Tuesday September 15 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - NE FFA Foundation Grants - Papio NRD '27 Budget - AFBF Ag Innoation Challenge Finalist - CHS to Build a Soy Crush Plant in Wisconsin - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress: Corn Harvest Begins

Nebraska corn harvest began last week, with 3% of the crop harvested, although maturity remained behind its typical pace and winter wheat planting also trailed the five-year average. Dry conditions continued to strain the state: Half of topsoil and 61% of subsoil were rated short or very short, while 59% of pasture and range was in poor or very poor condition. Producers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 13.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 19% very short, 31% short, 48% adequate and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 28% very short, 33% short, 37% adequate and 2% surplus. 

Field Crops Report:

Corn
    Dented: 85% — ahead of 80% last year but behind 88% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 29% — behind 33% last year and 40% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 3% — equal to last year and the five-year average. 
    Condition: 5% very poor, 10% poor, 30% fair, 38% good, 17% excellent.

Soybean
    Dropping leaves: 37% — ahead of 35% last year but behind 47% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 0% — equal to last year but behind 1% for the five-year average. 
    Condition: 2% very poor, 6% poor, 28% fair, 48% good, 16% excellent.

Winter Wheat
    Planted: 5% — behind 16% last year and 15% for the five-year average.

Sorghum
    Headed: 97% — ahead of 96% last year but behind 99% for the five-year average.
    Coloring: 56% — behind 73% last year and 86% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 16% — ahead of 8% last year but behind 17% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 1% — equal to last year and the five-year average. 
    Condition: 2% very poor, 17% poor, 40% fair, 36% good, 5% excellent.

Pasture and Range
    Condition: 32% very poor, 27% poor, 28% fair, 13% good, 0% excellent.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state. 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 13, 2026. This is 2.0 days less than last year, when there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 19 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. 

Eighty-nine percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is on par with last year. Thirty-eight percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 7 percentage points behind last year. Two percent of corn has been harvested, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. Corn condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. 

Twenty-two percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 10 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The U.S. soybean harvest kicked off ahead of both last year's and the five-year-average pace, while the nation's corn harvest also continued slightly ahead of normal, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 86%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 83% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 84%. Corn mature was pegged at 42%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 39% and 4 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 38%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 8% of corn has been harvested nationally, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 7% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 percentage point from the previous week but 10 percentage points below last year's 67%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, equal to the previous week and 8 percentage points above the previous year's 9%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 44%, 6 percentage points ahead of last year's 38% and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 37%.
-- Harvest progress: In its first soybean harvest report of the season, NASS estimated that 6% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 5% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 3%
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 5 percentage points below the previous year's 63%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 8% complete nationally, 2 percentage points behind last year's 10% and 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 12%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest reached 93% complete as of Sunday. That was equal to last year's pace but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 92%. 



Nebraska FFA Foundation Announces 2026 Grant Recipients

A total of 42 projects at 35 Nebraska schools are set to receive funding through the Nebraska FFA Foundation grant program, with just over $648,600 awarded in total across the state of Nebraska.
 
This year, the applicants had the option of four grant types, including a Matching Grant funded by the Nebraska FFA Foundation general fund, Non-Matching Grant funded by industry partners and legacy gifts, Large Project Matching Grant funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the Governor’s Award of Excellence Grant funded by NIFA.
 
“The Nebraska FFA Foundation has been committed for nearly a decade in addressing local FFA chapter and agricultural education classroom needs,” says Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director Stacey Agnew. “Funding these needs are critical to building FFA members’ career-ready skills in agriculture, food and natural resources. These projects are making a powerful difference in the lives of Nebraska FFA members today and for years to come.” 

Below is a list of recipient schools and/or FFA chapters. Many of the grant recipients and their impactful stories will be featured on the Nebraska FFA Foundation website and social media channels over the next several months.

