Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Clarence-based Newstead Ranch Inc. is expanding operations at two of its egg farms in the Finger Lakes region. The growth and remodeling efforts at Newstead Ranch’s Genesee and Wayne County properties are expected to create up to 55 new jobs over the next five years.
“New York’s farmers are the backbone of our economy, and the expansion of Newstead Ranch will create new jobs and support the growth of the Finger Lakes’ vital agriculture sector," Governor Cuomo said. "Our investments in promising farms and businesses lay the groundwork for future job creation and economic growth across the entire region as we continue to move the Finger Lakes Forward."
Newstead Ranch Inc. is a fourth generation family owned egg farm with approximately 1.9 million laying hens. Started in 1924, they now market over 47 million dozen eggs annually to quality focused customers throughout the region. Egg production is based at three sites, the original farm located in Clarence, a second farm in Wolcott, and an organic egg farm located in Alabama in Genesee County.
Michael Kreher with Newstead Ranch said, “We appreciate the governor’s support of agriculture in our region. The rapid transition to cage free egg production over the next eight years to meet commitments by supermarkets, restaurants and food service companies necessitates a tremendous amount of investment by our family in new buildings and equipment. Along with the cage free transition, we continue to see consumer preference shift to our organic eggs. This support will allow us to remain competitive as we continue to increase employment in our rural communities.”
The total cost of the renovations at the targeted facilities is almost $64 million. State funding for project, which will come through Empire State Development, totals up to $3 million. The Wayne County portion of this project uses funding from the state Economic Transformation Program, which promotes economic development initiatives in communities affected by the July 2014 closure of four state facilities, including the Butler Correctional Facility. Up to $2.75 million of the state funding will come through the Economic Transformation and Excelsior Jobs programs in exchange for job commitments. Another $250,000 will come through a capital grant. The project was also made possible through the support of both the Genesee and Wayne County Industrial Development Agencies.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Supporting Upstate agribusiness is crucial to the state’s overall economic success. Advancing innovative agricultural endeavors will translate to new jobs and strengthen the industry, which already serves as a cornerstone of the Upstate economy.”
The project will span five years and will focus on future growth and expansion of the Genesee County organic egg farm and the transition to cage free egg production at the Wayne County Farm.
Sunrise Farm (Genesee County) – The organic Sunrise egg operation located in Alabama has grown with increased demand from consumers. The company plans to continue expansion on the farm with the construction of two pullet growing buildings, five laying henhouses and the buildout of the feed mill to support the additional volume of feed necessary. They also plan to build an egg processing facility, refrigerated storage and packaging supplies warehouse.
Wayne County Eggs (Wayne County)– The Wayne County operation is located in Wolcott. This project entails the construction of six new barns as part of the planned transition to cage free egg production. A manure processing facility will also be built to support the proposed growth.
State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, "Agriculture is a major driver of our economy in Genesee County, as well as the Finger Lakes, and it's important to support our family-owned farms in order to ensure their continued success. That is why I am excited about Newstead Ranch's expansion at its operations at multiple locations across the region and creating more than 50 new jobs.”
State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “New York’s agriculture industry has a rich and prestigious tradition, especially right here in Western New York. As the former owner and operator of our family-owned farm for many years, I know firsthand the incredible importance of the farming and agriculture industries. It is crucial to our state’s overall economic success that we continue to support and create jobs like this that benefit our local community. I am pleased to see the expansion at Newstead Ranch Inc. come to fruition and will always support the efforts of our farmers and producers in any capacity possible."
State Assemblyman Robert Oaks said, “Wolcott Eggs, owned by the Kreher family, is such an important asset to the Wayne County agricultural community. It has been a consistent and strong employer, offering excellent job opportunities for area residents. The news of the expansion and the investment in cage-free egg production is evidence of the Krehers' long-term vision and commitment to Wolcott and our region. I am pleased Empire State Development and the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency could work cooperatively with Wolcott Eggs to make this expansion and upgrade a reality.”
Genesee County Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfrini said, “We in Genesee County appreciate the Governor’s commitment to our agricultural base and the creation of new jobs. Newstead Ranch Inc. and the Kreher family are a major contributor to our success in keeping agriculture as our number one industry in Genesee County. Thank you to all involved.”
Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors Steve LeRoy said, “The egg farm has been an asset to Wayne County for many years. I’m delighted that they have chosen to take this step to expand by making such a significant investment. The company has committed to its long term sustainability here. The Kreher family continues to add to our agricultural fabric.”
Genesee County Industrial Development Agency President &CEO Steven Hyde said, “The Kreher family, and their Newstead ranch enterprise continues to amaze me with their skill of seeing market trends and acting on them in a highly effective way. Their growth in organic eggs, with the Sunrise Farm operations, here in Genesee County is demonstrative of their skill and continued growth and success. We assisted the Kreher’s with site location efforts here in Genesee County several years ago, and are happy to be involved and congratulate and thank them for their continued investment and success here in Genesee County and across the region.”
Wayne County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Peg Churchill said, “The expansion at Wayne County Eggs is an example of the importance the agriculture industry has in Wayne County and New York State. We are exceptionally pleased that the company and New York State have decided to invest and grow here. The facility in Wolcott continues to be a valuable asset to our community, with great owners and employees.”
The expansion at the sites is already underway and should be completed by December of 2021.
More about Newstead Ranch is available here.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
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