Beef, honey, cider: Ag businesses in Montana split $1M in federal grants to expand

Five different agricultural enterprises in Montana, including three in western Montana, have won big-time grants worth a combined total of $1 million from the federal government to boost their business.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office recently handed out four $250,000 grants and one $49,900 grant for its 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant program.

Wustner Brothers Honey in Missoula County, Mannix Brothers Ranch in Powell County, Big Mountain Ciderworks in Flathead County, Shepherd of the Bees in Dawson County (which got the $49,900) and 4 Diamond Ranch in Park County all got the grants.

The money is aimed at helping the businesses grow, develop products and expand the markets where their products are sold. Each business has to pledge to invest the same amount as the grant into their business operations as well.

“(The Value-Added Producer Grant program) is one of USDA’s most impactful tools for helping producers capture more value from the goods they work so hard to raise and grow,” said USDA Rural Development Montana State Director Bill Warden. “We encourage Montana producers to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their markets, diversify their operations and strengthen rural economies.”

Wustner Brothers Honey said it will use the $250,000 grant to expand production and distribution of its Montana-made honey products. They'll strengthen their brand presence and reach new markets outside of Missoula County. They also operate hives in Ravalli County.

Mannix Brothers Ranch near Helmville will use the money to process, package and deliver their pasture-raised beef products to more customers. They hope to expand their marketing and grow their direct-to-consumer and wholesale capacity.

At Big Mountain Ciderworks, located in Kalispell, the grant will help the family-owned orchard and cider house to expand distribution of its hard ciders.

Applications are now open for the next round until April 22. Interested applicants should contact Marlee Johnston at marlee.johnston@usda.gov or call 406-312-0819.

Producers may apply for up to $200,000 in working capital and $50,000 for planning activities, which may be used for processing, packaging, labeling, payroll, marketing, distribution, feasibility studies, business plans and other eligible operational costs for up to 36 months.

In a press release, the Jamie Welchjaro of the USDA's Bozeman office said that VAPG funding helps producers build resilient, value-driven business models that keep more dollars in rural communities.

"These investments reflect USDA Rural Development’s commitment to helping Montana producers innovate, diversify, and build stronger rural economies by moving beyond raw commodity sales and into value added markets," the press release said.