
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant program, which aims to expand meat processing capacity within the state. Small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are encouraged to apply for the cost-share grants, as stated in a release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
This grant is part of Choose Iowa, the state’s branding program designed to identify and promote agricultural products grown, raised, or made in Iowa. The grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
“Iowa’s small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are important to our livestock industry and the vitality of our rural communities,” Mr. Naig said in the release. “Through our new Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant Program, we are helping these small businesses upgrade and expand their processing capacity to better serve our farmers and ensure consumers have more fresh and local options.”
The program replaces a previous butchery grant initiative administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The Iowa Legislature approved the new Choose Iowa grant program during the 2024 legislative session, allocating nearly $250,000 for its first year.
Proposed projects should focus on job creation and expanding meat processing capacity. The grants are intended for smaller-scale facilities and are designed to support processing, storage, and transportation efficiencies.
As stated in the release, eligible projects may include purchasing and installing meat processing or storage equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, packaging equipment, and mobile harvest units. Grant funding may also be used for facility upgrades or new construction to improve operational efficiency.
Iowa Meat Processors Association President Shelly Tiefenthaler, who also co-owns Tiefenthaler Custom Meats in Holstein, shared her insight on the grants.
“The Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant is essential for upholding the tradition of butchery and empowering small, independent businesses to flourish,” said Ms. Tiefenthaler in the release. “It also plays a key role in supporting local food systems and encouraging sustainability within the meat industry.”
Awardees are eligible to receive up to $100,000 and must provide at least a one-to-one financial match. The project cannot be in progress before a grant is awarded, and must be able to be completed within 12 months between May 2025 and June 2026. Grant funds are paid out as a reimbursement after the project is completed.
Full details, including financial matching requirements, application criteria, eligibility, and scoring guidelines, are available on the Choose Iowa website.
Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Services (CIRAS) will provide free reviews of Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation project plans. Although not required, those who have their plans reviewed by CIRAS will receive bonus points in the scoring process. Plans for review by CIRAS must be submitted directly to [email protected] by Feb. 21. Grant applicants should submit both their original project plan and the revised plan with their application.
Final applications should be submitted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website by 12 p.m. CT on March 31. Grant recipients will be announced in May 2025. Projects must be completed between May 2025 and June 2026.