Cargill to acquire Kentucky-based Owensboro Grain Company

Owensboro Grain Company LLC has been producing biodiesel in Kentucky since 2008 and has the ability to process 45 million gallons per year. (Photo: Owensboro Grain Company LLC)

Cargill Inc. and Owensboro Grain Company LLC—a fifth-generation, family-owned soybean-processing facility and refinery located in Owensboro, Kentucky—announced Nov. 28 that they have entered into a definitive agreement where Cargill will add Owensboro Grain Company to its North American agricultural supply-chain business.

Owensboro Grain Company was founded in 1906 as a small grain merchant and today operates a fully integrated soy-processing facility, producing soy products, including protein meal and hull pellets for animal feeds, crude and degummed oil, lecithin, various blends of refined vegetable oil for human consumption, biodiesel, glycerin and industrial waxes.

The addition of Owensboro Grain Company enhances Cargill’s efforts to modernize and increase capacity across its North American oilseeds network to support growing demand for oilseeds driven by food, feed and renewable fuel markets.

“We are pleased to welcome Owensboro Grain Company into our Cargill family,” said Leonardo Aguiar, president of Cargill’s North American agricultural supply chain. “Our two companies have tremendous operational histories, similar heritages as grain merchants, and values, including an unwavering commitment to prioritizing people—making this a tremendous fit. Additionally, this is a significant milestone in Cargill’s journey to create a connected and modernized grain experience for our customers.”

Helen Cornell, president and CEO of Owensboro Grain Company, added, “We are excited for this new chapter in the life of Owensboro Grain Company and believe an acquisition by Cargill will ensure the long-term success of the company. Cargill has the ability to capitalize on growing opportunities in the industry, such as renewable energy. The acquisition will ensure that Owensboro Grain Company, its employees, farmers, customers and the community are best positioned for the future. We are excited to transfer ownership to another multigenerational family-held enterprise with global access to markets and capabilities to ensure the future growth of our business. Cargill has the global resources necessary to support Owensboro Grain Company’s growth goals and operations.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of Cargill and Owensboro Grain Company, is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2023.