The Port of Johnstown celebrated the completion of its new $6 million propane grain dryer, enhancing its grain processing abilities ahead of the 2024 corn harvest. Supported by the Agriculture Clean Technology (ACT) Program, this state-of-the-art installation showcases the Port’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and benefits local farmers by reducing carbon emissions by up to 45%.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 17 marked the dryer's official launch. Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps highlighted the project’s significance, noting, “This new dryer will more than double our drying capacity, allowing us to handle soybean and corn simultaneously." This upgrade addresses the seasonal overlap of soybean and corn harvests, easing processing challenges for local farmers.
The dryer’s construction included advanced heat retention technology to reduce environmental impact, and the project received up to $2 million in funding through the ACT Program’s Adoption Stream, with the Port covering remaining costs.
Deputy Mayor Stephen Dillabough extended gratitude to MP Francis Drouin for securing project funding, while Port General Manager Robert Dalley acknowledged Project Manager Kevin Saunders for completing the project on schedule. Dalley also introduced Leslie Drynan, who will take on the role of Port General Manager on October 21.
The Port of Johnstown continues to serve as a vital hub for agriculture in the region, with this latest investment aligning with its mission to enhance operational efficiencies while prioritizing sustainability.