To the editor:

As we write this, we are nearing the end of the harvest season. Trucks filled with corn continue to roll into local elevators, despite a year challenged by pandemics and derecho storms. This unfailing perseverance reminds us of why Cargill chose to partner with Webster County and the city of Fort Dodge almost 10 years ago, and why we’ll continue to be here for many years to come.

When Cargill purchased the facility in October 2011, we promised to transform the idled plant into a world class operation. By all accounts, we’ve lived up to that promise, making significant investments in equipment, technologies and process improvements to keep the facility leading-edge and meet the world’s ever-increasing needs for livestock feed, fuel-grade ethanol and the dextrose used to produce bioindustrial materials. We are grateful to Iowa, Webster County and Fort Dodge for supporting these expansions; they have been a true partner to our growth.

We couldn’t have done it without our 662 corn grower partners, who supply us with more than 150,000 bushels of corn every day, and our 240 employees and contractors, who keep our operation running. We’ve also been heartened as our co-location partner CJ Bio America has expanded its operation alongside us and thankful to our local first responders, who have provided us support during operational emergency situations.

We recognize the important role we play in the continued health of Webster County and the region’s economy, contributing millions of dollars in sales, use and property taxes and employee wages, salaries and benefits each year. But we’re not just a leading employer, we’re also a member of this vibrant region.

Our success is tied to yours – which is why we contribute to local programs that support critical issues like education, food security and conservation. Last year, our team volunteered more than 400 hours and made significant contributions to the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and the United Way campaign. We’ve filled school backpacks with food, funded STEM programs and provided support to environmental conservation programs. These initiatives are our way of saying thank you to all of you.

Areas like Webster County are the heart of our food system. We are humbled by the opportunity to be part of your community and look forward to another 10 years of growth and partnership with the leadership and citizens of this great city.

Sydney Pokorny

Cargill Fort Dodge Facility Manager

Mike Wagner

North America Managing Director, Cargill Starches, Sweeteners & Texturizers