Processing plant studied

SIKESTON - Scott, Mississippi and New Madrid counties are among seven being included in a value-added agricultural production feasibility study.

"The study will see if we can get enough support from the soybean farmers to effectively put up, operate and maintain a soybean-sunflower processing plant," according to Ray Fowler, project coordinator. Fowler said the plant will be a farmer-owned, farmer-controlled co-op.

Cape Girardeau, Pemiscot, Butler and Dunklin counties will also be included.

"We want to open up another market for farmers," said Fowler.

The idea is to create a whole new market for soybeans and sunflowers by producing oil for human consumption. "Eighty percent of all the oil sold in your grocery store today is soybean oil," said Fowler.

Oil would be extracted from either crop by either mechanical means - squeezing it out - or with a Hexane solvent and sent off for refinement before hitting store shelves.

Whatever is left over will be made into meal to feed livestock, Fowler said.

"We're going to put this plant somewhere in Southeast Missouri," said Fowler. A site has not yet been decided, but the ports at Scott City, New Madrid and Caruthersville are all being considered. "This plant needs to be put on the river because the cheap barge traffic," he said.

In addition to creating 50 jobs at the plant itself, Fowler said the new industry would also stimulate the local economy. "We have projected it will bring in another $20 million in related business," he said.

The plant would process 3-5 million bushels per year, paying premium prices.

"It's going to come about - we think we can get the money to do it and it's almost a sure thing," said Fowler. "We will have a soybean processing plant in this area. Hopefully, October 2003 we'll be operating."

Sunflowers, which are tolerant of drought and can do well in non-irrigated farm land and sandy, light soils, are being promoted as an alternative crop for places in the region where other crops don't do as well.

There are approximately 1,000 acres of sunflowers grown in the area already exclusively for birdseed. Farmers enjoy the added benefit of a nice dove hunting area following the harvest, according to Fowler.

The feasibility study, which began Dec. 1, is being funded by a one-year $67,000 grant.

"This is a grant funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the Rural Restoration Adopt Mission, 1218 Linn Street," said Fowler. "State Rep. Peter Myers is overseeing the project."

Fowler said an unrelated value-added agricultural feasibility study looking at a ethanol plant is also still in progress for this region.

"They will get it built," said Fowler. "They had some positive things happen to them over the last few weeks."