A significant investment in Virginia’s poultry sector is set to bring new jobs and expanded production capacity to Rockingham County, as the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative moves forward with a $113.9 million expansion project. The initiative is expected to create 146 jobs while opening new opportunities for poultry growers throughout the state.
The project centers on a multi-phase expansion of the cooperative’s operations, including the construction of a nearly two million cubic foot feed mill at its Linville facility. The addition is expected to deliver the largest grain storage capacity on the East Coast. Plans also include the installation of a rail spur at the Linville site, upgrades to the water treatment system in Hinton, and increased turkey processing capabilities.
With these enhancements, the cooperative anticipates processing an additional 4.5 million turkeys over the next three years, while also purchasing an extra 2.4 million bushels of corn and wheat from Virginia farmers. The increased demand for grain is expected to provide a boost to local agriculture and strengthen supply chain connections across the region.
The announcement was made during an event in Linville, where Abigail Spanberger highlighted the broader impact of the project on rural economic development. State officials also emphasized the expansion’s role in supporting farmers and reinforcing Virginia’s agricultural infrastructure, with Carrie Chenery noting its statewide benefits and Katie Frazier pointing to agriculture’s continued role as a key economic driver.
Company leadership underscored the importance of collaboration in bringing the project forward. John King said the expansion will significantly enhance production capacity while reinforcing the cooperative’s commitment to the communities it serves.
Founded in 2004, the grower-owned cooperative returns profits directly to its members and has grown into one of the largest turkey processors in the United States, supplying antibiotic-free and organic products to customers worldwide. Local and regional leaders, including Leila Longcor and Jay A. Langston, said the investment further solidifies Rockingham County’s position as a leading agricultural hub and will generate economic benefits throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
The project is being supported through a combination of state incentives, including a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant program, $500,000 from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, and $750,000 through the Virginia Rail Industrial Access Program, reflecting a coordinated effort to secure and grow the investment in Virginia.
