Esbenshade Farms acquired by two family-owned businesses

A longtime agriculture company has sold its assets to two Lancaster County businesses. 

Rheems, Lancaster County-based The Wenger Group, Inc., has acquired Esbenshade Feed Mill and its Mount Joy properties along with all of its swine operations. 

Kreider Farms, Manheim, Lancaster County, acquired all Esbenshade’s shell egg operations and its customer base. 

According to The Wenger Group, the sales were closed on April 27. 

 The Esbenshade family has operated for more than 55 years and recently decided to sell the majority of its operations, The Wenger Group said. 

 “The Wenger Group is very excited to add the Esbenshade Mill to our network as we plan for the future. This operation, together with the sow operations we acquired, will enable us to serve our existing customer base in new ways and also serve to support our growth with key players in the Mid-Atlantic pork packing industry,” said Barry Shaw, Wenger’s chairman. 

“Wenger and Kreider have very similar core values to us and a passion to support the agriculture industry in Central Pennsylvania,” said Glenn Esbenshade. “It is apparent they truly care about farmers and operate with integrity with team members, farmers, customers, and suppliers.” 

Ron Kreider, Kreider’s chairman, said “Like Esbenshade, Kreider Farms is a top-quality Lancaster County agricultural producer and processor. We share the same family values and the same dedication to quality and service. We look forward to welcoming Esbenshade employees and egg customers into our family.” 

 The Wenger Group, Inc. is a family-owned food, agricultural products, and agricultural services organization that offers animal nutrition and feeds; specialty protein production, processing, and marketing; on-farm protein production services; and grain, fertilizer, and ingredient procurement. 

 Kreider Farms is a diverse family farming business encompassing approximately 3,000 acres and supplies retail and wholesale customers with farm-fresh milk, ice cream, eggs, and more.