JUNE 21, 2011 (LINCOLN, NEB.)—The Nebraska Rural Development Commission (RDC) and Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) have awarded $183,975 in Agricultural Innovation and Value-Added Ag (VAA) grant funding to nine projects.

"Since its inception in 2005, the Agricultural Innovation and Value-Added Agriculture grant program has awarded more than 100 grants to assist with a variety of agricultural based projects. With matches provided by award recipients, the program investments total more than $6 million strengthening the value-added industry and enhancing income generation opportunities for rural Nebraska," said Linda Fettig, RDC director.

The program, which is administered by RDC, supports the collaborative development of farming and ranching; start-up and growth of value-added agricultural enterprises; and growth of rural communities and regions.

The following projects received funding:

Nebraska Historic Trails Grape Juices
Lewellen, Ogallala and Mitchell - The partnership between 17 Ranch Winery, Southfork Vineyard & Apiary and Prairie Vine Vineyards, was awarded $11,581 to renovate and expand an existing wine-making facility to accommodate production of red and white grape juices under the Historic Trails Grape Juice label. Cash match will be provided by 17 Ranch Winery, LTD, Southfork Vineyard & Apiary, and Prairie Vine Vineyard. Contact Ellen Burdick at 308-778-5542.

Sandhill Ranchers Beef Company Value Added Expansion
Mullen - A $39,580 grant was awarded to Sandhill Ranchers Beef Company to purchase equipment for their full service beef packing facility. The project will allow Nebraska cattle ranchers to increase revenues through participation in a variety of company value-added programs. Cash match will be provided by the Sandhill Ranchers Beef Company. Contact Ben Roberts at 308-546-2371.

Nebraska Wine Collaborators
Alma, Brainard, Kearney and St. Paul - The Nebraska Wine Collaborators were awarded $44,285 to purchase processing equipment that enables them to expand the markets for grape crops. Cash match will be provided by Miletta Vista Winery, Ponderosa Vineyards, Bruce Bostelman, Stefan Kegley, and Ron Kulwicki. Contact Mick McDowell at 308-750-1761.

Increasing Dairy Processing Capacity & Food Safety in Eastern Nebraska
Lincoln - ShadowBrook Farm was awarded $31,150 to invest in the equipment, space and tools that allows them to expand their farm processing facility. ShadowBrook Farm and small dairy farms in eastern Nebraska will collaborate to increase the production of specialty cheeses. ShadowBrook Farm (Charuth and Kevin Loth) will provide the required cash match. Contact Charuth or Kevin Loth at 402-499-7578.

Northeast Nebraska Local Food Distribution Partnership Project
Hartington - A $10,130 grant was awarded to the partnership of Castle Creek Family Farm and JC Farms, which will market and sell fresh vegetables at farmers' markets and roadside stands. Additionally the company will become a distributor for other local producers in the area. Grant funds will be applied to the acquisition and installation of processing and distribution equipment. Castle Creek Family Farm, Jerimiah Hinz and JC Farms, Craig and Jenny Rolfes will provide cash and in-kind match. Contact Jenny Rolfes at 402-254-9131.

Niobrara Sawmill
Valentine -The Simmons Ranch and Gass Ranch partnership was awarded $26,850 to purchase equipment used in converting waste timber into value-added products, including posts, shingles, lumber and chipped wood. Simmons Ranch, Lee Simmons, and Gass Ranch, Greg Gass, will provide cash match. Contact Lee Simmons at 402-890-1700.

Winery Expansion & Market Development
Parks - Sage Hill Vineyard, LLC was awarded $7,149 to purchase equipment that leads to an increased production and quality of their wine offerings. Sage Hill Vineyard, LLC, Hal Walker, will provide cash match. Contact Hal Walker at 308-423-2062.

Autumn Valley Vineyards
Ord - Autumn Valley Vineyards was awarded $2,500 for business plan assistance. Autumn Valley Vineyards, Gary and Kayla Hinrichs will provide cash and in-kind match. Contact Gary Hinrichs at 308-728-7060.

Increasing "GREEN" Sustainable Viticulture Practices
Lexington - A $10,750 grant was awarded to Mac's Creek Winery & Vineyards to purchase equipment that evaluates the efficacy of using Ozone in place of pesticides to control grape vine diseases. Mac's Creek Winery & Vineyard, Seth McFarland will provide cash match. Contact Seth McFarland at 308-325-9534.

For more information about the VAA grants, contact Linda Fettig at 308-380-4966 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

###