EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1163609
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1163609_10-K_2021_0001163609-21-000022.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Overview
South Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) owns and operates a soybean processing plant and a soybean oil refinery in Volga, South Dakota, which we have been operating since 1996 and 2002, respectively. We also own and operate an oilseed processing plant located approximately five miles east of Miller, South Dakota, which we have been operating since 2015. We are owned by approximately 2,200 members, most of whom reside in South Dakota and neighboring states and many of whom deliver and sell soybeans to our plants for processing.
Our core business consists of processing locally grown soybeans into soybean meal and soybean oil. Approximately 80% of a bushel of soybeans (60 pounds) is processed into soybean meal or hulls, and the remaining 20% is extracted as oil. We sell the soybean meal primarily to resellers, feed mills, and livestock producers as livestock feed. We market and sell multiple grades of soybean oil in either crude or refined format. Crude and refined soybean oil are marketed and sold to the food, biodiesel and chemical industries. Under certain market conditions, we may register and deliver warehouse receipts for crude oil according to the terms and conditions of a Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean oil futures contract.
We strive to maintain a competitive position in the marketplace by producing high quality products, operating a highly efficient operation at the lowest possible cost, and adding value to our core products to capture larger margins. We continue to search for ways to improve on efficiencies by analyzing new methods of vertical integration, adding value to our products by investing in further processing of products, and reviewing new applications for our products in the food and energy fields. Although a primary objective is to maximize the issuance of cash distributions to our members from profits generated through operations, we recognize the need to maintain our financial strength by reinvesting and making capital improvements in our operations facilities.
General Development of Business
We were originally organized as a South Dakota cooperative in 1993. As a South Dakota cooperative, we were entitled to single-level, pass-through tax treatment on income generated through our members’ patronage. This allowed us to pass our income onto our members in the form of distributions without first paying taxes at the company level, similar to a partnership. As we grew, however, the continuing availability of this advantageous tax treatment became less secure. Therefore, we reorganized and converted from a cooperative into a South Dakota limited liability company in 2002 and have been operating as a multi-member South Dakota limited liability company, taxed as a partnership since then.
We began producing soybean meal, crude soybean oil, and soybean hulls in 1996. Since this time we have continuously made significant capital improvements and expanded our business to include the development of vertically integrated product lines and services. In 2002, we completed the construction of a refining facility and began refining crude soybean oil. In 2003, we acquired ownership and management control of Urethane Soy Systems Company, a company engaged in the production and sale of various soybean oil-based polyurethane products, which we closed in December 2011 due to poor financial performance. In May 2011, we completed the construction and start-up of a deodorizer at our facility, which allows us to deodorize refined soybean oil and sell the oil directly to customers in the food industry. In December 2014, we purchased an oilseed processing plant located near Miller, South Dakota, approximately 100 miles west of our main facility in Volga. The Miller plant allows us to expand into new markets by processing identity-preserved soybeans, such as non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) and organic soybeans.
Industry Information
The soybean processing industry converts soybeans into soybean meal, soybean hulls and soybean oil. A bushel of soybeans typically yields approximately forty-four pounds of meal, four pounds of hulls, and eleven pounds of crude oil when processed. While the meal and hulls are mostly consumed by animals, food ingredients are the primary end use for the oil. Crude soybean oil is generally refined for use as salad and cooking oil, baking and frying fat, and to a more limited extent, for industrial uses. Increasingly, the sale of soybean oil for human consumption is impacted by the regulation of trans-fat, which results from the hydrogenation process of products such as soybean oil and plant oils. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that food processors disclose the level of trans-fatty acids contained in their products. In addition, various local governments in the U.S. have enacted, or are considering enacting, restrictions on the use of trans-fats in restaurants. As a result, many food manufacturers have reduced the amount of hydrogenated soybean oil included in their products or switched to other oils containing lower amounts of trans-fat.
