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Hampton Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Grants Boost Agricultural Projects in Clarion and Hampton
Two local farms receive funding to expand value-added products and improve distribution.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:47pm
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State grants help Iowa farmers and small businesses expand production, improve distribution, and connect more local products with consumers.Hampton TodayThe Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded grants from the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant program to two area agricultural operations. Carlson Tree Farm in Hampton received $7,286 to build a retail space called the 'Little Barn Market' to sell more of their Christmas tree farm's value-added products. In Clarion, Grand View Beef was granted $22,372 to purchase a refrigerated trailer, allowing them to safely transport their grass-fed, Iowa-raised beef to customers across the state.
Why it matters
These grants are part of a broader state effort to support Iowa farmers and small businesses in increasing their processing capacity, improving distribution, and connecting more local products with consumers. The program has awarded over $2.1 million to 130 projects since launching in 2022, helping to strengthen Iowa's agricultural economy.
The details
The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant program is designed to help Iowa farmers and small businesses expand production and market access for Iowa-grown products. In Hampton, Carlson Tree Farm will use its $7,286 grant to construct a small retail building called the 'Little Barn Market' to sell more of their value-added Christmas tree farm products. In Clarion, Grand View Beef received $22,372 to purchase a refrigerated trailer, allowing them to safely transport their grass-fed, Iowa-raised beef to customers across the state.
- The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant program launched in 2022.
- The latest round of grants was announced on March 30, 2026 as part of Iowa Ag Week.
The players
Mike Naig
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, who announced the latest round of Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant awards.
Carlson Tree Farm
A Christmas tree farm in Hampton, Iowa that received a $7,286 grant to build a retail space called the 'Little Barn Market'.
Grand View Beef
A grass-fed beef producer in Clarion, Iowa that received a $22,372 grant to purchase a refrigerated trailer for safer and more reliable transportation of their products.
What they’re saying
“The grants are designed to help farmers and small businesses increase processing capacity, improve distribution and connect more local products with consumers.”
— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
The takeaway
These grants from the Choose Iowa Value-Added program demonstrate the state's commitment to supporting local agricultural producers and helping them expand their businesses by investing in infrastructure, distribution, and access to consumers. The funding will enable Carlson Tree Farm and Grand View Beef to grow their value-added product lines and reach more Iowans with their high-quality, locally-sourced offerings.
