U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nebraska State Director for Rural Development Kate Bolz announced today that USDA is making investments that will expand markets for agricultural producers and strengthen supply chains in Nebraska.
“USDA Rural Development is partnering with entrepreneurs in rural Nebraska to build brighter futures, connect business owners to new markets, and create good jobs for generations to come” said Bolz.
The announcement is part of a larger package of investments in 37 states as well as Puerto Rico. These efforts are a part of President Biden’s agenda to bring down costs for American families and increase investment in America’s supply chains critical to economic and national security. The funding builds on prior investments made by USDA under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase competition, enhance independent meat and poultry and other diversified food processing capacity, strengthen local and regional food systems, and expand domestic, innovative fertilizer production.
Projects in Nebraska have been awarded through the Value Added Producer Grants Program which helps farmers and ranchers venture into new markets by adding value to their bio-based products that will increase their revenue. They include:
• Lakeside, NE: Flying Diamond Beef will expand processing and distribution of packaged beef.
• Bennet, NE: Twin Springs Pecans will increase product awareness and create grocery friendly packaging and displays.
• Nemaha, NE: Barada Hills Trading Company will invest in the processing of direct-to-consumer beef cattle cuts and shares and will develop marketing materials and strategies.
• Blair, NE: Barreras Family Farm LLC will process direct-to-consumer premium beef cuts and invest in related marketing.
• Shickley, NE: 76 Cattle Co Incorporated will invest in the processing of direct-to-consumer beef sticks and jerky and in marketing and distribution of products.
• Norfolk, NE: Lot 279 LLC will invest in processing of direct-to-consumer beef cattle cuts and shares and invest in marketing and distribution.
• Emerson, NE: Graf Bees LLC will process and market local honey, including developing marketing materials and distribution.
• Nebraska City, NE: Nebraska Vegetable and Protein LLC will process direct-to-consumer fish emulsion fertilizer and develop marketing materials and distribution strategies.