Soybean production is heavily concentrated in the central U.S., Brazil, Argentina and China. In the 2020 harvest season, the U.S. produced approximately 4.14 billion bushels of soybeans, approximately 16% higher than 2019, and approximately 31% of estimated world production. The USDA estimates that approximately 48% of soybeans produced in the U.S. are processed domestically, 49% are exported as whole soybeans, and 3% are retained for seed and residual use. Historically, there has been an adequate supply of soybeans produced in South Dakota and the upper Midwest for the soybean processing industry. In 2020, farm producers in South Dakota produced 223.9 million bushels of soybeans, ranking it eighth among the top producing states in the U.S. as set forth in the following table:
State Production (bushels)
Illinois 605 million
Iowa 494 million
Minnesota 359 million
State Production (bushels)
Indiana 329 million
Nebraska 294 million
Missouri 290 million
Ohio 263 million
South Dakota 224 million
North Dakota 191 million
Kansas 190 million
Soybean processing facilities are generally located close to adequate sources of soybeans and a strong demand for meal to decrease transportation costs. Soybean meal is predominantly consumed by poultry and swine in the U.S. On average, exports of soybean meal account for 20% to 30% of total production.
Soybean oil refineries are also generally located close to soybean processing plants. Oil is shipped throughout the U.S. and for export. The USDA estimates that approximately 58% of domestic oil production is used in food, feed and industrial applications, 32% in biodiesel production, and 10% is exported for various uses.
Soybean crushing and refining margins are cyclical, characteristic of a mature, competitive industry. While the price of soybeans may fluctuate substantially from year to year, the prices of meal and oil generally track that of soybeans, although not necessarily on a one-for-one basis; therefore, margins can be variable.
The soybean industry continues diligently to introduce soy-based products as bio-based substitutes for various petroleum-based products. These products include biodiesel, soy ink, lubricants, candles and plastics. Biodiesel, a substitute for standard, petroleum-based diesel fuel, has experienced slow but erratic growth in the U.S. From the late-1990s to 2008, biodiesel experienced steady growth, only to stagnate between 2008 and 2010 due to overcapacity in the industry, price volatility in the petroleum oil market, and volatile input costs. Since 2011, the biodiesel market has been in a growth phase following the expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and resumption of the biodiesel blenders’ tax credit.
Products & Services
We process soybeans at our two crushing plants to extract the soybean oil from the protein and fiber portions of the soybean. Approximately 80% of a soybean bushel is processed and sold as soybean meal or hulls. The remaining percentage of the soybean is extracted as crude soybean oil. The crude soybean oil is sold directly to customers, or processed into refined soybean oil for future sale.
Raw Materials and Suppliers
We purchase soybeans for processing from local soybean producers and elevators, of which there has been adequate supply historically. In 2020, producers in South Dakota grew and harvested approximately 224 million bushels, compared to 146 million in 2019, 275 million in 2018, 241 million in 2017, and 256 million bushels in 2016. Of this amount, we processed 34.3 million bushels in 2020, compared to 33.0 million bushels in 2019, 33.2 million in 2018, 31.6 million in 2017, and 31.7 million bushels in 2016. We control the flow of soybeans into our facilities with a combination of pricing and contracting options. Threats to our soybean supply include weather, changes in government programs, and competition from other processors and export markets.
Utilities
Volga, South Dakota
We use natural gas and electricity to operate the crushing and refining plants in Volga, South Dakota. Natural gas is used in the boilers for processing heat and for drying soybeans. NorthWestern Corporation, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, provides for the delivery of natural gas to us on an interruptible basis. We are at risk to adverse price fluctuations in the natural gas market, but we have the capability to use fuel oil and biofuel as a backup to natural gas if delivery is interrupted or market conditions dictate. We also employ forward contracting to offset some of this risk. Our electricity is supplied by the City of Volga, South Dakota.
Miller, South Dakota
We use electricity to operate the mechanical press plant in Miller, South Dakota, as natural gas distribution lines are not located in the area. Our electricity is provided by NorthWestern Corporation, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Employees
We currently employ approximately 118 individuals, all but four of whom are full-time. We have no unions or other collective bargaining agreements.
Sales, Marketing and Customers
Our soybean meal is primarily sold to resellers, feed mills, and livestock producers as livestock feed. The meal is primarily sold to customers in the local area (typically within 200 miles of our Volga facility), Western U.S., and Canada. Our crude soybean oil is sold to refining companies for further processing, or it is refined at our facilities and sold directly to the food industry for human consumption or biodiesel industry as transportation fuel.
The table presented below represents the percentage of sales by quantity of product sold within various markets for 2020.
