NASHVILLE, TN – Expanded soybean crush capacity in Kansas is creating stronger local markets and improved pricing opportunities for farmers, as new and upgraded processing facilities reshape regional demand.
Two soybean processing plants that came online in fall 2024 nearly doubled Kansas crush capacity, and Kansas Soybean recently honored Scoular and Bartlett — a Savage Company — for expanding marketing options and profit potential for producers. The new Bartlett facility in Cherryvale alone crushes about 145,000 bushels per day, supplying meal primarily to the poultry sector in northwest Arkansas and to export customers in Mexico, while directing oil to food processors and renewable fuel markets.
For producers, the most immediate impact has been stronger basis levels. Farmers delivering near the Cherryvale plant reported basis improvements of roughly 4 to 6 cents compared with local cooperative bids, highlighting the advantage of nearby processing demand.
Regionally, Scoular’s retrofitted Goodland facility is expanding soybean opportunities in western Kansas by reducing logistical barriers and encouraging acreage growth beyond traditional growing areas.
Looking ahead, industry leaders expect added domestic processing tied to renewable fuels and feed demand to stabilize soybean markets while keeping more value-added activity closer to the farm gate.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Local crush capacity strengthens basis and marketing options.