U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune toured the High Plains Processing facility south of Mitchell Monday afternoon.
He met with South Dakota Soybean Processors CEO Tom Kersting and other plant personnel. “We wanted to come and see the new facility,” said Thune. “A lot of interest, obviously, in what they’re doing here.”
China has agreed to purchase 12-million metric tons of American soybeans. However, Thune would like to add more Asian customers. “This day and age, being overly dependent upon China has its risks,” Thune said. “And so, yes, we need them, and we’re really glad that market’s opened up again, but I think we need to diversify our markets too for the future.”
Thune says High Plains is adding to the development of the area and is increasing overall ag processing capacity.