Soybean Crushing Plant Receives Approval in Casselton, ND

经过几个月的讨论sions and meetings among the City of Casselton Commission, Zoning and Planning Committee, citizens, and project developers, the city commission passed the necessary motions to pave the way for a$400 million soybean crushing plant.

According toKFGO, three approved motions were necessary in order for the developer,North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP), to move the project forward.

First was a zoning change for the property from agricultural use to heavy industrial use. Next was to grant a conditional use permit to NDSP.

The final motion regarding the plant was the approval of the plat of land the plant will sit on. The motion was approved under the condition that the city would not annex the land if NDSP provides$100,000 annual payments to the city over a period of 15 years.

Several members of the public asked the commission to table the vote until more discussion with the public could address concerns or other options could be weighed.

Commissioner Joan Carvell said she didn’t see the concerns brought forth in opposition to the plant.All three motions passed 5-1.

Joint venture project launched last December

NDSP, jointly owned byCGB Enterprises, Inc.(CGB) andMinnesota Soybean Processors(MnSP),将自己和操作new facility, which is expected to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans in the first year, providing a more competitive and viable market within North Dakota for production that previously left the state.

The location of the NDSP crush facility in Casselton Township, where the plant is to be located next to theTharaldson Ethanol Plantand next door Everett Township, would provide another outlet for Cass County soybean farmers, who produce the most soybeans of any county in the nation.

“This is an exciting project that has been in the works since 2019,” says Steve O’Nan, senior vice president, CGB Soybean Processing.

“This state-of-the-art soybean processing plant is a commitment to North Dakota agriculture. Its strategic location will produce soybean meal for the livestock industry and food grade soybean oil to service the rising demand of food users and also the renewable fuel industry.”

Jeramie Weller, general manager, Minnesota Soybean Processors, says the facility will complement its current operations in Brewster, MN.

"The combination of these assets positions us well to meet demand, domestically and globally, for meal and oil, while providing a consistent, competitive market for locally grown soybeans for local farmers,” Weller says.

Groundbreaking on the soybean processing plant was originally slated for this spring, with plans to have the facility fully operational in 2024. The project is expected to create 50 to 60 new jobs once fully operational.

—Lisa Cleaver