CHS Inc. and MKC announced plans to build and operate a grain shuttle loader near Sterling, KS.
Full operations at this new grain shuttle loader are expected to begin by late 2023. MKC and CHS officials note that final construction decisions and timeline are contingent on negotiations with state and local officials.
Located in Rice County, the facility will include a high-speed shuttle loader with access to rail on the K&O Railroad. Upon completion, on-site storage will be approximately 5.2 million bushels.
“We are excited to once again make a strategic local investment with our cooperative partners at CHS. Investments such as this rail terminal expand the cooperative system’s ability to deliver our farmer’s grain to various parts of the world, returning greater value to local farmers and local communities," says Brad Stedman, MKC CEO.
The terminal expansion has been carefully evaluated by both cooperatives, and we are confident this investment will generate solid returns for producers and member owners throughout central Kansas. The project is also expected to create new jobs during construction and operation.
The facility will operate as a limited liability company owned by CHS and MKC. The LLC operates two additional high-speed shuttle loading facilities in Canton and Milan, KS. To bring further success to member owners, Producer Ag, formerly known as TMA, will handle grain marketing services for the Rice County facility.
“In keeping with our purpose of creating connections to empower agriculture, CHS is pleased to continue to invest in strategic assets that increase producers’ access to international markets," says Mike Johnston, senior vice president, CHS Inc.
"MKC brings strong customer relationships and connections to this endeavor, helping us mutually build a robust and sustainable cooperative system.”
