Buttonwood Farm, a producer of poultry, eggs, and locally-grown produce, announced today that it will expand in Fortuna, investing more than $2.3 million and creating 7 new jobs. The company’s expansion will increase its capacity for egg production through the construction of a new egg packing facility.
“Buttonwood Farm’s growth aligns perfectly with Missouri’s rich history of agriculture and support for homegrown businesses,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re always proud to see hardworking Missourians succeeding while creating jobs and quality products. We congratulate Buttonwood Farm and look forward to the benefits it will continue to provide for Moniteau County and local farmers.”
Buttonwood Farm has produced eggs and poultry in Moniteau and Morgan counties for 15 years while using family farms as producer growers. In addition to pasture-raised chicken, turkey, and brown eggs, the company produces and procures wholesome produce, grains, flours, jams, jellies, and more. Buttonwood Farm is guided by a commitment to real food and good people.
“Buttonwood Farm is excited about our expansion plans in the local community, which roughly spans the area from Syracuse, to California, to Latham, to Barnett, and to Versailles,” said Bobby Medlin, CFO of Buttonwood Farm. “The community has an abundance of hard working, family-oriented farmers, as well as a labor force with a can-do approach. Buttonwood Farm extends a special thank you to our banking partner, the Tipton Latham Bank, who also shares the same values around investing in the local communities.”
Buttonwood Farm’s new egg packing plant will span nearly 29,000 square feet and be located between Latham and Fortuna. The project will expand and support the company’s farmer producer family while ensuring hens are happy and healthy through enhanced nutrition, state-of-the-art egg-laying facilities, and safe and secure food handling. Buttonwood Farm expects plant operation to begin in the first quarter of 2026 as hen population increases.
“DED is proud to support locally owned businesses like Buttonwood Farm as they grow and thrive in their communities,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This company’s expansion is an inspiring example of our mission, helping Missourians prosper, put into action.”
Buttonwood Farm sells and delivers to fine establishments such as restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and sporting teams as well as food pantries and grocers in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City, and more. The company is locally owned, locally produced, locally sourced, and locally staffed by farmers and employees in a great community in Central Missouri.
New jobs added as part of Buttonwood Farm’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.
For this expansion, Buttonwood Farm will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
What others are saying
“Poultry is the number one consumer of soybean meal in Missouri,” said Robert Alpers, a Cooper County soybean farmer and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council board member. “Buttonwood Farm's expansion helps drive new demand for our soybeans in the state, and we look forward to working with Buttonwood to grow consumption for Missouri-raised eggs.”
About Buttonwood Farm
Founded in 2010 and now captained by three couples from the same community, Buttonwood Farm has always believed in growing real food and supporting the communities of which it is a part. Buttonwood Farm produces and distributes high-quality, thoughtfully raised, real, local foods to chefs and retailers to make local food easier and more accessible for everyone.
To learn more about Buttonwood Farm, visit buttonwoodfarms.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.