(Bangor, Maine, July 2, 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.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation proposes to construct the Independence Power Plant project. The proposed project will be near the city of Newark in Independence and Jackson counties, Arkansas.

In the mid-1960s, Norma Leydens helped her parents build a new home in rural Pella, Iowa.

The South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition recently gathered in Yankton to discuss housing opportunities across South Dakota’s nine native tribal reservations. The annual meeting brings together Tribal leaders, federal and state partners

The coalition has recently created a practitioner’s guide, designed to provide lenders with a step-by-step process for financing homeownership on Tribal lands.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Travis T. Burton today announced a $100,000 grant awarded to Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation.

“Small businesses have been and will continue to be crucial to the success of our economy,” said Burton. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting small businesses in rural Kentucky. This grant will help bring prosperity and job growth to Southeast Kentucky.”

This innovative program provides affordable housing for those who served our country

(Sweetwater, Tenn., June 23, 2026)

(Richmond, Virginia, June 26, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Virginia State Director Beth Green today announced the agency is awarding $842,304 through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program to Northampton County Public Schools in Northampton County.

(Lumberton, N.C., June 25, 2026) - Members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development North Carolina team celebrated a family’s milestone of the American Dream of homeownership when they cut a ribbon and are welcomed into their home today.

The families partnered with Rural Development utilizing the Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program.

For several years, Mrs. Cruz and her young son had been living in a rented house in Hatillo. As a dedicated single mother to her three‑year‑old boy, Mrs. Cruz dreamed of giving her son the stability and security that comes with owning a home of their own.