The North Dakota Soybean Processors broke ground on August 24 for its $400 million soybean crushing plant in Casselton, ND, which is expected to draw soybeans from a 60-mile radius including Northwest Minnesota.
North Dakota Soybean Processors is a joint venture formed by CGB Enterprises, Inc. and Minnesota Soybean Processors.
Facility will source grain from farmers and grain elevators
The plant, which is expected to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans in the first year, is expected to source its soybeans from producers as well as grain elevators in the region.
According to AgWeek, North Dakota Soybean Processors is not being set up as a separate cooperative, but farmers can buy shares in the Minnesota Soybean Processors co-op.
The plant is expected to provide 50 to 60 jobs and produce food-grade soybean oil and meal. The oil could go into the food industry or be turned into renewable fuel. The meal will most likely be used to feed livestock.
While North Dakota doesn't have a large livestock industry to use the soybean meal, it could find a market in other states, Canada, Mexico or for export through ports in the Pacific Northwest.
The plant will be fully operational in 2024
Plans for the state-of-the-art soybean crushing plant have been in the works since 2019.
Its strategic location will produce soybean meal for the livestock industry and food grade soybean oil to service the rising demand of food users and also the renewable fuel industry.
North Dakota Soybean Processors expects the plant to be fully operational in 2024.
CGB has an existing soybean processing plant in Mt. Vernon, IN, that was built in 1997 and recently underwent a significant expansion to increase its soybean processing capabilities in Southwest Indiana.
The company has additional grain elevator assets strategically located throughout the U.S. with access to rail, truck and barge transportation, as well as other complementary businesses within the agriculture and transportation industries.
MnSP has an existing Soybean Processing facility located in Brewster, MN, that started crushing soybeans in 2003 and added a biodiesel refining facility in 2005.
Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) attended the groundbreaking along with U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), as well as local, agriculture, and business leaders.
“This project is part of a tectonic shift in North Dakota agriculture and energy – shifting away from exporting all our raw commodities out of state for processing and shifting toward adding value to those commodities right here at home, reducing transport costs and improving the prices paid to soybean growers,” Gov. Burgum said.
Sen. Cramer noted Eastern North Dakota is a leader in soybean production.
"This new North Dakota Soybean Processors facility expands market access, increases value for local soybean producers, and drives investment back into the local communities," said Cramer.
