PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. – Cargill is bringing a new soybean processing plant to Pemiscot County. Ground will be broken on the new facility early next year with the goal of opening by 2026.

Plans indicate the new plant will be able to process 62 million bushels of soybeans and create 45 new full-time jobs. The facility will also be open year-round, bringing new benefits to Missouri farmers that they haven’t had before. 

“Cargill’s new facility, with its location on the Mississippi River, will operate year-round and provide farmers opportunity to take advantage of increased domestic demand versus relying solely on seasonal exports,” said Tim Coppage, regional commercial lead for Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America. “Access to both river and rail will provide more flexibility and market access for farmers.”

The Missouri Times reported that Cargill guaranteed to pay “more than double” the average wage of Pemiscot County residents, which is $15.30, according to a 2020 report by the Missouri Economic Research Center. Cargill currently employs around 1,200 people in Missouri.

“This facility will support family farms and efforts to source more quality products from right here in Missouri,” Lt. Gov. Kehoe said in a press release. “I’m grateful to Cargill and all those who worked together to make this project a reality, and am confident it will benefit Missourians for years to come.”

Missouri ranks sixth in soybean production in the United States with the crop being the number one farm export coming out of the state. Southeast Missouri is also the state’s largest regional producer of soybeans.

“The location of the new facility will expand the $94 billion economic impact of Missouri agriculture, our state’s top industry, accelerate economic development and enhance workforce opportunities in the Bootheel,” Kehoe said.