Tomato company proposes facility in Mason City with up to 50 jobs

MASON CITY – Mayor Bill Schickel announced this morning that tomato producer Bushel Boy Farms wants to build a facility on Mason City’s south side industrial area and the City Council will consider a proposal at its Tuesday night meeting.

Bushel Boy Farms out of Owatonna, Minnesota, is proposing a $35 million facility that could employ up to 50 people. Bushel Boy Farms, according to its website, “was founded in Owatonna, Minnesota in 1990 with a simple desire to grow fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes year-round. Yes, even in the middle of January.” They serve grocery stores like Target and Hy-Vee.

Mayor Schickel says the company wants to build along the Avenue of the Saints on an 80-acre plot of land. They will request a state grant and some city assistance to build a road to the area. He thanked Bushel Boy for considering Mason City for this facility.