FARGO, N.D. (Ag News 890) – Senator John Hoeven, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today joined ADM in announcing a $350 million soybean crushing facility at the Spiritwood Energy Park in North Dakota.

Hoeven met with key leaders from ADM over two years to redevelop the site of the former barley malting facility. Since then, Hoeven has been working with ADM and the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) to develop a plan to build the soy crush facility, which will create 70 permanent jobs and process 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. The plant is expected to be completed in 2023. Hoeven said the facility will be a real benefit to North Dakota soybean producers, reducing their transportation costs and adding value to their product.

“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 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. We appreciate the work of ADM, as well as the governor, the other members of the delegation and the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation for their efforts on this exciting new opportunity.”

This new facility will crush soybeans into meal and vegetable oil, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including renewable diesel.

“This crush plant will continue to build synergy between our state’s top two industries, energy and agriculture. This is a great concept that brings together energy and value-added agriculture, continuing to build North Dakota’s leadership role in both industries.”

U.S. Senate Kevin Cramer released a statement about the plant. “This is excellent news for North Dakota’s soybean producers. It’s a testament to the remarkable effort of our state and local leaders who have worked over the last couple of years to make this happen, especially the Bank of North Dakota, whose financial leadership made this possible. Today’s announcement is no surprise when you consider the unique ecosystem created by our state’s sophisticated and ambitious soybean producers, our knowledgeable background in oil and gas, and ADM’s other major investments. This has been a long time coming, and I am glad to see it come to fruition.”