# USDA Awards Malta, Ohio Processor Grant

On November 10, 2026, USDA Rural Development awarded Hilltop Butcher Shop a $186,653 MPPEP Phase 4 grant to expand beef-processing capacity and direct-to-consumer sales at its facility in Malta, Ohio. USDA’s program information states that applicants must primarily process cattle, although grant funds or equipment may support meat and poultry processing. Processors and contractors seeking information about MPPEP can contact USDA Ohio Business Programs Director Evan Kohler.

- The award supports added processing capacity and expanded direct sales, signaling a funding opportunity relevant to rural meat processors and businesses providing processing equipment or related services.
- Businesses evaluating program eligibility should note the primary cattle-processing requirement; grant funds or equipment may also support meat and poultry processing.
- For MPPEP information, processors and contractors can contact Evan Kohler at evan.kohler@usda.gov.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)

### Vendors
- Hilltop Butcher Shop (awardee)

### Sources
- [USDA Awards Grant to Morgan County Beef Processor | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-awards-grant-morgan-county-beef-processor) - USDA