Allen FFA - Agricultural Science Lab Safety & Storage Enhancement Project
Aquinas - Welding Lab
Blue Hill - Blue Hill Shop HVAC System & New Booths
Bruning-Davenport FFA - Growing Opportunities: Plant Science Pathway Expansion
Central City - Welding Equipment Upgrade
East Butler - Vet Science 4-D Vision Anatomy Reusable Kits
East Butler FFA - Small Town Food Security
Elgin - Growing FFA Member Success Through Floral Education
Elkhorn Valley - Greenhouse
Freeman - Get Outside! Educational Equipment for Freeman High School
Fullerton FFA - Greenhouse
Fullerton FFA - Plant Project
Garden County FFA - Greenhouse Update & Repair
Gothenburg - Gothenburg Greenhouse Revitalization Project
Gothenburg Ag Ed - From Classroom to Clinic
Gothenburg FFA - Little Farmers Adventures Backpacks
Johnson County Central FFA - Teaching Greenhouse for Hands-On Learning
Kearney Ag Ed & FFA - Wildlife Management Fishing Experience
Kenesaw - Meat Science
Laurel-Concord-Coleridge - Ernie’s Greenhouse
Lindsay Academy FFA - Raising & Processing Chickens
Lutheran High Northeast - Greenhouse to Cafeteria Project
McCool Junction - Upcycled Arrangements
Newman Grove FFA - Food Science Innovation Lab
Norfolk FFA - Northern Hills Child Care Raised Beds
Norris - Manufacturing Career Success Through Fabrication
Norris - Greenhouse Cooling Modernization
Norris - Agriculture Literacy Backpack Program
Oakland-Craig - Animal Health & Veterinary Skill Development
Osmond FFA - 3D Laser Printer
Osmond FFA - Agricultural Education Flashcard Sets
Palmer Ag Ed - Raised Garden Beds
Plainview - Welding Laboratory Equipment
Pleasanton - Agricultural Design & Fabrication Lab 
Scribner-Snyder - Small Animal Facilities Upgrade
Silver Lake - Silver Lake Freeze Dried Goods
Sutton FFA - Blue & Gold Laser Works
Syracuse FFA - Food Science Class
Wallace FFA - Alternative Strawberry Production & Food Preservation
Winside FFA - Winside Ag Ed Greenhouse
Wood River - 3D Meat Cut Models
Wayne - RC Tractor Pullin

The grant program, in its ninth year, supports Nebraska agricultural education classrooms, FFA programs, and school-based enterprises. The selection process is centered on an application that requires a clearly defined financial need to help start a new project or continue an existing project, along with an outlined budget, timeline, and other criteria. 



Papio NRD Board Approves Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

At its September 10th meeting, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) Board of Directors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 general operating budget of $118.8 million. The approved budget reflects $9 million in spending cuts, focusing District resources on high-priority flood mitigation, watershed management, and public safety infrastructure across its six-county service area.

“Responsible fiscal stewardship is about maintaining what you own, prioritizing what you build, and managing every dollar wisely,” said Tim McCormick, chairperson of the Papio NRD Board of Directors. “This budget ensures our reservoirs, levees, dams, and public safety infrastructure remain strong and reliable while holding tax growth below the real cost of inflation.”

“Our goal with this budget was straightforward: maintain critical flood protection, water-resource management, conservation programs, and other services our citizens expect,” said Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler. “It takes careful prioritization and a willingness to say no to non-essential spending.”

The $118.8 million total budget anticipates $36.4 million in property tax revenue across Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, and Dakota counties, as well as portions of Burt and Thurston counties.

Based on an estimated 5.72% average increase in property values across the District, the Board approved a reduced mill levy of 0.030288 per $100 of assessed valuation, down from last year’s rate of 0.030352.

For homeowners in the District, the annual property tax impact to support Papio NRD projects, programs, and services includes:
· $100,000 Home: $30.29 per year ($2.52 per month)
· $200,000 Home: $60.58 per year ($5.05 per month)

Based on the property tax request and changes in other revenue, the total operating budget of the Papio NRD will increase from last year's budget by a minimal 1.78%. 



Midwest Producers, Students Invited to Share Views on AI in Agriculture
Jean Claude Niyomugabo - UNL Graduate Research Assistant

From identifying crop problems to turning years of field data into management guidance, artificial intelligence is moving closer to the decisions producers make every day. University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) researchers want to know how producers and future agricultural professionals view this changing role.

Midwest corn and soybean producers and agriculture students are invited to participate in a new survey examining their perceptions of, trust in and readiness to use AI-enabled agricultural tools. These may include yield prediction systems, variable-rate input applications, irrigation decision tools, pest and disease detection platforms, remote sensing tools and AI-based advisory systems.

