North Dakota Soybean Processors breaks ground on new crush facility in Casselton

Photo: CGB Enterprises Inc.

North Dakota Soybean Processors, a joint venture formed by CGB Enterprises Inc. and Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP), celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 26 in Casselton, North Dakota.

The new facility, expected to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans in its first year, will significantly contribute to the economic vitality of the local community and state of North Dakota.

“As I think about this plant, I am excited because it has a unique opportunity to bring the value chain together in a safe, sustainable and socially responsible way like no other can do,” said Steve O’Nan, president of NDSP. “The value that NDSP will bring to the farmers of Cass County and the state of North Dakota, to food companies and renewable fuels facilities, and to the local community is significant. It is rare that one facility can bring all this together and we at CGB and MnSP are proud to be a part of it.”

Scott White, senior advisor for MnSP, added, “MnSP has always sought to add value to the soybeans grown in its drawing area and NDSP will do the same by adding value to soybeans grown right here in Cass County and surrounding areas. We would like to thank the people of Cass County and the city of Casselton, the state’s soybean farmers, state and local administrators and elected officials throughout the area for their support. We would also like to thank all of the utility and transportation providers and the countless suppliers of goods and services who have made and will make this project a reality.”

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum joined U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, and John Hoeven, R-North Dakota, and other state, local, agriculture, and business leaders to celebrate the start of construction.

“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,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to North Dakota Soybean Processors for this significant investment, which will create 50 to 60 quality jobs and generate greater economic activity and tax revenue that supports essential services and critical infrastructure, benefiting all North Dakotans.”

The plant will produce soybean oil, soybean meal and hulls, and is expected to be fully operational in 2024.

CGB Enterprises is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., operates a network of grain facilities across the Midwest. In addition to grain facilities, CGB Enterprises has dedicated operations in logistics and transportation (CTLC), agri-finance (AGRIfinancial Services), soybean processing, producer risk management, and other related businesses.

Minnesota Soybean Processors is a 2,300-member cooperative that owns and operates a soybean crushing and biodiesel refining facility in Brewster, Minnesota.