OMAHA, NEB. — Gavilon Grain, L.L.C. has reached agreement to form a joint venture with AgMark L.L.C., which is owned by Farmway Co-op Inc., Cloud County Co-op Elevator Association and Randall Farmers Co-op Union. Under terms of the deal, Gavilon has agreed to sell a minority interest in the company’s shuttle loader facility in Abilene, Kas., to AgMark. The strategic arrangement between Gavilon and AgMark would expand the facility’s draw area and enable grain to move more efficiently from central Kansas to markets accessible on the B.N.S.F. and Union Pacific railroads.

“We are pleased to be in discussions with one of the largest grain cooperative organizations in the state to create better options for area producers,” said Mike Barrett, regional vice-president of North American Grain at Gavilon. “We see tremendous potential working together to deliver high quality Kansas grain to the marketplace more competitively than before.”

Jeff Bechard, president of AgMark, said the Abilene facility complements AgMark’s established grain origination and handling network.

“Gavilon is a strong asset-based company with a worldwide presence,” Mr. Bechard said. “Working together in Abilene will certainly make us better at what we do and ultimately bring greater value to our producers.”