Benson Hill acquired ZFS Creston, a food-grade white flake and soy flour manufacturing operation in Creston, Iowa, last year as part of its mission to bring its operations closer to farmers.
"I'm just so proud that we're able to do [work] in a closed-loop, identity-preserved model here in Iowa with Iowa farmers who can, just down the street, produce something," says Matt Crisp, CEO of Benson Hill. "And then out here, have that delivered to food companies directly." Crisp says Benson Hill's partner farmers are the "tip of the spear," enabling the company's innovations. Delivering the to farmers is only the start of the process; throughout the growing season, Benson Hill keeps in touch with farmers to see how their fields are faring.
Reid Weiland, a sixth-generation farmer from Garner, Iowa, grew more than 3,000 acres of Benson Hill soybeans in 2022. He is part of the company's food system innovators program where farmers can voice concerns and suggest opportunities directly with the company.
"We had been seeking a way to add value to our operation no one really preferred our corn or our soybeans over the neighbors," says Weiland. "We wanted to do something more and be recognized for that.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Hagie's Sprayer, Built With Deere Tech
The Hagie STS16 with 120-foot boom comes factory-installed with John Deere See and Spray Premium.
No-Spring Hydraulic Press
Air-return shop press makes for easier positioning.
The Disappearing American Farmer
A new book examines this trend and how it can be stopped.
60-Year Partnership Still Going Strong
Gil Tinsey and Fred Hasen met in college and have been farming together in Michigan since the 1960s.
A NewGeneration Farm
Regenerative agriculture spurs growth at Sather Farm and Ranch.
Yields Increase With Lime
Managing soil pH could increase crop production.
Solar Harvest Coming to a Field Near You
More research and work is being done to expand the use of agrivoltaics in North America.
The Cost of Leadership
When parents won't make decisions, it’s difficult for farming heirs to set goals.
The Power of Artificial Intelligence
How animal agriculture is reaping the benefits of Al.
Shutdown
lowa plant is first casualty in USDA meat processing initiative.