Wisconsin is the nation’s 12th largest soybean producer, with more than 18,000 soybean farmers who annually produce more than 100.6 million bushels (2017) of soybeans, a number that has been on the rise in recent years. It is expected that farmers will plant 2.2 million acres of soybean in WI in 2018.

Despite its significant soybean production, Wisconsin does not currently have an in-state crushing facility to process soybeans into soy oil, soy protein and soy meal used for animal feed. Currently, soybeans grown in Wisconsin must be shipped out of state for processing, and then trucked back into the state for distribution to farms.

The proposed in-state crushing facility aims to reduce costs for farmers, keep jobs in Wisconsin, reduce wear and tear on infrastructure and contribute positively to the Waupun and state economy.

Once operational, the facility would employ approximately 39 full-time staff with an annual estimated payroll of $2.2 million. Following final approval, construction would begin in 2019 with completion slated for 2021.

Once fully operational, the facility will be able to process up to 100,000 bushels of soybeans daily. Annual soybean purchases are estimated at 33 million bushels. The facility will produce approximately 3,000 tons of soy meal, soy protein and soy oil each day, and roughly 800,000 tons of meal and hulls annually.

The project is being developed by WSBCP, LLC and supported by the City of Waupun, which currently owns the land on which the facility would be built. Additionally, the project is supported by both the Wisconsin Soybean Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.