Market Soybean
Meal Crude
Soybean
Oil Refined
Oil
Local 47% 83% 24%
Other U.S. States 26% 13% 66%
Export 27% 4% 10%
Over half of our products are shipped by rail, the service of which is provided by the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern (RCP&E) rail line, with connections to the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe, Canadian Pacific (CP), and the Union Pacific rail lines. On June 1, 2014, our rail line was sold by CP to RCP&E, which is owned and operated by Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.
All of our assets and operations are domiciled in South Dakota, and all of the products sold are produced in South Dakota.
Dependence upon a Single Customer
None.
Competition
We are in direct competition with several other soybean processing companies in the U.S., many of which have significantly greater resources than we do. The U.S. soybean processing industry is comprised primarily of 16 different companies operating 64 plants in the U.S. It is a mature, consolidated and vertically-integrated industry with four companies controlling nearly 84% of the processing industry. Those four companies are Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge, Cargill and Ag Processing (AGP). The U.S. vegetable oil (including soybean oil) refining industry is divided between oilseed processors and independent vegetable oil refiners. The oilseed processors operate approximately 83% of the vegetable oil refining capacity in the U.S., and ADM, Bunge, Cargill and AGP operate approximately 68% of the oil refining capacity. The three largest independent vegetable oil refiners are ACH Foods (in joint venture with ADM), Smuckers (Proctor & Gamble), and ConAgra (Hunt-Wesson).
We were the only operating soybean processing plants in South Dakota until 2019. In the summer of 2019, AGP completed construction and began operating a new processing plant in northeast South Dakota. This plant could intensify the competition for the purchase of soybeans in certain areas of South Dakota from which we now purchase as well as the sale of our products throughout our trade area. Our processing facilities represent approximately 7% of the total soybean processing capacity in the upper Midwest and about 1.3% in the U.S. We continue to maintain our competitive position in the market by producing high quality products and operating highly efficient operations at the lowest possible cost. Adding value to our products is a consistent objective. Most recently,
for example, we invested in Prairie AquaTech, LLC and its various affiliates, an early-stage company engaged in the research and development of high quality protein ingredients derived from soybeans. Our investment led to the construction and operation of a new production facility immediately adjacent to our Volga plant in 2019.
Government Regulation and Environmental Matters
Our business is subject to laws and related regulations and rules designed to protect the environment which are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and similar government agencies. These laws, regulations and rules govern the discharge of materials to the environment, air and water; reporting storage of hazardous wastes; the transportation, handling and disposition of wastes; and the labeling of pesticides and similar substances. Our business is also subject to laws and related regulations and rules administered by other federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies that govern the processing, storage, distribution, advertising, labeling, quality and safety of feed and grain products. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations and rules could subject us to administrative penalties, injunctive relief, civil remedies and possible recalls of products.
Available Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are filed with the SEC. These reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are available on the SEC website (www.sec.gov). The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy, and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The contents of these websites are not incorporated into this filing. Our website is at www.sdsbp.com.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We are affected by changes in commodity prices. Our revenues, earnings and cash flows are affected by market prices for commodities such as crude petroleum oil, natural gas, soybeans, and crude and refined vegetable oils. Commodity prices generally are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including weather, disease, insect damage, drought, the availability and adequacy of supply, government regulation and policies, and general political and economic conditions. In addition, we are exposed to the risk of nonperformance by counterparties to contracts. Risk of nonperformance by counterparties includes the inability to perform because of a counterparty’s financial condition and also the risk that the counterparty will refuse to perform a contract during a period of price fluctuations where contract prices are significantly different than the current market prices.
We are subject to global and regional economic downturns and risks relating to turmoil in global financial markets. The level of demand for our products is increasingly affected by regional and global demographic and macroeconomic conditions, including population growth rates and changes in standards of living. A significant downturn in global economic growth, or recessionary conditions in major geographic regions, may lead to reduced demand for agricultural commodities which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, weak global economic conditions and turmoil in global financial markets, including constraints on the availability of credit, have in the past adversely affected, and may in the future continue to adversely affect, the financial condition and creditworthiness of some of our customers, suppliers and other counterparties which in turn may negatively impact our business. Any deterioration in economic conditions due to the current coronavirus concerns originating in China, could negatively impact our supply of soybeans and customers, which could negatively impact our ability to market and sell our products and our business.