Researchers hope to better understand the factors that may encourage or limit adoption of these technologies among current producers and the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The survey is open to people age 19 or older who are either:
    Farmers or agricultural producers involved in Midwest corn and soybean production systems; or 
    University students enrolled in agriculture-related academic programs in the Midwest. 

The anonymous survey https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_77MO3ukHAMK21KK takes approximately 10–12 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and participants may skip any question they do not wish to answer.

Complete the AI-enabled agricultural tools survey by Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026.



USDA Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service Team Up for Husker Harvest Days

Leadership of the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Nebraska USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invite farmers, ranchers and rural residents who are planning to attend Husker Harvest Days to visit the USDA booth space with questions on available federal farm programs.

Husker Harvest Days (HHD) runs Sept. 15-17 on the HHD grounds near Wood River, Nebraska. Nebraska FSA and NRCS booth space is in the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts building, located in the southeast quadrant of the grounds at lot 39E. Look for the blue building.

“We are excited to connect with producers and share information about our full portfolio of commodity, disaster, conservation, and loan or financing assistance programs,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Hilary Maricle.

“This is a great event where our employees visit with producers about natural resource issues on their farming or ranching operations and share information about the planning assistance available through our conservation programs,” said Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist Rob Lawson.

Maricle said USDA staff are excited to be present at Husker Harvest Days to answer producers’ questions and provide program information and updates.

“USDA has been busy with initiatives addressing its Farmers First and Ranchers First focus,” Maricle said. “FSA and NRCS staff are excited to be on the Husker Harvest Days grounds to visit one-on-one with producers.”

In addition to being present in booth space at lot 39E, FSA and NRCS staff will participate in a presentation at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the HHD Hospitality Tent stage. The panel discussion, “Beginning Farmer Network: Get Your Start with Us!” will cover resources available through organizations within Nebraska’s Beginning Farmer Network, including FSA and others. 



ACE Welcomes Ben Rhodes as Chief Marketing Officer, Names Ron Lamberty Chief Strategy Officer

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announced that Ben Rhodes, executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB), will serve as ACE’s chief marketing officer (CMO) beginning September 28. Rhodes will join ACE’s Ron Lamberty to intensify the organization’s efforts to develop new domestic and international markets for ethanol. Lamberty will take on the new title of chief strategy officer.

“We enthusiastically welcome Ben Rhodes to our team to help expand markets for ethanol,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “The combination of Ben Rhodes and Ron Lamberty solidifies and strengthens ACE’s unparalleled reputation of working with wholesalers and retailers to increase sales of ethanol-blended fuel just as access to key E15 markets is poised to be unlocked”

Since April 2025, Rhodes has served as the executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. In that role, he has led the organization’s operations, personnel and projects, including stewardship of the NEB’s groundbreaking E30 fuel demonstration in non-flex fuel vehicles. Rhodes spent almost four years in total on the NEB staff after previous career stops in pharmaceuticals and communications. A west Omaha, NE, native, Rhodes holds a BA and an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I’m excited to be joining ACE at such a transformative time in the ethanol industry,” Rhodes said. “With so many new and expanded markets on the imminent horizon, my vision as CMO is to help lead those conversations moving forward. I’ve long respected the great work ACE does to deliver results for ethanol producers and add value to agriculture. I want to thank Brian, Ron, and the ACE Board of Directors for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“Ethanol’s value versus gasoline in today's marketplace, coupled with the daily mention of E15 in fuel industry news and record E85 sales, is driving increasing interest in higher ethanol blends,” said Lamberty. “Ben's addition to the ACE team gives us the ability to reach more prospective fuel retailers at this critical time and help them ‘do the math’ confirming the profit opportunity E15 and flex fuels provide, turning interest into new gallons. And as oil and electricity continue to increase in cost, Ben's experience with E30 and helping expand E85 use while at NEB will help ACE maintain ethanol’s place in the low-carbon fuels discussion.”

“During the last twenty-six years, Lamberty has led ACE’s unique and highly successful approach to developing new ethanol markets while providing me and the entire organization with strategic guidance and leadership on a wide range of issues,” said Jennings. “Fittingly, Lamberty will now assume the role of chief strategy officer to better describe his work.



Finalists Advance in Ag Innovation Challenge for Chance at $100,000

Four start-up companies offering agricultural innovations have advanced to compete for a top prize of $100,000 in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture through the contest.

