The agriculture sector is constantly creating new markets for their commodities — the higher the demand, the higher the prices for farmers and ranchers. In addition to increasing demands, farmers are also looking for ways to better the environment. To expand on options for renewable fuel, ADM announced its plan to build North Dakota’s first-ever dedicated soybean crushing plant and refinery to meet fast-growing demand from food, feed, industrial and biofuel customers, including producers of renewable diesel.
Based in Spiritwood, North Dakota, the approximately $350 million crush and refining complex will feature impressive automation technology and have the capacity to process 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. To be utilized efficiently, the new soybean crushing plant is located in a major soybean producing area while also enabling the facility to access both domestic and global markets for soybean oil and meal. The facility is expected to be complete prior to the 2023 harvest.
“ADM’s commitment to preserving and protecting our planet’s resources stretches from the farm gate to the food on our tables and the renewable fuel we put in our vehicles,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services & Oilseeds business. “This exciting new project allows us to partner with North Dakota farmers to further advance the role of agriculture in addressing climate change through the production of low carbon feedstocks for products such as renewable diesel.”
ADM also plans to invest approximately $25 million to expand refining and storage capacity at its crush and refining facility in Quincy, Illinois. This project will fully align the location’s refining capabilities with its crush capacity and allow for greater flexibility in meeting the needs of ADM’s food, biofuel, and industrial customers. The expanded capacity is expected to be completed by the beginning of next year.
“We’ve been working to bring this new soybean crushing facility to North Dakota and met with key leaders from ADM over two years ago to develop this plan,” said Senator John Hoeven. “We’re pleased that this new plant will be open in 2023, as it will provide a significant new market for North Dakota soybean growers, while creating good jobs and economic growth.”
