Spotlight on Conestoga: Fueling the Frontier in Garden City

Since opening its doors in 2007, Conestoga has been a key player in the ethanol industry, with locations in Garden City, Liberal, and Levelland, Texas. The Garden City plant, known as Bonanza, plays a vital role in producing ethanol, a cleaner-burning fuel that makes up 10% of gasoline, helping reduce vehicle emissions, benefiting the environment and local economy.

At the helm of the Garden City plant is Trevor Alexander, who serves as Plant Manager. Trevor, a graduate of Newman University with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, originally planned to attend veterinary school but found that a career in the ethanol industry was a perfect fit for his background. Before joining Conestoga, he spent five years working for Reeve Agri Energy. Trevor, a native of Ulysses, and his wife Resa met in Kindergarten and are proud parents of two boys, ages 6 and 8.

A Zero-Waste Operation with a Wide Impact

Conestoga takes pride in its zero-waste production. The by-products of ethanol production are sent to local feedyards, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. The majority of the ethanol produced at the Bonanza plant is shipped to California and Canada, helping power vehicles with a more environmentally friendly fuel source.

Employing 50 people directly at the Garden City location, Conestoga also indirectly supports around 1000 jobs, including truck drivers, logistics workers and contractors. The plant operates efficiently with approximately 60 grain trucks arriving daily and 50 wetcake trucks leaving, ensuring a steady flow of production.

Departments & Career Opportunities

The plant is structured into three main departments:

• Operations Department – Oversees plant operations and production.
• Grains Department – Manages incoming and outgoing grain and fuel shipments.
• Maintenance Department – Focuses on preventative maintenance to keep the plant running smoothly.

One of the standout aspects of Conestoga is its commitment to workforce development. Most positions only require a high school diploma or GED, as the company provides on-the-job training to ensure employees gain the skills needed to succeed.

A Leader in Sorghum/Milo Use

Did you know? Conestoga is the largest user of sorghum/milo in the world. Their dedication to utilizing these crops not only benefits local agriculture but also strengthens the regional economy.

With its focus on sustainability, job creation, and innovation, Conestoga continues to be a driving force in Garden City’s economic and environmental progress.