McGregor, ON, September 14, 2024 – South Essex Grain, a collaboration between the Drouillard Family, AGRIS Co-operative, and Great Lakes Grain, proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art grain elevator. This new facility, designed to serve the farmers of Essex County, offers a range of innovative features to enhance efficiency and support the local agricultural community.

The grain elevator boasts a receiving capacity of 30,000 bushels per hour, with separate scales for inbound and outbound grain, significantly reducing unloading times. Full automation ensures maximum efficiency and competitive operating costs, while the design allows for future expansion. Additionally, South Essex Grain will continue its collaboration with the Schwab family and their Arner elevator to ensure easy access for farmers, especially during the busy harvest season.

“We know how essential it is for farmers to operate efficiently,” says Ross Drouillard, General Manager of South Essex Grain. “This new high-capacity receiving facility will save our farmers an incredible amount of time and effort, allowing them to focus on their operations.”

“AGRIS is very proud to be partnering with the Drouillard family on this significant investment to service the grain needs of growers in south Essex,” says Allan Parks, President of AGRIS Co-operative. “Not only does this replace our aging elevator in McGregor, but it also strengthens our ability, through Great Lakes Grain to meet local needs now and well into the future.”

The official grand opening takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at South Essex Grain, at 10:30 AM.

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ABOUT SOUTH ESSEX GRAIN

South Essex Grain is a partnership between the Drouillard Family, AGRIS Co-operative, and Great Lakes Grain, dedicated to serving the agricultural community of Essex County. Our state-of-the-art grain elevator, located in McGregor, Ontario, features innovative technology and design to maximize efficiency, reduce unloading times, and support the evolving needs of local farmers.

ABOUT AGRIS

AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. is a 100 per cent farmer-owned grain marketing and farm-input supply company that serves more than 1,000 farmer-owners in 14 locations in Essex, Kent, Elgin, Middlesex and Lambton Counties. It is a leader in precision farming technology, seed, agronomy and petroleum services. The co-operative is a partner in Great Lakes Grain, a grain merchandising company. AGRIS Co-operative is a member-owner of GROWMARK, Inc. and markets products and services under the FS banner.

ABOUT GREAT LAKES GRAIN

Great Lakes Grain is one of the largest grain marketing and elevator operators in Ontario, serving farmers across Southwestern and Eastern Ontario. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and farmer support, Great Lakes Grain continues to play a vital role in advancing the agricultural industry in the region.