Rosedale Farms to Expand

Rosedale Farms, a mink operation in Weymouth, is doubling its size over the next two years.

Economic Development and Tourism is assisting the company's growth with a $1-million loan guarantee. The guarantee supports the 1998 mink crop, which will be sold in 1999. The term of financing is one year.

"We're expanding our operation to take advantage of growing markets," said company president Brian Mullen. "Thanks to markets in Eastern Europe and the Far East and rebounding North American markets, we're about to enter the best 20 years the industry has ever seen. There is tremendous growth potential in fur farming."

"Rosedale Farms is an important contributor to the Weymouth economy," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "The company employs 40 people and is a key exporter of Nova Scotia products."

Rosedale Farms operates the largest mink farm in Canada and one of the five largest in North America. It is a member of the Rosedale Group of companies owned by Brian and Kimberly Mullen of Weymouth. The group also includes Rosedale Animal Feed Ltd., a processor of fish waste for animal feed, and Lake George Lumber Company Ltd., a lumber milling operation. The Mullens have been involved in the mink industry all of their careers. Mr. Mullen is a third-generation mink farmer.