By Scout Nelson
A family-owned potato producer in Nebraska’s Panhandle has expanded its operations with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a local rural electric cooperative. The investment has helped the company increase storage capacity, improve processing efficiency, and strengthen its role in the food supply chain.
For more than 15 years, Walther Farms, a third-generation family-owned business, has grown potatoes in Nebraska’s Panhandle. Over time, the company expanded from a small farm into a large commercial and seed potato operation, creating a need for additional storage space.
To support its growth, Walther Investments launched an $11 million expansion project focused on increasing storage capacity and upgrading processing operations. In 2024, the project received support through a $2 million Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) award from USDA Rural Development, secured through the Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Association (PREMA).
The REDLG Program helps rural businesses access affordable financing through partnerships with local utility providers. Through PREMA’s assistance, Walther Farms obtained a fixed, low-interest loan that made the expansion project more financially feasible.
The upgraded facility can now store up to 30 million pounds of potatoes, significantly increasing the company’s storage capabilities. The added capacity is expected to improve operational flexibility and help the business better manage year-round demand.
Alongside the storage expansion, Walther Farms invested in modern washing, sorting, and grading equipment. These upgrades allow the company to meet the strict size and quality standards required by a major potato chip manufacturer it supplies.
The project also underscores the importance of rural electric cooperatives in supporting economic development. Since 2008, PREMA has used USDA’s REDLG Program to help finance 12 projects across rural Nebraska, contributing to business growth and community development.
Based in Alliance, Nebraska, PREMA operates approximately 2,734 miles of distribution lines and serves more than 1,600 members across 11 counties in the region. Its continued partnership with USDA has helped support new businesses, expansion projects, and local economic opportunities.
The collaboration between USDA Rural Development, PREMA, and Walther Farms demonstrates how targeted financing programs can help rural businesses modernize operations and expand production capacity. By combining federal resources with local partnerships, the initiative is supporting long-term agricultural and economic growth in Nebraska.
Photo Credit: istock-martijnvandernat
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle