EMERY, S.D. -- Cargill will begin construction of a 5.2 million-bushel grain elevator and storage facility this month south of Emery in southeast South Dakota.
The project is expected to be completed by the 2014 harvest, the company said in a news release.
The $18.6 million facility will serve as an independent unloading location for farmer customers that will be separate from the main elevator in Emery. Among other features, the new operation will include a new grain drying system, three large wet grain storage bins, overhead truck load-out bins, dual truck scales, and a large capacity receiving leg that will double the current Emery unload speed.
The majority of the grain drying will now be done at the new site. The project includes a truck staging area, which will reduce traffic congestion on highways, especially at harvest, the company said.
General Manager Doug Fjelland said in the release that the local team of employees was a key driver of the investment by Cargill.
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"They have a great safety record and have a strong commitment to helping our farmer customers thrive through competitive pricing, risk management solutions, agronomy expertise and superior customer service."
This investment also ensures regional farmers will continue to tap into competitive global grain markets, according to Cargill.
"Emery is a key origination point for rail shipments of both corn and soybeans headed to the Pacific Northwest for export. This facility will help South Dakota farmers feed that market," Plant Manager Dwight Berens said in the release.
Berens also said the increased capacity will allow Cargill to better service farmers during the hard red winter wheat harvest before the corn and bean harvest.
Kara Kayser, finance officer with the city of Emery, said the city is pleased that Cargill has chosen to expand its operations in the community.
"We look forward to a continued partnership and opportunities for future growth and expansion," she said.
