USDA starts applications for $500 million SPUR beef program

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed eligible beef processing plants for the Strengthening Processing for US Ranchers (SPUR) program would receive notifications starting on Aug. 10.

The agency plans to email partially prefilled applications to eligible processing establishments with completed applications needing to be returned to USDA by Sept. 11, 2026.

“America’s ranchers deserve a strong, competitive marketplace that rewards their hard work and preserves opportunity for generations to come,” said Richard Fordyce, undersecretary for farm production and conservation. “By opening the SPUR program application process and streamlining it to help ensure expedited payments, USDA is delivering timely, much-needed support to small and mid-sized beef processors while strengthening domestically owned processing capacity.”

USDA announced the $500 million investment in late June.

SPUR payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corp. Charter Act and are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at the national level.

“This is another important step in our Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry by expanding market opportunities for ranchers, building a more competitive and resilient beef supply chain, supporting rural communities and ensuring American families continue to have access to safe, high-quality American beef," Fordyce said.

Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) data will be used to determine eligible establishments and the payment amounts.