Value-added producer grant available from USDA

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. 

From the Center for Rural Affairs: Agricultural producers looking to expand their operations through value-added products are encouraged to apply for a Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). Applications will be accepted through April 17. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced $30 million in funding for the VAPG program, which provides grants for producers as well as farmer and rancher cooperatives. The funding can be used to generate new products and create or expand marketing opportunities that help producers generate additional income. Up to $75,000 is available for planning grants, or up to $250,000 for working capital grants. Matching funds of 100% are an eligibility requirement. To locate your state USDA Rural Development office for application materials and assistance, visit rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices. 

Headed to Cheyenne this week. Thank you again for all the fun things for the 5 SWAG bags. 

Thank you BHCSD #4, Double R Lock & Door, Richard Realty & TCT for your chamber membership renewals. 

Chamber Chat is distributed Mondays to more than 500 people throughout the Bighorn Basin and beyond. If you are a member and have news, please send it to us by 5 p.m. on Sundays. 

Chamber member news: 

•Big Horn County School District Four: Go Rebels Basketball...good luck at the tournament. Destination Imagination: State is March 1 in Casper. Good luck to our DI members this weekend.

•Basin Republican Rustler: 307 Photo Contest! Take a picture in Big Horn County on March 7. Send a photo with location and description. Your photo could run in the March 13 edition.

 • Town of Basin: Work meeting, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. to discuss Motocross track. Regular council meeting at 7 p.m. 

• Rising K Vet: Spay and neuter special, 20% off during the month of February. 

 •Basin Rec: Sponsorship opportunity to provide needed financial assistance each year. This will allow the district to continue to offer recreational opportunities. 307-568-1488. 

•Basin First Baptist: Grief Group, first Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. 

• Children’s Resource Center/Basin Library: Play time and story time, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. 

• Basin City Arts Center: Tuesday, March 4, new time 7-9 p.m. BCAC Bingo. Games, fun, prizes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, Basin City Arts Center Dinner & Talent Show. Soup & Cookies 5-6:30 p.m. $6 per person, $25 for immediate family. Kids under 5 free. Talent Show 6:30 p.m. Donations appreciated. Please contact Deanne Jensen if you would like to share your talent at 307-568-2210 or email: jensen_deanne@yahoo.com