Expansion includes upgrades, a solar panel energy system and other facility improvements
Rockingham Cooperative will invest nearly US$17 million to expand its feed mill in Dayton, Virginia.
The investment to be made by Rockingham Cooperative is supplemented by a US$100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Rockingham County will match with local funds. The cooperative’s investment will cover a variety of expansion and upgraded areas to more effectively serve its customer-base.
“As Virginia’s largest private industry, our agricultural sector draws its strength from the diversity of our production and the entrepreneurial spirit like those who make up this farmer-member cooperative,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “I thank Rockingham Cooperative for its commitment to the Commonwealth and wish them all the best during their next 100 years of service to the farmers of Virginia.”
Expansion of the feed mill includes land acquisition, new warehouse space, upgraded ingredient bins and the installation of a solar panel energy system which will provide and estimated 90% of the electricity needed for the feed mill operation, in addition to other upgrades. Improvements to current facilities includes upgrades to roadways and utilities, renovation and expansion of existing load-out system and feed mill building as well as other accompanying equipment and vehicles in the upcoming years.
“This grant, combined with the major investment that Rockingham Cooperative is making, serves as a statement that the Commonwealth of Virginia and Rockingham Cooperative are committed to preserving and advancing the agricultural industry in Virginia. Through this expansion, Rockingham Cooperative is poised to continue its status as the premiere agricultural purchasing cooperative in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia and beyond for the next 100 years,” said Keith Turner, Rockingham Cooperative feed division manager.
Rockingham Cooperative has been serving our community since 1921 and is Virginia’s oldest member-owned agricultural purchasing cooperative, made up of more than 5,000 member-owners in 26 states. It has 14 locations in six counties across Virginia offering a variety of products and services to member-owners and customers.
