In time for the this year’s harvest, the $25-million modernization project of Cargill’s Hales Point grain elevator is complete.

“Like a number of other investments Cargill has made in its network of grain elevators in the United States, this project focused largely on enhancements that have our farmer customers in mind,” said Barry Brandstetter, general manager of Cargill AgHorizons Mid-South Farm Service Group.

Cargill will also be faster in loading barges destined for Gulf export facilities and the export market.

Because of the enhancements, the number of trucks that can be unloaded each hour will significantly increase, which in turn will reduce the wait time at the peak of harvest. On the other end of the system, Cargill will also be faster in loading barges destined for Gulf export facilities and the export market.

With a goal of being the most efficient grain elevator for farmer customers, Cargill also has tripled the amount of grain it can handle. Currently, Cargill buys corn, soybeans and soft red winter wheat at Hales Point, and the additional capacity will allow Cargill to buy milo/sorghum grain.

On Thursday, July 19, the Cargill team at Hales Point hosted a grand opening attended by area farmers, local and state officials, contractors and vendors, and representatives of Cargill from Minneapolis.