Northhampton News

Country View Family Farms, LLC has chosen Pennsylvania for a brand new feed mill expansion project totaling $47.3 million for its hog production business, according to an announcement last month by Gov. Tom Wolf.

The new feed mill will be built on a rail-served site of more than 100 acres located at 2142 Old Route 15 in New Columbia of Union County. The Middletown, Pennsylvania based company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Clemens Family Corporation of Hatfield in Montgomery County, is committed to creating 51 new, high paying jobs and retaining another 231 existing full-time jobs across the state. The total investment will be more than $47,325,000 over the next three years.

“We anticipate that the creation of this state-of-the-art operation will facilitate and support the growth of numerous family farms and rural businesses by offering an exciting new market for agriculture commodities produced by local farmers,“ said Eric Patton of Clemens Family Corporation. “We look forward to working with the commonwealth and local officials to bring this vision to fruition.”

Country View Family Farms received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $255,000 Pennsylvania First grant. The company was also encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit and the PennDOT Rail Freight Assistance Program.

“I’m glad DCED could help see this project to fruition, and keep it at home here in Pennsylvania,” said DCED Acting Secretary Neil Weaver. “Agriculture is a huge economic driver in this area, and this project will help to bolster the region’s economic growth.”

The Governor’s Action Team (GAT) coordinated the project with the help of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. 

“Country View Farms has been a valuable partner in promoting farm biosecurity and innovation, and providing jobs and opportunity for the region,” said Secretary Russell Redding. “We are pleased that Pennsylvania is supporting the company as they increase their capacity to supply nutritious, locally produced foods that in turn feed our economy.”

Economic development organizations Drive and Focus Central PA helped with the project through working with local authorities, as well as assisting with the site selection.

“Agriculture is at the heart of Pennsylvania’s economy and that is certainly true here in Central PA,” said Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director, Drive. “A project like this highlights everything that makes our region unique; a commitment to agriculture, a strong work ethic, and the infrastructure required to support an operation of this magnitude.”

Lauren Bryson, Executive Director, Focus Central PA added, “Focus Central PA is thrilled to recognize and thank Country View Family Farms for investing in Pennsylvania. This is a significant and strategic agribusiness investment, a critical industry to smart economic growth, that we work to attract to provide sustainable, high-quality career opportunities in Central PA.” 

The GAT has invested more than $17.3 billion over the past seven years of Gov. Wolf’s time in office. This has amounted to 410 completed projects, about 45,850 jobs created and 140,500 jobs retained.

“Pennsylvania successfully competed against other states for this expansion – a project that will have a big impact on the regional and state economy,” said Wolf. “It’s a testament to the welcoming, positive business environment we have here in the commonwealth, especially for agribusinesses, that we were able to win this project.”