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Nebraska town searches for soy crush plant, farmer says it could have large payoff

A Central Nebraska farmer says a new soy crushing facility could add value to his soybean crop and expand the state’s animal protein industry.

Clay Govier of Broken Bow says demand for feedstocks that support renewable diesel is driving demand for a plant. “We’re going to add value instead of exporting whole soybeans to China or wherever they’re going.  I think it’s going to make that soybean a lot more valuable in the state of Nebraska and nationwide.”

The North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation announced last week it’s searching for a partner to build a 3,000 metric ton soybean crush plant that would process over 36 million bushels annually.

Govier tells Brownfield if the plant is built, it provides additional marketing opportunities. “What it’s going to mean for a lot of soybean growers is improved basis at harvest and then if you have the ability to store beans, then you’ll be able to utilize some good carry and basis in the offseason.”

The North Platte Chamber said it’s economic study found the plant could be built on a 300 acre industrial lot eight miles west of the city and secured a $30 million grant through the Rural Projects Act from the state of Nebraska.

Access to the main line has been granted by Union Pacific to be used by the park and Govier says that’s a bonus. “The logistics are a good thing and it sounds like they’re plenty of soybeans in the area so it should work out just great.”

The study says the plant could process up to 46 million bushels by year 5.