Two North Dakota ranches are leveling up their operations with generous grants from the Department of Agriculture. These funds aim to enhance efficiency and market presence in the state’s agriculture scene.
DICKINSON — In November, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture awarded significant grant funding to two local ranches, enabling them to make pivotal improvements to their operations. This financial boost is set to enhance their productivity and market reach in the competitive agricultural landscape.
Tracey Hauck, a rancher from Richardton, is one of the recipients, receiving an impressive $150,000 through the Agricultural Diversification and Development (ADD) fund. His project involves constructing a state-of-the-art cattle confinement barn and working facility, which is designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency for his cattle business.
Meanwhile, Kathrein Beef Company of New England secured a $25,000 grant from the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Committee (APUC). This funding is part of their effort to establish a robust ranch-to-market beef business, focusing on brand development and effective marketing strategies.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture offers grants through both the ADD and APUC programs, with four application deadlines throughout the year. These deadlines align with quarterly meetings where prospective applicants can present their proposals for funding consideration.
According to the Department of Agriculture’s official website, the ADD program aims to support new or expanding value-added agricultural businesses. This initiative is designed to promote financial feasibility, enhance profitability, and ultimately stimulate the growth of North Dakota’s economy.
Proposals submitted for the ADD fund are scored based on several key criteria, including the likelihood of success, potential for wealth creation, and the technical expertise of project leaders. Additionally, sustainability efforts and committee opinions play a role in the evaluation process.
Similarly, the APUC seeks to create new wealth by developing expanded uses for North Dakota’s agricultural products. The grading criteria for APUC proposals focuses on job creation potential, scientific merit, and the likelihood of rapid commercialization, among other factors.
The upcoming application deadline for both grant programs is April 1. Interested parties can find more details on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website.
