On the edge of Madison County, just north of Norfolk, a new landmark has emerged, bringing significant changes to the local agricultural landscape.
The Norfolk Crush soybean processing plant, spread across 480 acres, began a soft launch of operations in mid-June with plans to scale into full production early this fall. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the way Northeast Nebraska farmers market and process their soybeans.
Nick Bowdish, the driving force behind Norfolk Crush LLC, has long been a visionary in the agricultural sector. As president and CEO of N Bowdish Company LLC, he has been instrumental in developing projects that add value to agricultural products. Aligning perfectly with Gov. Jim Pillen’s directive to shift Nebraska from commodities-based to value-added agriculture, Norfolk Crush’s goals are poised to leverage Nebraska’s strengths in abundant land and water, alongside advancements in ag tech and research, to unlock new opportunities in the bioeconomy.
Construction on the $375 million plant began in spring 2022, and after many months of dedicated work, the facility is nearly fully operational. The plant boasts the capacity to crush 38.5 million bushels of soybeans annually, equating to 110,000 daily. This immense quantity not only increases the demand for local soybeans but also provides farmers with a quicker, more efficient way to process their crops.
“We are extremely excited to bring added value to the soybeans grown in Madison County and the surrounding area. The additional demand for soybeans will be extremely beneficial to farmers, and the products we make will provide additional supply to food companies, livestock producers, and to renewable fuel facilities. The team at Norfolk Crush is proud to be a part of this value chain,” said Norfolk Crush president and CEO Chad Spohn.
The new plant features two unloading pits each capable of handling 30,000 bushels per hour, significantly streamlining the process for regional farmers. This efficiency is a major improvement over previous options where farmers often faced delays. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to employ 55 people, ranging from grain merchandisers to lab technicians.
The plant’s impact extends beyond just local convenience.
It is set to produce 847,000 tons of soybean meal annually for livestock feed markets, 450 million pounds of crude soybean oil, and 77,000 tons of pelleted soybean hulls. These products are essential for various markets, including the rapidly growing renewable diesel industry. The oil produced is expected to play a crucial role in biodiesel production, underscoring the plant’s importance in sustainable energy.
The Norfolk Crush plant's economic impact is substantial, as outlined in a March 2022 Economic Impact Assessment performed by Melissa Trueblood, Ph.D. economist with the Nebraska Public Power District. According to the report, the plant will directly employ 55 full-time workers, but the ripple effect on the local economy is even more impressive.
When considering secondary employment in other sectors, the total employment impact for the Norfolk area is estimated to be approximately 120 jobs. This includes 55 direct jobs, plus 65 secondary jobs, which includes both indirect and induced positions. Furthermore, the direct employee compensation for the plant’s workforce is projected at $4 million. When adding indirect and induced impacts, the total annual employee compensation impact on the Norfolk area economy reaches approximately $8.5 million.
Norfolk Crush’s strategic location and advanced facilities mean it can serve areas as far northwest as O’Neill and into South Dakota, providing a vital local outlet for soybeans. The Norfolk Crush plant is the fourth soybean processing facility in Nebraska, joining others in Lincoln, Fremont, and Hastings.
The domestic demand for soybean oil, especially for biodiesel, has driven the establishment of these new facilities over the past few years. The plant’s capacity to unload railcars and store up to 540 railcars on-site further enhances its logistical capabilities, ensuring that processed products can be efficiently transported to markets.
Farmers interested in selling their soybeans to Norfolk Crush can call 402-370-4910 or visit www.norfolkcrush.com to make an appointment. The facility aims to buy as many local soybeans as possible, ensuring smooth operations and minimal wait times for farmers.
Looking ahead, Norfolk Crush is planning a grand opening event for spring 2025 to celebrate its full operational capacity and showcase the plant’s features. Local farmers and community members will have the opportunity to tour the plant and see firsthand the advanced technology that makes Norfolk Crush a cutting-edge facility.
As the plant continues to operate, it will significantly enhance the local agricultural economy, providing farmers with better market options and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Norfolk area. The Norfolk Crush soybean processing plant stands as a testament to the region’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and progress.
Norfolk Now Magazine: Fall/Winter 2024-25
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