CHS to close major grain elevator in the US as Twin Ports exports decline

USA – CHS Inc. has announced plans to permanently close its grain terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, by the end of August 2025, marking a significant shift in the company’s grain operations in the Upper Midwest.

The elevator, located at 41 Dock St. in the Twin Ports region of Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, is the largest of its kind in the area, with a storage capacity of 18.5 million bushels and a loading rate of 80,000 bushels per hour, according to Sosland Publishing’s 2025 Grain & Milling Annual.

The agribusiness cooperative confirmed the closure on July 11, citing ongoing changes in grain movement patterns and the need to streamline its supply chain.

 “We remain committed to serving our farmers in the region providing access to global markets. Given shifts in how grain flows through our supply chain, we will be closing our Superior grain terminal by Aug. 31 and reducing our workforce at that location,” CHS said in a written statement to World Grain.

The decision will directly affect 23 unionized employees, who will be permanently separated from the company by Sept. 8. Two other employees will remain through the end of the year.

Grain exports from the Twin Ports have steadily declined over the past four decades, falling from 9.2 million tonnes in 1978 to just 645,000 tonnes in 2022, the lowest since 1890. Port statistics show only a modest recovery in recent years, with 790,000 tonnes in 2023 and 794,000 tonnes in 2024.

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority expressed disappointment, stating: “The CHS decision to cease operations at its Superior terminal is a disappointing blow to the Port of Duluth-Superior and the community as a whole.”

The port authority added that it would coordinate with local officials in search of solutions for the future use of the facility.

Following the closure, CHS will fall from second to third place in North American grain storage rankings, with a reduced capacity of 384.6 million bushels. The recently merged Bunge-Viterra will move into second place with an estimated 400 million bushels of capacity.

Q3 financial results highlight strength in agronomy despite energy losses

Despite the setback in Superior, CHS Inc. reported improved financial results in its third fiscal quarter, driven largely by a rebound in its agricultural operations.

The company posted net income of US$232.18 million for the quarter ended May 31, down 22% from US$297.27 million a year earlier. However, this was a significant recovery from the US$75.8 million loss reported in the second quarter.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net income totaled US$401.22 million, a 59% drop from US$990.5 million year-on-year.

“CHS was well positioned to meet our owners’ planting needs with products, services and local expertise during the favorable spring weather, resulting in a strong third quarter for our agronomy and retail businesses,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc.

Earnings in the Ag segment jumped 39% to US$151.04 million, up from US$108.54 million a year earlier.

CHS attributed this to higher volumes and margins in wholesale and retail agronomy products, along with lower margins in grain and oilseed processing due to market timing impacts and global pressures.

However, the Energy segment reported a pre-tax loss of US$50.09 million, a reversal from US$97.85 million in earnings in Q3 2024. The decline was linked to planned maintenance at the McPherson refinery, reducing fuel output, and higher compliance costs related to renewable fuel credits.

The Corporate and Other segment, which includes the company’s joint venture with Ventura Foods, saw a 102% increase in earnings to US$103.29 million, up from US$51.12 million, helping to partially offset losses elsewhere.

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