SALISBURY, MARYLAND, US — Perdue AgriBusiness, an independent operating company of Perdue Farms, will continue to operate its grain elevator in Lothian, Maryland, US, for at least two more years, changing pace with its previous plan to close the elevator by March 31.

“We understand the hardship closing the Lothian facility would have on some Maryland farmers and have decided to keep it open for at least the next two years, while continuing our search for a suitable buyer,” said Scott Fredericksen, president of Perdue AgriBusiness. “While the facility does not fit our long-term business strategy, driven by the dramatic loss of farmland in the region, we remain committed to working with the Southern Maryland agricultural community and Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder to find a viable solution.”

Fredericksen said the company is in the process of notifying farmers of its intentions to keep the Anne Arundel County facility open and of its long-term plans. In January, Perdue had committed to working closely with local farmers to minimize the impact, including assisting farmers affected by the closing with logistical costs.

“We remain committed to being very transparent with area farmers and taking care of their needs,” Fredericksen said.

The Lothian elevator has capacity of 995,000 bushels and loadout capacity of 2,500 bushels per hour, according to the 2020 Grain & Milling Annual.

“The Lothian grain elevator plays a critical role in the agriculture community of Southern Maryland,” Bartenfelder said. “It is important for the facility to remain open, and we look forward to finding a long- term solution.”

Perdue AgriBusiness has operated the Lothian facility located in Southern Maryland since 2002.

Perdue AgriBusiness is an independent operating company of Perdue Farms Inc. Perdue AgriBusiness is a merchandiser, processor and exporter of agricultural products.  Through Perdue AgriBusiness’ 75 elevator locations with more than 75 million bushels of storage, deep-water port, transload facilities, oilseed crushing operations, edible oil refinery, and protein blend mills, the company serves markets across the United States and the world.