Possibly—but the plant was presented as an additional market outlet, not a proven replacement for soybean exports or a guarantee of higher, steadier farm prices. In August 2025, South Dakota Soybean Processors CEO Tom Kersting said High Plains Processing, a planned facility near Mitchell, could help reduce uncertainty for farmers. The report anticipated an October 2025 opening; it does not establish whether the plant opened or how it has performed since.
What is High Plains Processing?
High Plains Processing is a planned oilseed-processing facility near Mitchell, associated with South Dakota Soybean Processors. South Dakota Searchlight reported on August 22, 2025, that the project was expected to cost $500 million and process up to 37 million bushels a year. The report compared that expected capacity with roughly 16% of South Dakota’s 2024 soybean production, using USDA data. These figures describe the project as announced in 2025, not verified operating capacity or actual throughput. South Dakota Searchlight’s August 22, 2025 report
How could local processing help farmers?
Instead of selling all soybeans as whole beans into export markets, farmers could have another potential outlet if the facility buys and processes their crop. Kersting said the plant could take some export uncertainty out of the marketplace. Kevin Deinert, president of the South Dakota Soybean Association, said more local use could make producers less dependent on whole-bean exports to China.
That is a diversification argument, not proof of a price benefit. A processor’s demand might give farmers another marketing option, but the report does not establish purchase prices, delivery terms, premiums, how much crop the plant would actually buy, or whether its demand could replace exports to China. Those details matter to a farmer deciding where and when to sell.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- High Yield Bush Growth: midori giant edamame seeds form 24-36 inch nitrogen-fixing bushes, rewarding vegetable garden growers in USDA 3-9 with crunchy pods rich in complete protein.
- Fast Germination: soybean seeds for planting sprout in 5-10 days at 70-90 °F, letting home garden beginners harvest tender edamame in just 80 days while heirloom seeds thrive in loamy soil.
- Nutrient-Rich Snack: soy beans deliver sweet nutty flavor and buttery texture; boil or freeze for soy-protein snacks, soy bean seeds to plant are ideal for survival gardening fans seeking clean non gmo edamame.
- Easy Direct Sow: edamame seeds for planting outdoors need 1" depth and 12" spacing, no trellis required; bush habit suits containers or raised beds, making veggie seeds ideal for small spaces.
- Disease-Smart Cultivation: edamame seeds to plant resist common pests when grown in full sun and evenly moist soil; gardening kit growers mulch to conserve water and pick bright green pods before they yellow.
What was the plant expected to make?
The planned facility was expected to refine soybeans and produce soybean meal, hulls and lecithin. Kersting said its equipment could also process canola, camelina and sunflowers, though the report does not verify which crops the plant has accepted in practice.
Local processing could connect soybean demand to markets for oil and byproducts as well as whole beans. The Searchlight report said soybean oil demand for biofuels had grown and cited a USDA Economic Research Service chart showing about 46% of soybean oil went to biofuel production in 2022 and 2023. That historical figure describes soybean oil use nationally, not a guaranteed source of demand for this particular plant or a forecast of what farmers will receive.
Rank #2
- Your hunt is in the bag - we deliver more quality seed for your money!
- Certified seed for maximum growth and attractant
- 1 bag (5 lbs) plants approximately 1/10 acre
- High protein and highly preferred forage for deer
- Non-GMO - ideal for mixing with other food plot seeds
Why do tariffs make the question important?
South Dakota Searchlight reported that about 60% of the state’s soybeans are exported and described slower export markets, including China and Southeast Asia, amid U.S. tariff policy at the time. When a large share of a crop depends on overseas buyers, tariffs and retaliation can add uncertainty to demand and prices.
The tariff outlook was unsettled in the report. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds said “the jury is out” on whether tariffs would help or hurt agriculture, pointing to retaliatory tariffs as a risk while also noting the possibility of new trade deals and demand related to ethanol. A local processor may diversify where some beans go, but it cannot by itself settle trade policy or guarantee that other markets will absorb displaced exports.
Rank #3
- Beautiful - Large full-color packet of Chiba Green Soybean (glycine max) seeds. These useful legumes have deep roots that fix nitrogen to the soil and help the plants survive heat and dry periods. Excellent cover crop and food source for a variety of animals such as deer, cattle, rabbits and chickens. Minimum of 13 g per packet (about 40 seeds).
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
What farmers should verify before relying on the plant
The August 2025 report anticipated a mid-October 2025 opening, but it does not confirm that the facility opened. It also provides no current evidence of operating status, realized throughput, accepted feedstocks or farmer delivery arrangements. Before treating it as a marketing option, producers would need current, direct information on:
- Whether the plant is operating and buying crops for the relevant season.
- Which crops it accepts, and any quality or delivery requirements.
- Available delivery windows, locations and logistics.
- Pricing, basis, fees and contract terms compared with other available outlets.
- Actual buying capacity and whether it is taking deliveries at the time needed.
Without those details, the announced capacity is not the same as accessible demand for an individual farm. The report establishes the rationale and expected scale of the project in 2025, but not a farmer’s likely net return from selling there.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HEIRLOOM VARIETY & HIGH YIELD: Outsidepride soy bean seeds is a robust heirloom strain known for its high yield, producing over 3 bushels per acre more than the popular Manokin variety, making it a valuable choice for maximizing harvest output. This variety is perfect for outdoor gardening enthusiasts looking to optimize their yard space.
- RICH IN PROTEIN & OIL WITH VERSATILE USES: Containing about 18% oil and 38% protein, this soybean variety is perfect for producing high-quality soy bean oil and protein-rich meal. These soybeans can be processed into a wide range of products, including soy milk powder, soy flour, soy protein, tofu, and various industrial non-food products, showcasing its versatility. Ideal for making various soy-based meals such as edamame snacks.
- OPTIMAL PLANTING GUIDELINES FOR MAXIMUM YIELD: For best results, plant soybean seeds at a depth of 0.75 to 1.5 inches, with row spacing between 7.5 and 15 inches, depending on soil type and tillage. This ensures uniform seed placement and optimal growth, adapting well to midwestern states and capturing a significant percentage of non-GMO acres.
- HIGH-PROTEIN ANIMAL FEED: The high-protein fiber left after oil extraction is ideal for animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine industries, which consume over half of the processed soybean meal. This meal is also crucial for cattle, other farm animals, and pets, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. A great addition to feed mixes for cowpeas and other legumes.
- ECONOMIC AND NUTRITIONAL: As the most economically important bean globally, soybeans provide essential vegetable protein for millions and are key ingredients in hundreds of chemical products. A 60-pound bushel of our soybeans seed yields about 11 pounds of crude soybean oil and 47 pounds of soybean meal. Beneficial for producing shelf-stable goods for long-term use.
Rank #4
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