“The future of agriculture is being shaped by innovators like these four finalists,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “They are transforming bold ideas into practical tools and technologies that will help farmers and ranchers thrive while continuing to provide the food, fuel and fiber we all rely on.”

This is the 13th year of the Ag Innovation Challenge, which was the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs launching agriculture- and food-related businesses. Farm Bureau is offering $145,000 in start-up funds throughout the course of the competition.

Ten semi-finalist teams participated in a virtual pitch round with three judges representing various sectors of the agricultural supply chain. The four finalist teams advancing to the final round each received an initial prize of $10,000 and are listed below.

Seismi, Nebraska
Seismi's IoT devices are the first layer of a larger vision: collecting the world's most comprehensive proprietary dataset of animal health, from which we will train AI models that predict disease, forecast outcomes, and ultimately produce digital twins of individual animals tracked across their entire lives.

Nave Analytics, Nebraska
Nave Analytics leverages cutting-edge satellite data fusion, weather modeling, and advanced modeling techniques to deliver sensor-free, near real-time root zone soil moisture insights for precision irrigation management. Nave seamlessly integrates into agronomic platforms, irrigation management systems, and B2B applications, making precision water management accessible, cost-effective, and scalable for farmers, agronomists, and ag-tech companies worldwide. 

Swinergy, Minnesota
Swinergy converts biomass waste into renewable natural gas, providing cleaner air and water for communities and a resilient energy future. Their Rapid Anaerobic Modular System™ (RAMS) compresses time and maximizes biogas production through advanced multi-stage thermophilic digestion.

Good Agriculture, Georgia
Good Agriculture makes farm bookkeeping and tax filing simple: they handle the bookkeeping inside your accounting software... they organize income, expenses, accounts, and transactions... they track cash flow and profit/loss across the farm... they send monthly reports so you can see where your farm stands... they help keep the numbers ready for taxes, funding, and big decisions...

The finalist teams will compete at the AFBF Convention on Sunday, Jan. 10, in front of a live audience of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives, competing for top titles and prizes:
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, total of $100,000
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, total of $25,000

Farm Bureau recognizes and supports these rural businesses with generous funding provided by sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Google, T-Mobile and ClearPath.

To learn more about the Challenge visit fb.org/challenge.



Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series is a Win for All Iowans

On Saturday, over 1,500 Iowa Corn farmers and their families gathered in Iowa City, Iowa, to kick off the 2026-27 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. The series began in 2004 and is a tribute to the hardworking student athletes who inspire us with their work on and off the field, just like the Iowa corn farmers who produce the more than 4,000 everyday products made from corn.

Iowa Corn is honored to partner with Learfield on behalf of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University Athletic Departments for the title sponsorship of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. The series is a year-long competition and tracks the head-to-head matchups in each sport with each victory earning points toward the overall series championship.   

“If Iowans are passionate about anything, it’s that we have the best corn in the nation and the best college football rivalry,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President Paul Gieselman, who farms in Louisa County. “But this series isn’t about bragging rights; it’s about bringing all Iowans together to celebrate the pride we all feel when our teams walk on that field for the biggest match up of the year. Corn is in every part of game day, whether that be the Unleaded 88 that spectators fueled up with on their way to the game, or the corn-fed foods they enjoyed at the tailgate; corn is grown for more, and highlighting the farmers that grow it is what today is all about.” 

The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series engages over 70% of Iowans who tune in to the football game every year, and ICPB is proud to continue highlighting the stories of Iowa corn farmers to viewers.  

To view current standings for the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, visit https://www.iowacorn.org/iowa-corn-events/iowa-corn-cy-hawk-series/.  



United Soybean Board Opens Nominations for Tom Oswald Legacy Award, Industry Excellence Award

Do you know an individual, organization or group that has profoundly influenced the soybean industry and the Soy CheckoffSM? The United Soybean Board (USB) is now accepting nominations for two annual honors recognizing outstanding contributions to U.S. Soy: the Tom Oswald Legacy Award and the Industry Excellence Award. Nominations close Oct. 31, 2026.

"Tom Oswald taught us that great leadership means asking hard questions and always looking for a better way forward, and our industry continues to be shaped by people who share that same drive," said Brent Gatton, USB chair and Kentucky farmer. "As we open nominations for the Tom Oswald Legacy Award and the Industry Excellence Award, I encourage everyone in the soy community to help us recognize the individuals and organizations making a difference for U.S. Soy."

