The agricultural landscape in Mitchell, South Dakota is set to undergo a significant transformation with the upcoming launch of the High Plains Processing plant on October 1, 2025. Managed by South Dakota Soybean Processors (SDSP), this $500 million investment aims to revolutionize multi-seed processing in the region. Located directly on the BNSF railway, the plant will boost logistics and shipping capabilities, supporting regional markets and creating new opportunities for local farmers. As a result, the project is expected to create 75 full-time jobs, bolstering the local economy, and can be explored in more detail on the facility’s website: https://sdsbp.com.
Facility Capabilities and Farmer Opportunities
The High Plains Processing plant is poised to make a significant impact on the local agricultural community by providing new opportunities for farmers. Initially, the plant will process 35 million bushels of soybeans annually, with a daily crushing capacity of 100,000 bushels [South Dakota Soybean Processors]. On-site storage can hold up to three million bushels of oilseeds, and while soybeans will be the primary crop in the first year, future plans include processing sunflower, canola, and camelina. This diversification is crucial as it offers farmers alternative cropping options, helping them address global market volatility, particularly with China reducing soybean imports due to tariffs, as discussed in this article on China’s tariffs on US soybeans.
Some of the key benefits for farmers include:
* Diversified cropping options to reduce dependence on traditional crops
* Increased demand for alternative crops like sunflower and canola
* Improved market stability due to the plant’s ability to process a variety of oilseeds
Economic Impact on Mitchell and Beyond
The High Plains Processing plant is a significant economic driver for the region, stabilizing crop prices and creating local demand. According to Governor Larry Rhoden, it’s “a big win for farmers and the economy” [Governor Larry Rhoden]. By supporting alternative crops, the facility helps farmers diversify away from traditional corn and soybean farming. The plant’s soybean meal will supply livestock feed, aquaculture, and export markets, while oils will enter the food industry and renewable fuels sector, similar to the sustainability gains seen in US wheat production as highlighted in this article on US wheat sustainability. As a result, farmers and suppliers can look forward to a more stable and diverse market.
Logistics and Operations
Located on the BNSF railway, the plant ensures efficient shipping and supply chain integration. The grain receiving area is designed to handle high truck volumes, accommodating 60 trucks (“doubles”) simultaneously [South Dakota Soybean Processors]. Operating hours for bean receiving are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours for meal and product pick-up. For those looking to supply or utilize the facility’s services, a detailed plant layout map is available on the facility’s website. Farmers and suppliers can also consider submitting their favorite local products or recipes to our dessert recipe page for a chance to be featured.
Preparing for the October 2025 Launch
The plant is targeting an October 1, 2025 opening, with test runs planned for late August and a potential soft opening for the receiving area in late summer [South Dakota Soybean Processors]. Recent updates, including panel discussions at Dakotafest, provide further insights into the plant’s progress. For the latest information, visit the facility’s website or consult with SDSP directly. As the launch approaches, farmers and suppliers can prepare by exploring opportunities for crop diversification, such as those discussed in this article on drought-resistant farming.
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Final Preparations and Expectations
As the High Plains Processing plant nears its launch date, the anticipation is building among local farmers and suppliers. CEO Tom Kersting assures that the facility is being equipped to handle high volumes efficiently, stating, “We can take 60 doubles in the parking lot and we’ll be punching them through quickly… Our goal is to get people in and out of there in a hurry” [Tom Kersting]. With its strategic location and advanced capabilities, the plant is set to make a positive impact on the local economy and agricultural industry. For more information on the plant’s progress and to stay updated, I recommend checking the facility’s website regularly. You can also explore more about the global agricultural market, such as the recent rebounds in global oat production.
