Nebraska’s soybean processing landscape stands at the edge of a momentous transformation. With three major expansion projects underway, the state’s crush capacity will jump by 34 percent, positioning Nebraska among the nation’s leaders in soybean processing capabilities. These developments mark a pivotal shift for local farmers and the agricultural economy.
The Norfolk Crush facility, situated in Madison County just north of Norfolk, represents a cornerstone of this growth. Construction began in spring 2022 on this $375 million plant, which commenced its soft launch operations in mid-June with plans to reach full production early this fall. The massive facility spreads across 480 acres of land. It processes soybeans at a brisk pace of 110,000 bushels daily, amounting to an annual capacity of 38.5 million bushels.
Nick Bowdish, president and CEO of N Bowdish Company LLC, spearheaded the Norfolk Crush LLC project. His vision aligns with Governor Jim Pillen’s directive to transition Nebraska from commodities-based agriculture toward value-added production. The plant leverages the state’s abundant natural resources alongside technological advancements to unlock fresh opportunities in the bioeconomy, which farmers are eager to embrace.
Two additional projects contribute to Nebraska’s processing boom. AGP at David City and a potential facility in North Platte, combined with the Norfolk operation, will add capacity to process nearly 125 million bushels. When these facilities join existing operations in Lincoln, Fremont, and Hastings, Nebraska’s total crush capacity will equal almost 80 percent of its soybean production volume.
The timing couldn’t be more favorable for these expansions. Across the United States, soybean crush volumes have shown substantial growth. For the September 2024–February 2025 period alone, soybean crush increased by 63.4 million bushels or 5 percent compared to previous figures. This upward trajectory suggests solid demand for processing infrastructure.
Nebraska isn’t alone in this expansion wave. Throughout the Midwest and beyond, new facilities are taking shape in a coordinated response to market conditions. In North Dakota, CGB Enterprises and Minnesota Soybean Processors are constructing a plant expected to crush 42.5 million bushels annually. Iowa’s Platinum Crush facility in Alta will process approximately 40 million bushels per year. Meanwhile, South Dakota Soybean Processors is building a multi-seed processing plant in Mitchell with a 35 million bushel annual capacity.
For Nebraska farmers, these developments translate into concrete advantages. Having processing facilities closer to production areas reduces transportation costs significantly. They gain access to quicker, more efficient channels for their crops, with the option to deliver directly to local processors rather than shipping to distant facilities. The competitive environment may also influence local basis levels favorably, potentially boosting farm-gate prices.
The swift expansion of crush capacity mirrors a broader trend in American agriculture toward creating value locally. Rather than exporting raw commodities, communities capture additional economic benefits by performing processing steps within the region where crops grow. This approach generates jobs, stimulates local economies, and strengthens regional agricultural systems against external market shocks.
When the Norfolk Crush plant reaches full operation later this year, it will stand as a testament to Nebraska’s growing prominence in soybean processing. The facility’s daily 110,000-bushel throughput capacity represents a substantial portion of the state’s overall processing capability. Combined with other ongoing projects, Nebraska is positioning itself at the forefront of the soybean value chain.
These investments underscore confidence in the future of soybean markets despite occasional uncertainty in agriculture. The facilities being built today are designed to serve Nebraska agriculture for decades to come, supporting rural communities and offering farmers reliable outlets for their production. This evolution in processing infrastructure marks a defining chapter for Nebraska’s agricultural sector, one that promises to reshape market dynamics and opportunities for producers across the state.