USDA Gives $133,900 Grant to Hadrick Ranch

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is providing $133,900 to Hadrick Ranch, LLC in Faulkton, South Dakota. The funding comes through the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program and supports the ranch's plans to process Angus beef cattle into custom beef products.

The grant is part of a larger USDA Rural Development investment of more than $26.5 million in 194 agricultural projects across the country. Of this amount, $11.6 million is going to 80 beef producer projects. These investments are designed to help agricultural producers develop new products, reach customers, and create stronger markets for farm and ranch goods.

“This investment helps our farmers and ranchers to be recognized for their quality products that are grown and made right here in South Dakota,” said USDA Rural Development South Dakota State Director Lorraine Polak. “The funding helps expand market opportunities by adding value to their products. And this is done by helping them to be innovative, reach new customers, build long term growth, and meet market demand.”

The Value-Added Producer Grant program supports agricultural producers as they work to increase the value of their products. Grant recipients can use the funds for activities such as developing value-added agricultural products, conducting market research, and putting business and marketing plans into action.

Hadrick Ranch plans to use the $133,900 grant as working capital. The funding will help the ranch process beef and support marketing and direct-to-consumer sales. The ranch also plans to sell its beef products through a storefront location in Sioux Falls. The exact location is expected to be announced later.

The project gives Hadrick Ranch an opportunity to bring locally raised beef closer to consumers in South Dakota. The ranch raises cattle in Faulk County and aims to keep more of the value from those cattle within the state.

“This grant from Rural Development is going to give us an opportunity to really bring our locally raised beef to where people live in the state,” said Hadrick Ranch owner Troy Hadrick. “We really think it's important because it has so many ripple effects in our state. Those cattle are born and raised here in Faulk County. Everything from the feed that we purchased, to the work we do with our veterinarian, everything down to the welding shop, that all has ripples. And the more that we're able to keep those cattle here, the more we see those ripples go out. All of that money is staying in our state.”

The project shows how value-added agriculture can connect farms and ranches with consumers. Instead of selling agricultural products only in their original form, producers can process, package, market, and sell products in ways that create additional value.

For Hadrick Ranch, processing Angus beef into custom products provides a way to develop a local beef business and serve customers directly. Direct-to-consumer sales can also give producers another way to connect with people who want to purchase locally raised food.

USDA Rural Development supports these types of projects as part of its work in rural communities. Its programs support rural prosperity through investments in areas such as high-speed internet, electricity, infrastructure, economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community needs.

The Hadrick Ranch project also shows how agricultural funding can support more than one business. Ranch operations depend on a network of local services, including feed suppliers, veterinarians, equipment and repair businesses, and other rural businesses. When cattle are raised, processed, and marketed within the state, spending can support several parts of the local economy.

The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program is available to eligible agricultural producers seeking to develop and market value-added products. Funding can help producers explore markets, develop products, and put business strategies into action.

Through the Hadrick Ranch project, USDA is supporting the processing and marketing of locally raised Angus beef in South Dakota. The planned Sioux Falls storefront is expected to provide another sales point for the ranch while helping bring its products closer to consumers.

The $133,900 investment is part of the broader $26.5 million USDA Rural Development investment covering 194 agricultural projects nationwide. With $11.6 million supporting 80 beef producer projects, the funding also reflects continued support for producers seeking to add value to agricultural products and expand market opportunities.

Photo Credit: usda