CHS Inc. broke ground on a $700 million soybean processing facility in Evansville, Wisconsin that will process 80 million bushels of soybeans annually, creating 80 permanent jobs and hundreds of construction positions while supporting domestic renewable fuel production and agricultural supply chains.
- $700 million investment in a new soybean processing facility in Evansville, Wisconsin
- 80 permanent jobs plus 250-400 construction jobs during the 24-30 month build period
- Will process 80 million bushels annually, producing 1 billion pounds of soybean oil and 2 million tons of soybean meal
- Increases CHS's total soybean processing capacity by approximately two-thirds when operational
- Supports renewable fuels markets, livestock feed production, and U.S. agricultural supply chains
CHS Inc. held a ceremonial groundbreaking Oct. 7 for a new soybean processing facility that will bring hundreds of construction jobs and 80 permanent positions to this southern Wisconsin community.
The $700 million project will process 80 million bushels of soybeans each year, producing about 1 billion pounds of soybean oil and 2 million tons of soybean meal. The facility will serve food, feed and renewable fuel markets while giving area farmers another outlet for their crops.
“This facility will provide farmers with another reliable market for their soybeans while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting growing demand for U.S.-produced agricultural products,” said Jay Debertin, CHS president and CEO.
The farmer-owned cooperative selected Evansville after evaluating multiple Midwest locations. The site offers strong local soybean supply, nearby demand for meal from livestock producers, and access to rail, river and road transportation.
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said the project demonstrates the administration’s support for biofuels at a time when President Trump is working to expand markets for U.S. soybean farmers.
“American farmers produce the highest-quality crops in the world, and they deserve strong domestic processing capacity and reliable markets for what they grow,” Vaden said.
The facility will complement CHS operations in Fairmont and Mankato, Minn., which currently process about 119 million bushels annually. When operational, the Evansville plant will increase the company’s soybean processing capacity by roughly two-thirds.
Construction is expected to take 24 to 30 months once permitting is complete. During that period, the project will support an average of 250 contractors and skilled laborers, with numbers reaching 400 at peak construction.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said the project will benefit families across the region.
“This is a huge deal, and one that’s long overdue,” Evers said. “This $700 million project is a boon for local folks and families in Evansville, as well as farmers across the region.”
U.S. soybean crush capacity has grown 24% since 2022, driven largely by demand for domestic feedstocks for renewable fuels. Soybean oil demand has shifted substantially toward fuel production as state and federal policies continue supporting biofuels.
The facility will process 234,000 bushels per day, with infrastructure designed to handle 40 trucks per hour and up to 1,000 trucks daily. Soybean oil will serve renewable fuels markets and CHS’s refinery in Mankato, while meal will go to livestock feed markets locally and regionally.
CHS announced $50,000 in community investments during the groundbreaking, including support for the CARE Closet Program and Evansville High School’s agriculture program.
The cooperative has recently expanded its processing network, including increased crush capacity at Fairmont in 2023, expanded refining capacity at Mankato in 2024, and new facilities in Louisiana and Illinois.
