DALHART, TEXAS — Viterra has officially launched the construction of its new grain facility in Dalhart, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility will include an advanced grain handling system and will be equipped with a loop track connected to Union Pacific Railroad's vast 32,000-mile network. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Rayner Freyberg, the CEO of Viterra for the US and Mexico, emphasized the significance of the development: “Today’s groundbreaking signifies a significant step in enhancing Viterra’s ability to serve the West Texas region and builds momentum toward a stronger network. We look forward to this facility’s completion and expanding our customer reach.” The new facility will improve Viterra's operations, reinforcing the company's presence in the region and ensuring more efficient grain handling capabilities.

Union Pacific Railroad also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. Jason Hess, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Union Pacific Railroad, shared his thoughts on the long-term relationship with Viterra: “Union Pacific appreciates and values the relationship we have with Viterra to provide safe and reliable service to this growing agricultural market for years to come. We innovate for growth just like this, investing more than $10 million per day in infrastructure, technology and network expansion to provide solutions for our customers to win in the marketplace.” The collaboration between Viterra and Union Pacific ensures that the new facility will be well-connected to the broader grain transportation infrastructure, positioning it as a key player in the market.

The initial announcement regarding the grain facility was made in June 2024, signaling Viterra’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in the U.S. agricultural sector. With more than 265 storage and handling facilities across 15 countries, Viterra continues to solidify its role as a global leader in the agribusiness space. In the U.S. alone, Viterra operates 83 storage facilities with a licensed capacity of 273 million bushels, according to the 2024 Grain & Milling Annual by Sosland Publishing Co.

Viterra's expansion efforts are part of its broader strategy, which also includes its ongoing merger with Bunge Global SA. This merger will position Viterra among the largest agribusiness companies in the world, potentially rivaling industry leaders like Cargill and ADM. The merger is expected to further expand Viterra’s global influence and enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers.

Once completed, the Dalhart facility will play a crucial role in improving the grain handling process in West Texas, a region that continues to grow in agricultural production. The new facility is expected to contribute significantly to both the local economy and the wider agricultural supply chain by providing efficient grain storage and distribution capabilities.

Future Growth and Expansion Plans for Viterra

The Dalhart grain facility is just one component of Viterra's broader expansion strategy. The company has been focused on strengthening its infrastructure and operations across key agricultural regions, with significant investments planned in both the United States and abroad. As part of its merger with Bunge Global SA, Viterra is set to increase its capacity to serve new markets while improving efficiencies in its existing operations.

In addition to its investments in grain storage and handling facilities, Viterra continues to explore new technologies to improve its services. The focus on innovation reflects the company’s goal to stay at the forefront of the evolving agricultural industry, ensuring it can meet the growing demand for food and agricultural products worldwide.

As Viterra moves forward with its plans, the company remains committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is increasingly looking to adopt practices that will reduce the environmental footprint of its operations while continuing to deliver value to its customers and stakeholders.

Viterra's leadership in the agribusiness sector, combined with its ongoing expansion and partnerships with major players like Union Pacific, ensures that the company will remain a key player in the global agricultural market for years to come.

Originally reported by Eric Schroeder in Pet Food Processing.