Governor's Office of Economic Development
Release Date: Friday, May 18, 2001
For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

Global Harvest Birdseed Celebrates Grand Opening in Harrold

(Pierre) --  State, company and local officials gathered in Harrold today, May 18, to officially welcome the town’s newest business citizen, Global Harvest Birdseed of South Dakota.

The new company, according to Governor Bill Janklow, is a partnership between Harrold Grain Co. of Harrold and Global Harvest Foods of Seattle. The company will initially employ 19 people to process and package wild birdfeed products in the 20,000 square foot facility. Locally grown sunflowers, corn, red and white proso millet, milo and safflower will be utilized in the birdfeed mixes.

“This type of value-added ag business is key for the continued success of our more rural communities,” Janklow said. “We’ve got the producers that raise quality commodities.”

“We are excited about the success of this new venture,” said Fred Mills of Global Harvest Foods. “The Harrold location offers us access to quality inputs, a skilled labor force and transportation advantages that will allow us to remain competitive in the national birdseed market,” he said. In fact, the attributes South Dakota has to offer the facility provide definite opportunities for future growth potential at the Harrold location.

Chuck Jepson and Dale Gilyard, Harrold Grain Company owners, indicated the new processing facility will generate a value-added opportunity for locally grown commodities and provide ag producers options for alternate crops. “Our goal for the plant is to enhance the economy of Harrold through job creation, capital investment and spin-off businesses,” said Jepson.

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