It has the ability to get the grain shipped out, which has been a glut to them in the past. The new facility also allows the four cooperatives involved to be in a new market and to get the grain to a market where it is going to make them even more productive. It also helps the four cooperatives because they are working together as a group instead of as competitors. The State Grain Inspection Service wil1 have a grain inspection lab at the Concordia facility. Paul says the increased rail traffic makes the lab a sensible addition.
Inspectors also can service surrounding area elevators.
There will be a lot of samples brought here from other elevators that can be graded here just like they do at Salina or Topeka. The economic impact on the north-central Kansas area due to the AgMark terminal will be significant, according to a feasibility study conducted by the four founding cooperatives prior to entering into the joint venture. Up to 14 counties could feel its impact. You will see a grain price increase in some areas due to the freight difference. A producer wil1 stil1 need to get the grain to the terminal.