Our business and operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak or other similar outbreaks. Outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic, and other adverse public health developments could have an adverse effect on our business. COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has affected and is expected to continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets of most areas of the United States and other countries, which may affect the demand for our products and services, such as the declines in demand experienced during the second quarter of 2020 for our feed and food ingredients. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate the other risks discussed in this Item 1A, any of which could have a material effect on us. The extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business in the future will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include the spread and containment of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, the extent of any reoccurrence of the coronavirus or any
evolutions or mutations thereof, the distribution of vaccines or therapeutic treatments that can restore consumer and business economic confidence, and the type and duration of actions that may be taken by various governmental authorities in response to the outbreak and the impact on the U.S. and the global economy.
We could be affected by higher than anticipated operating costs, including but not limited to increased prices for soybeans. In addition to general market fluctuations and economic conditions, we could experience significant cost increases associated with the ongoing operation of our soybean processing and refining plants caused by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These cost increases could arise from an inadequate local supply of soybeans and a resulting price increase which is not accompanied by an increase in the price for soybean meal and oil. Labor costs can also increase over time, particularly if there is a shortage of labor, or shortage of persons with the skills necessary to operate our facility. Adequacy and cost of electric and natural gas utilities could also affect our operating costs. Changes in price, operation and availability of truck and rail transportation may affect our profitability with respect to the transportation of soybean meal, oil and other products to our customers.
It may become more difficult to sell our soybean oil for human consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food manufacturers to disclose the levels of trans-fatty acids contained in their products. In addition, various local governments in the U.S. are considering, and some have enacted, restrictions on the use of trans-fats in restaurants. Several food processors have either switched or indicated an intention to switch to edible oil products with lower levels of trans-fatty acids. Because processing soybean oil, particularly hydrogenation, creates trans-fat, it may become difficult to sell our oil to customers engaged in the food industry which could adversely affect our revenues and profits.
Hedging transactions involve risks that could harm our profitability. To reduce our price change risks associated with holding fixed price commodity positions, we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures contracts (either a straight futures contract or an options futures contract) for soybeans, soybean meal and crude soybean oil on the Chicago Board of Trade. While hedging activities reduce our risk of loss from changing market values, such activities also limit the gain potential which otherwise could result from those market fluctuations. Our policy is to maintain hedged positions within limits, but we can be long or short at any time. In addition, at any one time, our inventory and purchase contracts for delivery to our facility may be substantial, which could limit our ability to adjust our hedged positions. If our risk management policies and procedures that guide our net position limits are inadequate, we could suffer adverse financial consequences.
Our business is not diversified. Our success depends on our ability to profitably operate our soybean processing and soybean oil refining plants. We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue if we are unable to operate our soybean processing and soybean oil refining plants. This lack of diversification may limit our ability to adapt to changing business conditions and could cause harm to our business.
We are dependent on our management and other key personnel, and loss of their services may adversely affect our business. Our success and business strategy is dependent in large part on our ability to attract and retain key management and operating personnel. This can present particular challenges for us because we operate in a specialized industry and because our business is located in a rural area. Key employees are in high demand and are often subject to competing employment offers in the agricultural value-added industries within the local and regional area. Any loss of the key employees or the failure of these individuals to perform their job functions in a satisfactory manner would have a material adverse effect on our business operations and prospects.
We operate in an intensely competitive industry and we may not be able to continue to compete effectively. We may not be able to continue to successfully penetrate the markets for our products. The soybean processing business is highly competitive, and other companies presently in the market, or that could enter the market, could adversely affect prices for the products we sell. We compete with other soybean processors such as Archer-Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill, Bunge, and Ag Processing (AGP), among others, all of which are capable of producing significantly greater quantities of soybean products than we do, and may achieve higher operating efficiencies and lower costs due to their scale. A new processing plant owned by AGP in northeast South Dakota could increase the competition for soybeans and adversely affect our business.
Our profitability is influenced by the protein and moisture content of the soybeans in the local growing area. The northern portion of the western soybean belt, where our two soybean crushing plants are located, typically produces a lower protein soybean resulting in a lower protein soybean meal. Because lower protein soybean meal is sold at a lower price, we may not be able to operate as profitably as soybean processing plants in
other parts of the country. If adverse weather conditions further reduce the protein content of the soybeans grown in our area, our business may be materially harmed because we will be required to sell our soybean meal at discounted prices to our customers.
