Governor Wolf announces funding to support agricultural projects in Berks, Lebanon, Lancaster counties

Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of seven agricultural projects funded by the First Industries Fund (FIF). These projects, located in three counties, will help existing farms expand their operations, generate additional income and move agribusinesses to the next generation of farmers.

“Pennsylvania’s economy is fueled by its agricultural industry, so it is imperative that we continue to support projects that will lead to growth and investment in communities across the Commonwealth,” Governor Wolf said. “COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on many critical industries in our state, and this funding will provide the necessary support to our agribusinesses, helping them grow, create jobs and continue essential services. “

The approved projects are as follows:

Berks County

Gerry and Darlene Noecker, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, have been approved for a 15-year $ 400,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75% reset rate to build a single 20-year duck farm. 000 square feet including a 600,000 gallon liquid manure lagoon. The 6,600 head hen house will be equipped with laying boxes located on a conveyor belt to move eggs to the end of the hen house for collection. It will be one of the first barns in the United States to use this system. The current industry standard is the daily picking of eggs by hand, which will significantly reduce the need for labor. Using this technology will also put the Noecker’s in a strong position to add an additional barn in the future. The total cost of the project is $ 1,147,000.

Jay and Lorelle Nolt, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, have been approved for a 15-year $ 400,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75% reset rate to build a 20,000 duck farm. square feet in downtown township. The duck farm will contain 6,650 birds and will be subject to a 15-year contract with Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, Ltd. The operation will be one of the first in the United States with a conveyor system under the egg-laying crates for ducks. The total cost of the project is $ 1,200,000.

Gary and Victoria Wessner of KCLW, LLC, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, have been approved for a 15-year $ 325,000 PIDA loan at a 0.75% reset rate to acquire a farm property of 57, 16 acres located in the township of Albany. The property comprises 25 cultivable acres, a two story stone dwelling, a stone barn and a 480 square foot stone recreational building. The property’s 25 acres of open farmland are currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Gary plans to cultivate the property once the CREP expires. Gary and Victoria will also selectively afforest the property. The total cost of the project is $ 650,000.

Theodore and Christine Auman of Hex Provisions, LLC, through the Greater Berks Development Fund, have been approved for a 15-year $ 189,148 PIDA loan at a 0.75% reset rate for the construction of a small-scale meat processing plant and meat procurement. processing equipment. The system is made up of “lockers,” which are reused shipping containers that are retrofitted for refrigeration and designed for expedited approval for USDA approved inspection. As part of the overall purchase of the locker system, the manufacturer, Dirigo Food Safety, assists the buyer with all food safety regulatory approvals in addition to securing the USDA granted inspection on an expedited basis. The total cost of the project is $ 378,296.

Lancaster County

John and Miriam Hoover, through EDC Finance Corporation, secured a 15-year $ 400,000 loan at 0.75% reset rate to purchase a 60-acre farm in Brecknock Township which ‘they are currently renting. The farm contains a farm, a renovated bank barn used for the production of pigs and sheep, and two turkey barns, with an area of ​​88,200 square feet that can accommodate up to 10,500 toms or hens. The Hoovers have a three-year contract with Lewistown Valley Enterprises d / b / a Koch’s Turkey Farm. Pigs produced on the farm are sold at Stevens Feed Mill while sheep are sold at local markets. The farm also has a kennel, which is used for Miriam’s dog breeding business. The total cost of the project is $ 1,380,000.

Lebanon County

Robert and Andrea Brubaker, through the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, secured a 15-year $ 300,000 loan at 0.75% reset rate to purchase a 36.54-acre farm in the township from South Londonderry. The property comprises a single family house, a bank barn with an attached garage / shed and a few other outbuildings. The property will be mainly used for agricultural production and manure spreading. The total cost of the project is $ 600,000.

Teresa Shuey, Kevin Shuey, Richard Hill and Gale Hill of Little Hill Farm, LLC, through the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, have been approved for a 15-year loan of $ 247,500 at a reset rate of 0 , 75% for the construction of a 31,500-house for broilers. Little Hill Farm recently secured a new seven-year contract from Bell and Evans for this house. They will continue to operate their two existing barns which are also under contract with Bell and Evans. The total cost of the project is $ 495,000.

You can find more information about the Commonwealth Funding Authority on the website Ministry of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website. To stay up to date on all Pennsylvania Economic Development news, follow DCED onTwitter,Facebook, andLinkedIn, and be sure to subscribe to themonthly e-newsletter.