By Don Steen
Staff Writer n reporter@psci.net
Ground was officially broken at the future site of Superior Ag’s new Ohio River fertilizer terminal. Several representatives from Superior Ag and Spencer County government were on hand Monday morning for a ceremonial turning of the dirt on the site, located at the former Summit River Terminal near Rockport. The weather may have been steamy, but the ground was at least dry.
The 32,000-ton facility represents a $20 million investment by the local farmers coop. The construction timeline is projected to span one year to 18 months, with full operation expected by late 2026.
“Our construction marks a significant step forward in delivering efficient, high-capacity service to our farmers,” said Superior Ag CEO Richard Lloyd. “This investment underscores our cooperative’s commitment to growth and innovation and supports agricultural productivity now and into the future.”
Superior Ag has been a major part of the county’s agricultural industry for nearly a century. Spencer County Farm Bureau organized in 1928 to allow local farmers better access to new equipment and materials to compete in a fast-modernizing sector. In 2007, Spencer County Farm Bureau was one of the foundational co-ops in the merger that created Superior Ag.
That legacy of working together to improve efficiency is alive and well in the new Spencer County river terminal. There will be 10 large bins for diverse fertilizer segregation, a 600-ton-per-hour receiver that can offload a barge in three hours, a 300-ton-per-hour receiver that can load or unload a 25-ton truck in a matter of minutes and an automated treatment system for dust control and micronutrient applications. The facility’s expected throughput will be 30 to 35 barges per year when regular operations commence.
Lloyd said the fertilizer terminal’s automated features will result in less handling during the distribution process. This should allow fertilizer to reach the fields in better condition, and at reduced cost.
These new efficiencies do not come at the expense of jobs. In fact, Superior Ag plans to add 15 to 20 employees related to terminal operations, including distribution truck drivers and on-site personnel. In addition to bulk traffic, local farmers can also take delivery of their fertilizer directly if they so choose.
P.J. Peter, Agronomy Division Manager, said the new terminal would make Spencer County a critical stop in a global market. Potash, for example, will make its way from St. Petersburg in Russia to New Orleans, up the Mississippi to Cairo, Illinois and on to Rockport for distribution. Other critical materials, such as phosphates are often sourced from places such as Morocco and across the Eurasian continent. Spencer County’s Ohio River connection will play a key role in maintaining supply across the region.
“We’re excited about the terminal’s location along the Highway 231 corridor, offering direct river access that significantly enhances our logistic capabilities,” said Peter. “Farmers are using bigger equipment today, and the new facility will help meet their needs by carrying a larger inventory and speeding load time and efficiency. We must grow with them to keep up with them.”
Lloyd added that the Superior Ag Terminal will be state of the art, offering speed and space above similar facilities along the river network. This will give Superior Ag and its members an edge in a competitive market, especially when demand might otherwise outrun supply.
For example, uncooperative weather in the spring can give farmers a short window to apply fertilizer, straining supply during those times. The new facility’s large storage capacity will allow Superior Ag to weather such events, along with disruptions in the global market.
County Councilman Aaron Benton offered thanks to Superior Ag for choosing Spencer County as the home for this state-of-the-art fertilizer terminal. He said that the recently approved property tax abatement reflects the county’s continued support for local farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.
Featured Image: Local officials break ground at the future site of Superior Ag’s new Ohio River fertilizer terminal. Pictured from left are Ed Horrell of Superior Ag, Superior Ag CEO and President Richard Lloyd, Joe Steinkamp of Superior Ag, County Council President Aaron Benton, Adrian Stunkel of Superior Ag, County Councilman David Gogel, Commissioner Heather Gries, County Councilwoman Susan Harris, County Councilman Brian Greulich and Commissioner Mac Webb.
– Photos by Don Steen
Pictured from left: Superior Ag President and CEO Richard Lloyd speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Superior Ag Agronomy Division Manager PJ Peter points out some features of the future Superior Ag terminal outside Rockport.
– Photos by Don Steen