In addition, the moisture content of the soybeans that are delivered to our plants also influences our profitability and the efficiency of our plant operations. Soybeans with high moisture content require more energy to dry them before they can be processed. While we may recover some of these extra energy costs by paying producers less for high moisture soybeans, these savings may not be sufficient to offset our additional operating expenses.
Because soybean processing and refining is energy intensive, our business will be materially harmed if energy prices increase substantially. Electricity prices have steadily increased the last few years, and natural gas prices have fluctuated historically. Currently, natural gas prices are at very low levels. If the trend in electricity prices continues, any significant increase in the price of natural gas will increase our energy costs and adversely affect our profitability and operating results. In addition, there are no natural gas distribution lines near the processing plant near Miller, South Dakota, making electricity the only current source of energy at the Miller facility.
Transportation costs are a factor in the price of soybean meal and oil, and increased transportation costs could adversely affect our profitability. Soybean meal and oil may be shipped by trucks, rail cars, and barges. Added transportation costs are a significant factor in the price of our products, and we may be more vulnerable to increases in transportation costs than other producers because our locations in Volga and Miller are more remote than that of most of our competitors. Today, most of our products are sold FOB Volga or Miller, South Dakota, and those that are not, have the full transportation cost added to the contract. Transportation costs do not currently affect our margin directly; however, the added costs could eventually affect demand for our products.
Increases in the production of soybean meal or oil could result in lower prices for soybean meal or oil and have other adverse effects. Existing soybean processing and refining plants could construct additions to increase their production, and new soybean processing and refining plants could be constructed as well. AGP's new processing plant, for example, in northeast South Dakota, was built and became operational in the summer of 2019. If there is not a corresponding increase in the demand for soybean meal and oil, or if the increased demand is not significant, the increased production of soybean meal and oil may lead to lower prices for soybean meal and oil. The increased production of soybean meal and oil could have other adverse effects as well. The increased production of soybean meal and oil could result in increased demand for soybeans, in turn leading to higher prices for soybeans, resulting in higher costs of production and lower profits.
Legislative, legal or regulatory developments could adversely affect our profitability. We are subject to extensive air, water and other environmental laws and regulations at the federal and state level. In addition, some of these laws require our plant to operate under a number of environmental permits. These laws, regulations and permits can often require pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit actual or potential impacts to the environment. A violation of these laws and regulations or permit conditions can result in substantial fines, damages, criminal sanctions, permit revocations and/or plant shutdowns.
New environmental laws and regulations, including new regulations relating to alternative energy sources and the risk of global climate change, new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, increased governmental enforcement or other developments could require us to make additional unforeseen expenditures. It is expected that some form of regulation will be forthcoming at the federal level in the U.S. with respect to emissions of GHGs, (including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides). Also, new federal or state legislation or regulatory programs that restrict emissions of GHGs in areas where we conduct business could adversely affect our operations and demand for our products. New legislation or regulator programs could require substantial expenditures for the installation and operation of equipment that we do not currently possess or substantial modifications to existing equipment.
In addition, although our production of soybean meal and oil is not directly regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, we must comply with the FDA’s content and labeling requirements, which are monitored at our customers’ facilities. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in fines, liability to our customers or other consequences that could increase our operating costs and reduce profits. In addition, changes to the FDA’s rules or regulations could be adopted that would increase our operating costs and expenses, or require capital investment.
We are subject to industry-specific risks that could adversely affect our operating results. These risks include, but are not limited to, product quality or contamination; shifting consumer preferences; federal, state, and local food processing regulations; socially unacceptable farming practices; environmental, health and safety regulations; and customer product liability claims. Any liability resulting from these risks may not always be covered by, or could exceed liability insurance related to product liability and food safety matters maintained by us. The occurrence of any of the matters described above could adversely affect our revenues and operating results. Our products are used as ingredients in livestock and poultry feed. Thus, we are subject to risks associated with the outbreak of disease in livestock and poultry, including, but not limited to, African Swine Fever (ASF), mad-cow disease and avian influenza. The outbreak of disease could adversely affect demand for our products used as ingredients in livestock and poultry feed. A decrease in demand for these products could adversely affect our revenues and operating results.
