Blog

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program, a temporary funding initiative designed to support eligible U.S. beef processing establishments during a period of historically low cattle supplies and other challenging conditions currently impacting the cattle market. Payment limits per applicant are yet to be determined.  

What is the purpose of the SPUR Program?

The purpose of the SPUR Program is to:

• Support independent and regional beef processing capacity.
• Strengthen competition within the U.S. beef supply chain.
• Preserve market opportunities for American ranchers.
• Support rural communities.
• Help maintain a resilient domestic food supply chain.
• Ensure continued access to high-quality American beef for consumers.

Who is eligible to apply?

According to the USDA announcement, eligible applicants will include: beef processing establishments operating under Federal inspection; inspected under the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program; and participating in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Program.

Eligible entities must also be U.S.-owned and not be nationally dominant in beef processing (or owned by an entity that is), defined as an entity holding a market share greater than or equal to the entity holding the fourth-largest share of the U.S. beef processing market.

How will funding be determined?

Eligible entities who are registered with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will receive additional program information on funding limits and application materials using contact information on file with FSIS. 

For more information on this funding or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.