Cargill to build new soy-crush plant in Missouri Bootheel

Cargill unveiled plans May 17 to build a new soybean-processing facility in Pemiscot County, Missouri, in the southeast part of the state near Hayti and Caruthersville. The new plant will support growing domestic and global demand for oilseeds driven by food, feed and fuel markets.

According to Cargill, the facility will be the first of its kind for this region of the state with an annual processing capacity of 62 million bushels of soybeans. Cargill anticipates breaking ground on the project early next year with plans to be operational in 2026.

“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 with Cargill. “Access to both river and rail will provide more flexibility and market access for farmers.”

Missouri ranks sixth in the U.S. for soybean production, according to Mike Kehoe, the lieutenant governor of Missouri. “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,” he said.

Gary Wheeler, executive director and CEO of Missouri Soybeans, said, “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.”

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.