Alcivia, BNSF open US$40M shuttle loader facility in Wisconsin to boost grain market access
The facility boasts eight steel grain bins with a combined storage capacity of 3.9 million bushels, equivalent to approximately 106,000 metric tons.
USA – Alcivia, a member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative, in collaboration with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art shuttle loader facility in Hager City, Wisconsin.
Headquartered in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, Alcivia serves farm, business, and retail customers across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. The cooperative offers a comprehensive range of services, including financing, agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain solutions, all designed to support the diverse needs of modern agriculture.
This 40-acre development is set to significantly enhance grain handling capabilities and market access for local farmers.
The facility boasts eight steel grain bins with a combined storage capacity of 3.9 million bushels, equivalent to approximately 106,000 metric tons.
It is equipped with two 4,700-bushel-per-hour (bph) grain dryers and three 1,500-bushel-capacity dump pits, enabling a combined grain handling speed of 60,000 bph. An 80,000-bushel bulk weigher facilitates the loading of a full train in under 10 hours, optimizing efficiency in grain transportation.
Strategically positioned, the facility features 21,573 linear feet of Class I BNSF-supported track, providing farmers with direct access to the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. This connectivity opens up new domestic and international market opportunities, reducing transportation costs and enhancing competitiveness for the region’s agricultural producers.
Jim Lange, chairman of Alcivia’s Board of Directors, highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to growth and innovation during a project update on January 23, 2025. He emphasized that investments in personnel, facilities, and services are integral to fostering long-term development.
“The investments we’re making today in our people, facilities, and services are all part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering growth and innovation for years to come,” said Jim Lange.
Looking ahead, Alcivia plans to expand the facility’s services to include a 24-hour unattended two-bay loading terminal for liquid fertilizer, as well as rail liquid propane unloading and storage. These additions aim to streamline operations for farmers, saving time and improving overall productivity by centralizing essential agricultural resources.
Jim Dell, president and chief executive officer of Alcivia, expressed enthusiasm about the facility’s potential impact, stating that it reflects the cooperative’s dedication to innovation and member support.
“This facility reflects Alcivia’s commitment to innovation and to supporting our members and community,” said Jim Dell.
He noted that the enhanced speed, capacity, and market access provided by the facility are crucial for farmers to thrive in a competitive agricultural landscape.
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