Rail lines, elevators prepared for massive harvest

A record corn and soybean harvest is predicted for this year, and managers at South Dakota elevators and railroads say they’re prepared.

There’s been a recent effort to invest in railroad infrastructure statewide, thanks in part to a push from political delegates at the federal level. At the same time, many companies are adding grain storage facilities and other upgrades to make for a smooth harvest season at the elevators this year.

What is perhaps the state’s largest grain storage facility will be fully operational for this season in Emery, S.D. Last year, Cargill built a 5.2 million-bushel grain storage facility just south of town. The conveyor system wasn’t ready for harvest season last fall, but Cargill still used the building for storage, filling it to about half capacity with portable conveyers.

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