NORFOLK, Neb. -- A new agricultural landmark has emerged in Northeast Nebraska with the grand opening of the Norfolk Crush soybean processing plant. The $375 million state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize how local farmers market and process their soybeans, promising significant changes to the region's agricultural landscape.

The Norfolk Crush plant, sprawling across 480 acres, has the capacity to crush 110,000 bushels of soybeans daily, totaling 38.5 million bushels annually. According to President & CEO Chad Spohn, the plant produces 850,000 tons of soybean meal for animal feed and nearly 440 million pounds of oil for both food and fuel. The facility also contributes to the production of biodiesel and other renewable fuels.

Spohn highlighted the plant's efficiency, noting that the average wait time for trucks entering and exiting the facility is approximately eight and a half minutes, with unloading taking less than a minute. The grand opening was attended by hundreds of guests, including notable figures such as U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and Governor Jim Pillen, who expressed their excitement about the plant's impact on job creation and economic growth in the state.

Senator Fischer emphasized the creation of 50 to 60 new jobs in the area and the added value for soybean farmers, ensuring they receive competitive prices for their crops. Governor Pillen spoke about his vision for Nebraska agriculture, advocating for processing commodities within the state to create value through products like biodiesel and soybean meal for local livestock.

Craig Ebberson, a cattle feed farmer from Belden, noted the reduced travel time to deliver soybeans, cutting his distance from 55 miles to 35 miles. He praised the plant's accessibility and quick unloading process, highlighting its positive impact on job creation and local taxes.

Farmers interested in selling their soybeans to Norfolk Crush can contact the facility at 402-370-4910 or visit www.norfolkcrush.com to schedule an appointment. The plant aims to prioritize local soybeans to ensure efficient operations and minimal wait times for farmers.