We could face increased operating costs if we were required to segregate genetically modified soybeans and the products generated from these soybeans. Over the last several years, some soybean producers in our area have been planting genetically modified, or GMO, soybeans, commonly known as Round-up Ready beans. Neither the U.S. Department of Agriculture nor the FDA currently requires that genetically modified soybeans be segregated from other soybeans. If these agencies or our customers were to require that we process these genetically modified soybeans separately, we would face increased storage and processing costs and our profitability could be harmed.
There is no public market for our units. There is no public trading market for our units. While we have established a private online matching service in order to facilitate the transfer of units among our members, the transfer of units on this service is severely limited. The service has been designed to comply with federal tax laws and IRS regulations governing a “qualified matching service,” as well as state and federal securities laws. Under these rules, there are detailed timelines and restrictions that must be followed with respect to offers and sales of units. As a result, units held by our members may not be easily resold and members may be required to hold their units indefinitely. Even if a member is able to resell units, the price may be less than the member's original investment for the units or may otherwise be unattractive to the member.
There are significant restrictions on the transfer of our units. To protect our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and to assure no public trading market for our units develops or exists, our units are subject to significant restrictions on transfer. All transfers of units must comply with the transfer provisions of our operating agreement and the capital units transfer system and are subject to approval by our board of managers. Our board of managers reserves the right not to approve any transfer of units that could cause us to lose our partnership tax status or violate federal or state securities laws. As a result, members may not be able to transfer their units and may be required to assume the risks of the investment for an indefinite period of time.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
We conduct our operations principally at our two facilities in Volga, South Dakota and Miller, South Dakota.
At our Volga facility, we own the land, consisting of 98 acres, on which most of the infrastructure and physical properties rest. Our facilities consist of a soybean processing plant, a soybean oil refinery and deodorizer, a quality control laboratory, and administrative and operations buildings.
At our Miller facility, we own the land, consisting of approximately 24 acres, on which the soybean processing plant and operations building rest.
All of our tangible property, real and personal, serves as collateral for our debt instruments with our primary lender, CoBank, ACB, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, which is described below under “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Indebtedness.”

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, we may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including without limitation, workers’ compensation claims, tort claims, or contractual disputes. We carry insurance that provides protection against general commercial liability claims, claims against our directors, officers and employees, business interruption, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation claims. We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings and are not aware of any potential claims.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
Part II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
As of December 31, 2020 and March 1, 2021, there were 2,219 members of record and a total of 30,419,000 Class A capital units issued and outstanding. We did not make any repurchases of Class A units during the fiscal year 2020.
Trading Activity
Our capital units are not traded on an exchange or otherwise publicly traded and are subject to significant restrictions on transfer. Most transfers of capital units are conducted through a “qualified matching service” as defined by the publicly-traded partnership rules of the federal tax code. Under the qualified matching service, bids for capital units submitted by interested buyers and sellers are matched on the basis of a strict set of rules and conditions set forth under the federal tax code and by us; plus, all matching and transfers are subject to approval by our board of managers. Our qualified matching service is operated through www.AgStockTrade.com, an SEC-registered and regulated Alternative Trading Service which is owned and operated by Variable Investment Advisors, Inc., Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a registered broker-dealer with the SEC, FINRA, and various states. The following table contains historical information by quarter for the past two years regarding the matching of capital units through the qualified matching service:
Quarter Low Price
(1) High Price
(1) Average
Price # of
Capital
Units Matched
First Quarter 2019 $ 3.24 $ 3.44 $ 3.30 95,000
Second Quarter 2019 $ 3.48 $ 3.75 $ 3.60 59,000
Third Quarter 2019 $ 3.75 $ 3.77 $ 3.76 17,500
Fourth Quarter 2019 $ 3.50 $ 3.60 $ 3.54 34,000
First Quarter 2020 $ 3.49 $ 3.51 $ 3.49 26,000
Second Quarter 2020 $ 3.35 $ 3.43 $ 3.37 37,000
Third Quarter 2020 $ 3.10 $ 3.31 $ 3.22 28,000
Fourth Quarter 2020 $ 3.04 $ 3.15 $ 3.10 75,250
(1)The qualified matching service rules prohibit firm bids; therefore, the prices reflect actual sale prices of the capital units.
