDA investments are benefiting rural businesses and communities.
“USDA Rural Development is partnering with innovative companies like Al-Corn Clean Fuel to advance America’s energy independence,” said Under Secretary Smith. “When we produce our energy here at home, we’re strengthening our farmers, our rural communities, our manufacturing base, and our national security.”
Projects Visited:
- Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont, Minn. Link to Photos
The company partnered with USDA on two energy efficiency projects at its ethanol facility that have helped the company save 10% on its monthly energy bill. Al-Corn purchased an efficient stack heat recovery economizer and a rotary drum drying system with assistance from USDA. The company also utilized USDA funding for working capital to purchase corn grain and convert it into distiller's corn oil. USDA continues to partner with Al-Corn on projects that create additional markets for American agricultural products.
- Anhorn’s Gas and Tire, Medford, Minn. Link to Photos
USDA funding assisted this fourth-generation family-owned business in installing three E15 dispensers, three B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank, and two biodiesel storage tanks at the family fueling station. This project will increase the amount of biofuels sold by approximately 130,000 gallons per year, which will help expand the supply of domestically produced renewable energy.
“The funding received from USDA was essential in allowing us to add six additional biofuel dispensers at our Medford fueling station,” said Anhorn's Gas and Tire Owner John Anhorn.
- Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association, Albert Lea, Minn. Link to Photos
USDA funding helped the cooperative deploy a fiber-to-the-home network, connecting 3,597 individuals, 80 businesses and 458 farms to high-speed internet in Freeborn County. USDA has invested in rural telecommunications for decades and supports modern high-speed internet access in rural communities.
“Over the years, USDA and the Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association have worked together on several projects that have supported economic opportunities for rural Minnesota,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association Mark Thoma. “Our largest USDA-funded project, helped bring affordable broadband infrastructure to Freeborn County.”
- Green Acres Milling in Albert Lea, Minn. Link to Photos
USDA provided a loan guarantee to the company to build a new oat processing facility. The new milling facility is expected to create 11 jobs. USDA supports small rural businesses that take agricultural products and create more value, customers, and opportunities for ag producers.
“Our company has appreciated working with USDA Rural Development and our elected officials to bring Green Acres Milling to fruition”, said Green Acres Milling Founder Landon Plagge. “The shared goals of economic and environmental viability on our farms while simultaneously providing healthy, domestic sourced food for our consumers is a win for all.”
- Mazeppa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mazeppa, Minn. Link to Photos
The city of Mazeppa partnered with USDA to make improvements to its wastewater treatment facility and collection system. USDA funding for wastewater improvements addressed health and sanitation concerns. Rural communities across the country partner with USDA to have access for financing critical water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in their communities.
“The city’s wastewater treatment plant had served the community since the 1950s, and it was in dire need of replacement,” said Mazeppa City Administrator Karl Nahrgang. “USDA provided the city with affordable financing for the infrastructure upgrades that will enhance the city’s reliability and efficiency of processing wastewater.”
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. The commitment and resources we bring to rural communities help drive economic security and prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials.
“President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins are committed in promoting a new golden age for rural America. In his first week as Under Secretary, Glen Smith visited Minnesota to observe the full extent of our rural investments,” said Ditlevson. “The showcased projects demonstrate the broad range of USDA investments in the region and the importance of our partnerships with rural communities and businesses.”
Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at http://www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
Background Information
On August 21, 2026, Glen Smith was Sworn in as Under Secretary for Rural Development. Under Secretary Smith is from Atlantic, Iowa, and has been involved in farming for more than 50 years.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.