By Scout Nelson
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held this week for a $165 million dairy processing facility at the Seward Rail Park in Nebraska. More than 60 guests, including local leaders and officials, gathered to celebrate the project, which is expected to significantly boost the state’s dairy industry.
The plant will process 1.8 million pounds of milk daily and is projected to create 75 new jobs. It will be built by Dari Processing, a family-run company, and marks the first new dairy processing facility constructed in Nebraska since 1963. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
“Seward actually had the best campus, and they also just really did the diligent work on recruiting us,” said a representative of the company.
The 236,000 square-foot facility will be located on a 38-acre plot purchased from the city in 2024. Its location near existing dairy operations will reduce transportation and energy costs. Once operational, the plant will need milk from approximately 20,000 cows, which may help reverse the state’s recent decline in milk cow numbers.
“Now we’ll have more capacity … this is one more place that milk can get shipped to, and it will provide an economic benefit for all of those here in the area,” said the president of the Nebraska State Dairy Association.
At the event, state leaders emphasized the value of investing in local, family-owned businesses. City officials noted the positive economic impact for Seward through job creation, local spending, and increased community involvement.
Roads around the site are being widened to support truck traffic and future business expansion. Additional projects, including a new children’s car seat factory, are also planned in the area.
The plant will strengthen Nebraska’s dairy processing capacity, providing new opportunities for the local economy and agricultural community.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-vm
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Dairy Cattle