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For Immediate Release – October 13, 2003Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701 |
Value-Added Agriculture Business
Dedicated in Newton
Topeka, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks and other local elected officials dedicated the Chisholm Trail Country Store located in Newton on Saturday. The farmer-owned business, which received a $360,000 USDA Rural Development loan through the Sedgwick Electric Cooperative, will provide an outlet for locally grown agricultural commodities to serve regional livestock needs.
“USDA Rural Development is committed to assist production agriculture in becoming more profitable through the establishment of new value-added business ventures. The Chisholm Trail Country Store, in addition to offering merchandise supplies, will provide value-added agricultural opportunities for local farmers. We applaud the owners of the Chisholm Trail Country Store, and the leadership of the Sedgwick Electric Cooperative, for their vision in making this economic development opportunity a reality”, commented State Director Banks.
The Chisholm Trail Country Store will operate as a vertically integrated, farm product retail store. The business will supply a variety of animal feeds, animal health care products, clothing and farm supplies. In utilizing vertical integration in its operations, the store will provide area agricultural producers the opportunity to add value to their products by marketing their products. The business has initially hired ten employees.
USDA Rural Development funding for the Chisholm Train Country Store was provided through the Agency’s ‘Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program’. This program is administered through local rural electric and telephone cooperatives. For more information regarding the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program, or other USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call the Agency’s state headquarters at 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.
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