STILLWATER, OKLA., Feb. 9, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced today that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $533,000 to support the growth of three agriculture producers in Oklahoma expand business operations via the USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer grant. The Value- Added Producer Grant program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
This investment in Oklahoma will support American Heritage Beef, Jackson Angus Beef and Millar Pecan.
“Oklahoma is home to some of the finest produced USDA-graded beef and pecan production in the nation, so I am excited this grant program will allow consumers to buy these products direct from the producers themselves,” Corn said. “President Biden is a strong supporter of agriculture producers in Oklahoma and through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant it allows producers to have greater control of how their produce is sold and maximizes profits for family farm and ranch operations.”
The three recipients from Oklahoma for the Value-Added Producer Grant, will utilize their investment in the following manner: American Heritage Beef, $250,000
This Rural Development investment will assist American Heritage Beef Company with working capital allowing them to process, cut, and vacuum seal their fresh meat to be sold as quality, pasture-raised, grain-finished beef through wholesale/retail sales within the northeast region of Oklahoma. They hope to fill a void in their local rural economy through their rural business model which allows them to expand their sales by creating an online ordering platform. This also will allow them to open their very own delivery service.
Jackson Angus Beef, $102,000 This Rural Development investment will provide working capital funds to allow Jackson Angus Ranch to enter a new phase of processed beef. This investment will assist with their processing expenses, improving their marketing, and increasing their sales and distributions. Their goal is to expand their sales of beef sold directly to consumers through their storefront. Through COVID, many local consumers gained a new appreciation for local foods. They want to expand on that and target those local consumers through better marketing.
Miller Pecan, $181,000 This Rural Development investment will assist Miller Pecan Company with working capital allowing them to enter a new market for their one pound packaged Native Pecans. As one of the only producers in US that handles their pecans in each step from planting through marketing, this expansion will not only assist them increase their brand awareness, but also attract more distributors and retailers. This project will help develop a rural economy and grow the workforce in Ottawa County.
The Oklahoma State Office for Rural Development is currently accepting paper applications through April 16, 2024. Information on eligibility for producers and grant matching requirements are available to view at: https://www.rd.usda. gov/ programs- services/ business-programs/value-added- producer-grants#overview. Additionally, producers can email [email protected] for more information.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is a firm believer in uplifting the economic prosperity of rural America,” Corn said. “There are few programs like the value-added program, which can strengthen the economic engine of the family farm or ranch operation to become a firm employer and proud producer for a community. I strongly recommend any producer in the Sooner State to take a moment to see if this grant opportunity is right for them and contact our State Office today.”
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit https://www. rd.usda.gov/ok.
