Landmark Services Cooperative recently announced plans for a new grain shuttle loading facility in Fall River, Wis.
If approved, the new state-of-the-art grain facility will be the second of its kind to be built in Wisconsin. Grain shuttle loading facilities are created so producers can store and market grain at the best economic time. Rail systems are built into the grain facility so railcars can enter the bin infrastructure and be loaded directly, saving on shipping and loading costs and reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional shipping – providing a local solution to feed a growing population worldwide.
The first grain shuttle loading facility in Wisconsin is in Evansville, Wis., also owned by Landmark Services Cooperative. The Evansville facility was completed in 2002. It has since benefited community members and agricultural producers through increased marketing opportunities and shipping speed, greater community employment, added economic activity and fewer carbon emissions.
As proposed, the Fall River facility will sit on 150 to 250 acres, having the capacity to hold 2.5 to 3.5 million bushels of grain, and to market 15 to 25 million bushels of grain annually. The proposed facility would provide local economic benefits including an increased property tax base.
“This exciting project is an opportunity for Landmark to further partner with our communities and to have an even greater global impact through local solutions,” says Bob Carlson, CEO of Landmark Services Cooperative.
“Being locally owned by our members, our mission is to help the communities we work with to thrive and our producers to remain profitable,” Carlson adds. “The proposed grain shuttle loading facility in Fall River will be helpful in both of those goals – benefiting producers, members and our communities.”
Landmark Services Cooperative has taken preliminary steps in planning for the Fall River facility. For the past 18 months, Landmark’s leadership team has been discussing how the cooperative can provide a local solution with a global reach. After much discussion and due diligence, the leadership team is excited about the possibility of this grain shuttle loading facility.
The cooperative is currently applying for a conditional use permit for building in Fall River. Additional preliminary steps include discussions with community and board members to explore a facility that best meets the local needs of agricultural producers and community members.
“The Landmark team is eager to speak with the community about this new and exciting project,” Carlson says. “Our goal is to be a partner to our members and our communities and to provide opportunities for overall community success.”
