(Des Moines, Iowa, July 10, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today announced that the agency is investing more than $19 million in projects to improve medical services, emergency response, clean water and support for businesses in rural Iowa communities. 

A Working Mother’s Path Toward Stable Housing

Samantha Drost, a 35‑year‑old single mother of four, has dedicated years to creating greater opportunity for her household. While balancing full‑time college studies with work responsibilities, she faced limited rental options and rising housing costs in rural Maine. From this experience she identified homeownership as a practical path toward long‑term stability and a way to return to Woodland, where her family has long-standing roots.

Pittston, Maine – In the heart of rural Kennebec County, Ledgeway Farm is demonstrating how value‑added agriculture can strengthen local economies, create jobs, and bring unique Maine-made produ

When:                 Wednesday – September 9th, 2026 – 12pm to 1pm

Falls Lake Academy proposes to expand educational capacity and improve campus functionality at the existing Falls Lake Academy located at 1701 East Lyon Station Road.

(Des Moines, Iowa, July 8, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Rural Development is accepting applications for the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. The program will provide United States farmers with more access to domestic fertilizer for producing agricultural commodities.

(Washington, D.C., July 8, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Rural Development is accepting applications for the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. The program will provide United States farmers with more access to domestic fertilizer for producing agricultural commodities.

(Columbus, N.J., July 8, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is reminding the public that it is accepting applications for grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their operational capacity. The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) reflects Secretary Rollins’ efforts under the leadership of the Trump administration to fortify the American beef industry, strengthen competition, support sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and improve overall supply chain resiliency.

(Harrisburg, Pa., July 6, 2026) – USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania Acting State Director Jeremy Wilson has announced that Mercer Borough will receive $350,000 and Pleasant Township will receive $742,000 for critical water and wastewater upgrades.