Groundbreaking Celebrates Start of $195 Million Expansion for Valley Queen

More than 250 employees, community partners, and legislative leaders gathered on May 19 in Milbank to celebrate the groundbreaking for Valley Queen’s three-year, $195 million expansion project. The new facility is set to be fully operational by January 2025.

Governor Kristi Noem, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, Commissioner of Economic Development Steve Westra, and DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts joined Valley Queen CEO Doug Wilke and Valley Queen Board Chair Ken Karels as program speakers.

“Our customers have told us they want more cheese, and our dairy producers want to make more milk,” Wilke said in his remarks. “This three-year, $195 million expansion is our answer to those calls. It means 30,000 more cows, 140 new career opportunities, more families in our communities, growing schools, and a busier Main Street. We’re proud to be a part of this growth that will benefit so many across South Dakota.” 
“Ninety-three years ago, two Swiss immigrants took a chance on a small town called Milbank, South Dakota,” Wilke said. “We take great pride in being stewards of their legacy as we begin our next phase of growth.” 

Top Photo- left to right, Hunter Roberts, South Dakota Department of Ag and Natural Resources secretary; Pat Raffety, Milbank mayor; Steve Westra, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development commissioner; Larry Rhoden, Lt. Governor; Governor Kristi Noem, Ken Karels, Valley Queen board chairman, and Doug Wilke, Valley Queen CEO Middle Photo-Governor Kristi Noem Bottom Photo- Doug Wilke, Valley Queen CEO