Farmers across the Midwest have discussed looking for new, local markets to do business. Now, Agtegra Cooperative has announced that it will create one of those markets in a state-of-the-art feed mill slated for construction in Faulkton, S.D.
Expected to be operational in 2027, this 100,000-ton facility will prioritize biosecurity and produce complete grind-mix bulk feed, primarily for poultry and swine operations in South Dakota.
“Our legacy is strongly connected to feed and feed production,” Agtegra CEO Jason Klootwyk said. “We are investing in modern infrastructure that will provide producers with a high-quality, biosecure feed supply while creating economic opportunities for our members and the community.”
Agtegra Cooperative is a local agricultural cooperative headquartered in Aberdeen, S.D. It is owned by 7,000 farmers and ranchers, predominately in North and South Dakota, with a network of over 70 locations and 850 employees.
Agtegra has had a location in the Faulkton, S.D., area since 1915.
A growing industry
Klootwyk explained that in the Dakotas, the company has seen an increasing interest in new livestock facilities and barns.
“It’s really grown in the last 18 to 24 months,” he said. “A big part of our portfolio is around feed and feed production for cattle, poultry and swine.”
He said interest is especially growing in the swine and poultry areas, and this facility is geared toward capitalizing and supporting that industry growth.
“At the end of the day, it’s about having more feed capacity for our farmer base in South Dakota and southern North Dakota,” Klootwyk said. “We believe this mill is just the first step, and we’re excited for the other opportunities and what this means for our membership.”
Agtegra has worked closely with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and he said the partnership is exciting for both entities.
“This investment strengthens South Dakota’s livestock industry while creating a new value-added market for local producers,” said Bill Even, commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “Projects like this help keep more of our agricultural products working here at home, supporting farmers, producers and rural communities.”
Klootwyk said this project will be locally sourcing many ingredients, but especially corn.
“We have some great partners, and the vast majority of feedstock commodities can be sourced locally in the Faulkton area,” he said.
The feed mill project is expected to add at least a dozen jobs once completed, reinforcing Agtegra’s commitment to the Faulkton community.
With a reliable, local feed supply paired with the growing interest from livestock producers in the region, the new feed mill will create opportunities for farmers and the local community.