MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A new $500 million soybean processing plant south of Mitchell is almost ready to open. High Plains Processing is on track to begin crushing soybeans by mid-October, just two years after breaking ground. The 296-acre facility will process up to 35 million bushels a year, about 18% of South Dakota’s crop, and employ around 75 people. Leaders say the plant is unique in the state because it can also handle other oilseed crops like canola and sunflower, positioning it for future demand in food and renewable fuel markets. A 7-mile rail loop and high-capacity truck system are designed to handle large shipments once operations begin. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.