Brewster, Minn. — A new facility that will crush soybeans for meal, oil and possibly biodiesel is going up in southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Soybean Processors held a groundbreaking ceremony on the 80-acre construction site November 18.
Bob Kirchner, MSP president and Nobles County farmer, says he is happy construction in finally underway “after four years of hard work.” Over $31 million in equity was raised from more than 2,300 farmers, most from Minnesota. The crushing plant is expected to process 100,000 bushels of soybeans per day when it reaches full capacity.
“The soybeans will be grown locally, processed locally, with most of the value captured locally,” says Max Norris, AURI fats and oils scientist.
“This is another opportunity for farmers to market their own crops,” Kirchner says. “And the impact of this plant is going to ripple out economically … locally and regionally. It’s definitely a shot to the local economy.” Kirchner expects the Minnesota Soybean Processors plant will drive up local soybean prices by about 10 cents per bushel.
While the official groundbreaking was held in November, construction actually started in late October. The plant should be operational by next November.
