{
  "id": 8979616,
  "title": "US farmers get $26.5M boost from USDA grants",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/us-farmers-get-26-5m-boost-from-usda-grants",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T17:59:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-farmers-to-get-26-5-million-in-new-grants-as-usda-backs-beef-producers-and-rural-businesses-across-america/articleshow/134395526.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced a $26.5 million grant boost to farmers and agricultural producers nationwide through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. These funds can be utilized for value-added agricultural product development, market research, and implementing business strategies. Rollins emphasized that these grants support the Great American Cattle Herd and bolster the American beef industry. Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith highlighted how the program empowers producers to bypass middlemen, create homegrown products, and boost their income. A total of $26.5 million will be distributed across 194 agricultural projects in the US, with $11.6 million allocated to 80 beef producer projects. Light Hill Meats in Tennessee received $199,309 for expanding hormone-free beef products, while Family Farm Direct LLC in Pennsylvania will receive $145,838 for turning Angus beef into pet products and jerky, with the project targeting a 31,000-person customer increase and a $165,000 revenue boost. Blair Carney Farms LLC in Iowa received $48,000 to support marketing and processing activities for Black Angus beef products. Applications for the VAPG program are accepted between January and May, and USDA Rural Development supports rural communities through various programs, including expanding internet access, electricity, and infrastructure.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}