CHS held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 7 for a $700 million soybean processing facility in Evansville, Wis., a project designed to crush 80 million bushels of soybeans annually once it comes online.

At full capacity, the plant is expected to produce roughly 1 billion pounds of soybean oil and 2 million tons of soybean meal per year. CHS positions the investment as an expansion of domestic processing capacity that adds a new delivery point for regional growers and serves demand from food, feed and renewable fuel buyers.

The ceremony drew growers, community leaders and government officials, including USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Ambassador Julie Callahan of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Evansville Mayor Abbey Barnes.

What did CHS and USDA leaders say?

"Today marks an important investment in the future of agriculture," CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin said. "This facility will provide farmers with another reliable market for their soybeans while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting growing demand for U.S.-produced agricultural products."

Debertin added that investments of this scale require a policy environment that delivers strong markets and long-term demand.

Vaden framed the project within the administration's biofuels agenda. "American farmers produce the highest-quality crops in the world, and they deserve strong domestic processing capacity and reliable markets for what they grow," Vaden said. He noted the facility "will come online at a pivotal time as President Trump expands opportunities and opens new markets both at home and abroad for U.S. soybean farmers."

What does the project mean for Wisconsin?

When operational, the facility is expected to support about 80 full-time jobs and create hundreds of construction and skilled trade positions during the build phase.

Evers called the project "a huge deal, and one that's long overdue," citing the $700 million price tag as a benefit for Evansville families and farmers across the region.

Alongside the groundbreaking, CHS announced $50,000 in community investments in Evansville, including support for the CARE Closet Program and the Evansville High School agriculture program.

When will construction actually start?

Project development activities are underway, but physical construction begins only after CHS completes required permitting processes. No startup date was disclosed.

CHS Inc., the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, serves customers in 65 countries with crop inputs, market access and risk management services.