Tom Oswald Legacy Award
This annual award honors the late Tom Oswald, who will always be remembered as a passionate farmer-leader and dedicated volunteer. The award recognizes someone who went above and beyond to advance research and move Soy Checkoff investments forward in unconventional ways.

An Iowa soybean and corn farmer, Oswald served eight years as a USB director and three years on the USB executive committee. He frequently posed the question, "How do we make it better-er?" That question captured what he valued most: the extra steps, thoughts and efforts it takes to go beyond expectations and deliver the best possible outcome.

Since the award was established in 2023, recipients have included inaugural honoree Ken Bader, recognized for his role envisioning and helping create the Soy Checkoff; Ed Anderson, honored in 2024 for his leadership in improving soybean genetics and agronomic production; Mike Steenhoek, honored in 2025 for his work advancing soybean transportation and export infrastructure, and Sandy Ludeman in 2026 for helping draft the legislation, build consensus among industry partners, and guide the national Soy Checkoff through its first farmer referendum.

Industry Excellence Award
The Industry Excellence Award is an annual recognition honoring an individual, organization or group that has made a significant and lasting impact on the growth and advancement of the U.S. Soy industry. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated success in expanding markets, developing new applications for U.S. Soy, strengthening the value chain or driving commercial innovation that benefits U.S. Soy farmers. The program is in its second year and the inaugural recipient was Jim Sutter.

Visit either of these sites to submit a nomination - the Tom Oswald Legacy Award or the Industry Excellence Award https://unitedsoybean.org/award-nominations/. Both awards will be presented at Commodity Classic, March 2-5, 2027, in New Orleans. 



CHS to build soybean processing facility in Wisconsin

CHS, a global agribusiness and the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, today announced plans to construct a soybean processing facility near Evansville, Wisconsin, representing an investment of approximately $700 million. The facility will have the capacity to process 80 million bushels of U.S.-grown soybeans annually, expanding the cooperative’s oilseed processing capabilities and creating new market opportunities for owners.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with completion targeted for fall 2028.

“Investments like this help CHS create additional value for our owners and customers by expanding market access, strengthening our processing network and creating new demand opportunities for U.S.-grown soybeans,” said John Griffith, executive vice president of agriculture business and CHS Hedging. “Strong demand across food, feed and renewable fuel markets, coupled with policies that encourage domestic processing, manufacturing and energy production, reinforce the need for additional soybean processing capacity in the United States. This facility positions CHS to support farmers and customers for years to come.”

The Evansville facility will increase soybean processing capacity in southern Wisconsin, a region with strong soybean production and significant demand for soybean meal from livestock producers. When operational, the facility is expected to employ approximately 80 people and produce approximately 1 billion pounds of oil and 2 million tons of meal annually. Evansville’s proximity to soybean production, rail service and major transportation corridors makes it well positioned to support the movement of soybean meal and oil to domestic and global markets.

“Wisconsin’s agriculture and food processing sectors are an essential part of our state’s past and present, and they will continue to be critical for our future,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. “That’s why I am proud to support and have a partner in CHS as they work to expand soybean processing right here in Wisconsin. Whether it’s creating permanent jobs for families or ensuring our farmers and producers have the tools and support they need to get their products to market across the globe, today’s announcement of a new facility is a win-win for our farmers and our state.”

The investment is expected to generate significant economic activity through construction employment, permanent jobs, increased demand for locally produced soybeans and expanded market opportunities for regional farmers. During construction, the project is expected to support hundreds of contractor and skilled trade positions.

“CHS is committed to being a long-term partner in the communities where we operate,” said Griffith. “This investment supports rural economic development, creates jobs and strengthens the agricultural supply chain for producers, customers and communities across the region.”

“For Wisconsin soybean farmers, this investment represents something we have been working toward for years: stronger demand for the crop we grow right here at home,” said Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout. “Additional processing capacity gives growers another reliable market close to the farm and helps create long-term opportunities for Wisconsin soybeans in both meal and oil markets.”

The new facility will complement the company’s existing oilseed processing operations. In Hallock, Minnesota, CHS processes 525,000 metric tons of canola seed annually. In Fairmont and Mankato, Minnesota, CHS processes approximately 119 million bushels of soybeans, and when the Evansville facility becomes operational, the company’s soybean processing capacity will increase by more than two-thirds.