North Dakota Announces $1M in Agriculture Diversification Funding

Five projects receive grants from the state's Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced $1 million in grants from the state's Agriculture Diversification and Development (ADD) Fund. The funding will support five projects, including meat processing upgrades, livestock facility expansions, and a new food production facility.

Why it matters

The ADD Fund was created to help grow North Dakota's agricultural economy by supporting new and expanding value-added businesses. These grants will enable local companies to invest in infrastructure and equipment, create jobs, and enhance profitability for the state's agriculture industry.

The details

The five projects receiving ADD Fund grants are: Carnis Meat Processing LLC ($250,000 for equipment and facility upgrades), Hystad Ranch ($300,000 for a new hoop barn), J&D Feeders, LLC ($200,000 for a hoop barn), Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC ($100,000 for a new facility and equipment), and Travis Dukart ($150,000 for a hoop barn and supporting facilities). The ADD Fund supports a range of agricultural projects, from manufacturing to animal production to food processing.

  • The ADD Fund quarterly meeting where the grants were approved took place on February 25, 2026.
  • The next round of ADD Fund applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026.

The players

Doug Goehring

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, who announced the ADD Fund grants.

Carnis Meat Processing LLC

A meat processing company that received a $250,000 grant to upgrade their facility and equipment.

Hystad Ranch

A livestock operation that received a $300,000 grant to construct a new hoop barn to expand their operations.

J&D Feeders, LLC

A livestock company that received a $200,000 grant to build a new hoop barn.

Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC

A food production company that received a $100,000 grant to build a new facility and purchase equipment.

Travis Dukart

An individual who received a $150,000 grant to construct a hoop barn and supporting facilities for his cow-calf and backgrounding operation.

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What’s next

The next round of ADD Fund applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

These grants from North Dakota's Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund will enable local agricultural businesses to invest in infrastructure, expand operations, and grow the state's economy through value-added agriculture projects.