See for Yourself Participants Tour AGP and Learn About New Aberdeen Plant
Continuing their See for Yourself experience across Washington State, the group met with representatives from Ag Processing Inc (AGP).
AGP was established in 1983. Since that time, the world’s largest soybean processing cooperative has grown to include 172 member co-ops and represent more than 250,000 farmers across the U.S. and Canada.
AGP recently announced a new plant in Aberdeen South Dakota. The proposed Aberdeen plant will be AGP’s tenth facility. Permitting for the new plant is complete with groundbreaking to take place in the next 60 days.
“With the announcement of an AGP soybean processing plant in Aberdeen, the group was excited to visit its export location at Greys Harbor and learn more about the new opportunity in our own backyard,” said Tim Ostrem Centerville farmer and SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council Director.
Representatives estimate the Aberdeen facility will crush between 110,000-120,000 bushels a day. The proposed plant is projected to be completed in 2019 and will employ approximately 50 people.
AGP’s facility at the Port of Grays Harbor is located only 12 nautical miles or 1.5 hours from open ocean. Grays Harbor is a significant outlet for ag exports from the Pacific Northwest, particularly for shipping soybeans and soybean meal to Asia. In addition, the port also exports corn, DDGS, biodiesel, seafood, automobiles, timber and other liquid and dry bulk products.
Between 1.25mmt and 1.50mmt of grain moves through AGP at Grays Harbor annually. There are eight silos on site; each holds 350,000 bushels of soybeans.