CHS Grain Elevators Face Uncertain Future

CHS Inc. has announced plans to close or potentially sell three grain elevator facilities located in Kasson, Ostrander, and Wykoff, all in southern Minnesota. These facilities are slated to remain operational and accept grain through the 2026 harvest season. If sales are successful, the elevators could be fully closed by early 2027 after all grain has been transferred.

According to CHS Senior Director of Operations Jim Morken, the decision stems from an evolving grain supply chain in southern Minnesota. He noted that local corn/soybean processing facilities and river terminals have become the primary markets for grain. CHS aims to "optimize its assets" by operating resources in the most advantageous locations to provide value to its customers and owners.

The CHS Kasson elevator, a significant facility, boasts a storage capacity of 3 million bushels and features a high-speed grain handling system. The Ostrander and Wykoff facilities together offer approximately 3.2 million bushels of grain storage. CHS has recently invested in facilities in Mankato and Fairmont, where farmers are increasingly delivering grain directly.

Despite the closures, CHS will continue to provide agronomy and energy products and services to producers in the affected region. The company's second quarter of 2026 financial report indicated a loss of $147.1 million on revenues of $8.4 billion, a substantial increase in losses compared to the previous year.