PAWNEE COUNTY — Innovative Livestock Services Inc. (ILS) announces its plans to construct a new cattle feeding operation in Pawnee County. A news release dated Tuesday, Jan. 21 stated that the new feedyard named ILS Feeders LLC will be the first contained feeding facility that the Great Bend-based company has constructed from the ground up.
ILS CEO Bronson Smith noted that the new facility to be located approximately 11 miles south of Larned and two miles east of K-19 will create jobs, generate additional tax revenue for the county and create new market opportunities for farmers in the area.
In December, the company registered its plans to construct a proposed confined feeding facility in Pawnee County with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as well as all necessary permit applications including construction, water management and pollution control plans with a capacity up to 88,000 head.
“We have worked diligently with engineers, environmental consultants, feedyard construction professionals and other partners to develop the plans for ILS Feeders to ensure we are responsible stewards of the land, water and natural resources in the area. We are proud of the plan that has been submitted, and look forward to moving forward in the process,” Smith said. “ILS was founded as a cattle feeding business, and while we have diversified over the years, our core remains the same. We are excited for the opportunities ILS Feeders presents for our company, our employees, and, importantly, for the communities we call home.”
Key Features and Factors
The release noted the following key features of the proposed construction:
• Job creation — When ILS Feeders is operating at full capacity, it is expected to provide approximately 70 jobs, generating in excess of $5 million in payroll and benefits.
• Property tax revenue — It is estimated that ILS Feeders, LLC will contribute approximately $50 million in added valuation to Pawnee County’s tax base.
• Opportunities for area farmers — ILS Feeders will create a new market for corn that is grown in the area. It is estimated that the feedyard will procure approximately 7 million bushels of corn per year when operating at full capacity.
• Ideal location — The proposed construction site is strategically located near K-19 and U.S. 50, providing convenient access for employees, as well as cattle and commodity traffic. Additionally, its distance from nearby communities ensures that heavy truck traffic impact on local infrastructure will be minimal.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with operations tentatively slated to start in 2027.
About ILS
ILS owns and operates eight feedyards in Kansas and Nebraska as well as a sister farming operation. ILS also owns multiple subsidiary allied businesses in Barton and Pawnee counties, including Mid America Ag Supply, Ag Systems, Agri Fuels, GK Environmental, Alfalfa Pellets and Ward Feed Yard Trucking. The company has more than 350 employees through central Kansas and south central Nebraska.
