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CHS has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near Evansville, Wisconsin, marking a significant expansion of domestic oilseed crushing infrastructure. The ceremonial event was attended by community leaders, soybean producers, industry stakeholders, and government officials, highlighting the project's importance to the regional agricultural economy.
Representing an investment of approximately $700 million, the facility is designed to process 80 million bushels of soybeans annually. The project aims to provide farmers with enhanced market access while addressing the rising global demand for soybean oil and meal within the food, animal feed, and renewable fuel sectors.
Once the plant reaches full operational capacity, it is expected to generate an annual output of 1 billion pounds of soybean oil and 2 million tons of soybean meal. Construction is slated to commence following the completion of the permitting process, with a target opening date set for autumn 2028.
Jay Debertin, President and CEO of CHS, emphasized that the facility will serve as a reliable market for farmers and bolster the resilience of domestic agricultural supply chains. This strategic investment aligns with the sustained growth in demand for soybean derivatives, particularly in food manufacturing, livestock nutrition, and the burgeoning biofuels industry.
Located in southern Wisconsin, the site is strategically positioned within a high-production soybean region that also boasts significant demand for meal from local livestock producers. Its proximity to essential rail services and major transportation corridors will facilitate the efficient distribution of raw materials and finished products to both domestic and international markets.
This new facility will complement existing CHS soybean processing operations in Fairmont and Mankato, Minnesota, which currently handle 119 million bushels per year. The addition of the Evansville plant is projected to increase the cooperative's total soybean processing capacity by more than two-thirds.
Beyond industrial output, the development is expected to stimulate economic growth in the area, creating approximately 80 permanent jobs and hundreds of temporary positions during the construction phase. At the groundbreaking ceremony, CHS also committed $50,000 to community initiatives in Evansville, including agricultural education programs and local support services.
Source: Milling Middle East & Africa