The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative announced on Apr. 23 a $113.9 million multi-phase expansion project in Rockingham County, which is expected to create 146 new jobs and increase turkey processing capacity for the region’s poultry and grain farmers.
The project is significant for Virginia’s agricultural economy, as it aims to support local family farms and strengthen the cooperative model that returns profits directly to member-owner farmers. The expansion includes building a state-of-the-art feed mill with nearly two million cubic feet of storage—making it the largest grain storage facility on the East Coast—and adding a rail spur at the Linville facility, along with upgrades to water treatment systems at Hinton.
Tony Banks, senior assistant director of the Agriculture, Development & Innovation Department at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, said: “The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative’s investment speaks volumes for its commitment to the future of its turkey-producing members and grain farmers here in Virginia. The fact the investment is being made by a successful local company is outstanding. It truly represents a great opportunity for farmers, local businesses and communities.”
With these improvements, VPGC will be able to process an additional 4.5 million turkeys over three years and offer more grower contracts while helping existing members expand their operations—a key advantage during times of rising production costs and tight margins.
Governor Abigail Spanberger called this historic investment “a testament to the power of Virginia’s farmers and producers.” She also approved several grants supporting this initiative: a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant program; a $500,000 Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund grant supporting projects using Virginia-grown products; and a $750,000 grant from the Virginia Rail Industrial Access Program.
Virginia Farm Bureau Foundation AGPAC supports such efforts through annual membership fees of $40 according to its official website. The organization promotes agricultural prosperity across Virginia to enhance residents’ lives, focuses on enhancing member success through resources benefiting agriculture according to its website, extends operations statewide to support residents, advocates for agriculture in the General Assembly according to its website, and partners with companies like Case IH and John Deere for farm equipment savings as reported by its official site.
