A new cooperative is in the works in Mid-Missouri.
According to member and Callaway County soybean farmer Don Lehenbauer, Mid-Missouri Soybean Crush is on track to come online in 2022. Recently, the enterprise was the recipient of a $110,000 grant from the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.
The funding will go toward legal assistance for the development of the farmer-owned soybean crush plant. It has been in the works for about four years.
The plant will likely be located in Audrain County, Lehenbauer said, but Mid-Missouri Soybean Crush hopes to attract member-owners from nearby counties.
Lehenbauer said there has been farmer interest, and the group will begin having public meetings in the future. Annually, the plant will need 40,000 acres of soybeans.
The growers have been working with the University of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Association to grow soybeans and establish a seed base.
If things go well, Lehenbauer said, eventually, a cooking oil refinery might be added.
The MASBDA grant program supports expenses to the creation, development and operation of value-added agricultural businesses to aid rural economic development. The grants are funded by the sale of the agricultural product utilization contributor tax credit.
"MASBDA is a silent partner to many small business projects across the state," MASBDA Executive Director Jill Wood said. "The demand for these funds has been impressive in the last three years. Our board of directors and team are thrilled to see these small businesses receive the support they need to advance agriculture in their communities."