The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has approved a $1 million loan to Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative in Fairfield to support the expansion of Beaver Creek Ag LLC, a company serving the farming community with agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. The announcement was made over the weekend by Jesus Ortega, Illinois State Director for USDA Rural Development.
Beaver Creek Ag LLC will use the funds to purchase and install a 500,000-gallon welded steel tank and construct a new 60-by-80-foot insulated metal building. The new facility will house equipment for loading liquid nitrogen and fertilizers, enhancing the company’s ability to serve local farmers.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA is committed to strengthening the agricultural infrastructure that supports American farmers,” said Ortega. “Our partnerships with cooperatives help bolster rural prosperity by fostering local economic growth, providing essential services and creating jobs.”
The investment is expected to create two full-time jobs immediately, with the potential to add up to six full-time positions by 2028. The funding was provided through the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, which offers zero-interest loans to local utilities for relending to rural businesses.
Ortega highlighted the importance of relending programs like REDLG, noting, “For some businesses, a relending program can be a more feasible option than a traditional loan. These programs allow rural businesses to get the financing they need to expand and grow, supporting rural prosperity in Illinois.”
USDA Rural Development continues to invest in rural America through programs that expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, transportation, healthcare, education, and housing. More details can be found at rd.usda.gov/il.