Press Room > 2004 :

Coteau Hills Processors, LLC Receives Funding From the VASF

RELEASE DATE: Monday, November 15, 2004

For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301

Pierre, SD – A Webster area group will receive $43,500 in funding from the Value-Added Ag Subfund to determine the feasibility of an oilseed processing plant in northeast South Dakota, Tina Van Camp, director, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced today, November 15.

The Coteau Hills Processors, LLC (CHP) organized in this spring with the goal of creating local processing opportunities for soybeans and sunflowers produced in northeastern and north central South Dakota. “Our goal is to provide new opportunities for SD producers to market their products for greater profit while also securing South Dakota’s place as leader in ag production in processing,” said Don Wolter, Chairman and founding member of CHP.

South Dakota ranks second in the nation for sunflower production and eighth in soybeans. “Despite these impressive production numbers, our state’s crushing and processing capacity is limited,” said Van Camp. “In 2003, only 15 million bushels of oilseeds were processed in South Dakota, which means the majority of these crops were harvested and shipped out of state for processing,” she added.

“Creating new opportunities to add value to our commodities within the state will foster local and regional economies through business development, job creation and capital investment,” said Van Camp.

Webster, Bristol and Day County economic development authorities and local legislators have shown their support for the Coteau Hills project by providing administrative assistance and general counsel. The Coteau Hills Processors, LLC believe the Webster area is an ideal location for a processing facility due to the availability of oilseeds in the region and the accessibility of transportation by truck and rail. CHP estimates a facility capable of processing 24 million bushels of oilseeds annually could create 30-40 new jobs.

For more information regarding the Value-Added Ag Subfund, contact Kelly Rasmussen at 800-872-6190.