As Congressman Derek Van Orden pointed out, you know the soy processing facility is a big deal if he and Gov. Tony Evers are both their showing their support.

“The biofuels industry is not just a business here in the state of Wisconsin. It’s part of our culture,” Van Orden said. “And we’re both here to support the culture of the state of Wisconsin.”

CHS Inc.’s $700 million investment in Wisconsin soybean processing brought farmers, cooperative leaders and officials from both political parties together Oct. 7, highlighting the connection between stronger farm markets and domestic biofuel production.

CHS celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking for its planned Evansville facility, which will process 80 million bushels of soybeans annually. The farmer-owned cooperative is targeting completion in fall 2028.

“The impact of this facility is going to be huge,” said Doug Rebout, president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association. “The jobs this project will create will help the local community, and having is facility will open up the market and hopefully reduce the basis a little bit, which would be significant for farmers.”

The plant is expected to produce approximately 1 billion pounds of soybean oil and 2 million tons of soybean meal annually, serving food, livestock feed and renewable fuel markets. It will create about 80 permanent jobs, along with hundreds of construction positions.

For Wisconsin growers, the investment promises another major buyer for their crop and an opportunity to keep more agricultural value close to home.

“It enters in more competition into our state,” said WSA director Sara Stelter, who served as president when CHS first proposed the project. “This will provide greater opportunities to sell our soybeans.”

CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin said Evansville’s selection reflected the region’s soybean supply, livestock industry and transportation connections. He emphasized that the cooperative intends to become a lasting community partner.

“We’re celebrating the investment in the future of American agriculture,” Debertin said.

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden credited the Trump administration’s biofuel policies with helping provide confidence for investments such as the Evansville project. He pointed to EPA’s proposed blending requirements, particularly for biodiesel, as an important driver of demand.

“Without that good policy, there would be no $700 million investment today,” Vaden said.

Vaden described the project as a connection between American farmers, construction workers, livestock producers and energy consumers.

“This project is red, white and blue through and through,” he said.

Gov. Tony Evers said the facility would bring processing opportunities home to Wisconsin, strengthening local markets and creating jobs. He also highlighted state support that helped advance the development.

CHS also announced $50,000 in community contributions, supporting agricultural education in Evansville schools and the local Care Closet program.