Agricultural giant Cargill announced May 17 that it plans to build a new barge-served soybean processing facility in Pemiscot County, Missouri, near Hayti and Caruthersville to support growing domestic and global demand for oilseeds driven by food, feed and fuel markets.
The facility will be the first of its kind for southeast Missouri with an annual production capacity of 62 million bushels of soybeans. Cargill said it anticipates breaking ground on the project early next year, with plans to be operational in 2026. The new facility will add approximately 45 full-time positions to the region when complete.
The new location expands Cargill’s efforts to modernize and increase capacity across its North American oilseeds network. Last year, Cargill announced a series of projects across North America including significant improvements to its soybean crush facility in Sidney, Ohio, and construction of a new canola processing facility in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Cargill currently operates across 11 locations in Missouri and employs nearly 1,200 people.
“Cargill’s new facility, with its location on the Mississippi River, will operate year-round and provide farmers opportunity to take advantage of increased domestic demand versus relying solely on seasonal exports," said Tim Coppage, regional commercial lead, Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America. “Access to both river and rail will provide more flexibility and market access for farmers.”
“Missouri currently ranks sixth in the United States for soybean production,” said Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. "The location of the new facility will expand the $94 billion economic impact of Missouri agriculture, our state’s top industry, accelerate economic development and enhance workforce opportunities in the Bootheel.”
“Missouri Soybeans is very pleased with the new build of a soybean crush facility in Pemiscot County and the direct impact it will bring to our farmers in southeast Missouri,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. "In an effort to increase opportunities for our growers, Missouri Soybeans has been working collaboratively with several partners for more than two years to achieve this lofty goal and create a needed market for their soybeans. Born and raised in the Bootheel, I know first-hand this is a great opportunity for our soybean farmers and local community."
David Murray can be reached at [email protected].
