DRAKE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced an award of nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC, of Drake, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND.

The funding, awarded through the Local Food Promotion Program , will add up to five new routes for farm to consumer beef distributions and expand wholesale business through grocery stores, food hubs, convenience stores and schools in underserved markets. The award will expand market opportunities for livestock producers, create additional local jobs and diversify consumers’ options.

Dakota Angus, which represents two, third-generation livestock farms, has incorporated a value-added farm to its consumer beef program.