Transfer Restrictions
As a limited liability company, we must severely restrict trading and transfers of our capital units in order to preserve our preferential single-level "partnership" tax status at the member level. To preserve this, our operating agreement prohibits transfers of capital units other than through the procedures specified under our capital units transfer system, or CUTS, which may be amended from time to time by our board of managers. Under the CUTS, our capital units cannot be traded on any national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market. Also, we cannot permit the total number of capital units traded annually through the qualified matching service to exceed 10% of our total issued and outstanding capital units. All transactions, including any trades on the qualified matching service, must be approved by the board of managers, which are generally approved if they fall within “safe harbors” contained in the rules of the federal tax code. Permitted transfers include transfers by gift or death, sales to qualified family members, and trades through the qualified matching service subject to the 10% restriction. Pursuant to our operating agreement, a minimum of 2,500 capital units is required to be owned by an individual or entity for membership, and no member may own more than 10% of our total outstanding capital units.
Distributions to Members
We issued to our members a cash distribution of $6.7 million (22.0¢ per capital unit) and $15.2 million (50.0¢ per capital unit) in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. On February 2, 2021, our board of managers approved a cash distribution to our members of approximately $9.4 million (31.0¢ per capital unit), which was issued to our members on or about February 4, 2021. Our distributions are declared at the discretion of our board of managers and are issued in accordance with the terms of our operating agreement and distribution policy. Distributions are also subject to restrictions imposed under our loan agreement with our lender. There is no assurance as to if, when, or how much we will make in distributions in the future. Actual distributions depend upon our profitability, expenses and other factors discussed in this report.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following table sets forth selected financial data of South Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC for the periods indicated. The financial statements included in Item 8 of this report were audited by Eide Bailly LLP.
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Bushels processed 34,306,674 33,045,418 33,232,663 31,577,132 31,735,399
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues $ 415,025,765 $ 371,275,766 $ 391,764,683 $ 375,759,337 $ 377,931,693
Costs & expenses:
Cost of goods sold (395,772,460) (356,475,930) (362,601,571) (364,150,130) (363,829,609)
Operating expenses (3,819,645) (3,624,306) (3,834,845) (3,211,255) (3,441,446)
Operating profit (loss) 15,433,660 11,175,530 25,328,267 8,397,952 10,660,638
Non-operating income (loss) 1,239,018 723,812 1,448,980 (1,171,034) 2,340,072
Interest expense (1,090,951) (919,157) (897,942) (457,909) (413,863)
Income tax benefit (expense) - (600) (1,960) (1,941) 6,209
Income (loss) from continuing operations
15,581,727 10,979,585 25,877,345 6,767,068 12,593,056
Gain (loss) on discontinued operations
- - - - -
Net income (loss) $ 15,581,727 $ 10,979,585 $ 25,877,345 $ 6,767,068 $ 12,593,056
Weighted average capital units outstanding
30,419,000 30,419,000 30,419,000 30,419,000 30,419,000
Net income (loss) per capital unit
$ 0.512 $ 0.361 $ 0.851 $ 0.222 $ 0.414
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $ 31,391,916 $ 21,322,260 $ 19,425,996 $ 15,668,312 $ 21,794,589
Net property, plant & equipment
64,231,194 64,517,204 59,068,014 55,531,308 44,751,140
Total assets 225,823,047 158,104,992 144,854,183 123,216,647 121,240,557
Long-term obligations 23,613,702 15,307,727 5,796,382 5,102,818 724,035
Members’ equity 94,836,880 85,947,333 90,177,248 69,375,206 72,052,927
Other Data:
Capital expenditures $ 4,652,368 $ 10,066,719 $ 8,026,131 $ 14,494,447 7,065,332
Distributions to members $ 6,692,180 $ 15,209,500 $ 5,075,303 $ 9,444,789 $ 15,048,481
Distributions to members per capital unit $ 0.220 $ 0.500 $ 0.167 $ 0.310 $ 0.495

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion along with our financial statements and the notes to our financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” at the beginning of this report.
Overview and Executive Summary
Despite the significant challenges in 2020 due to COVID-19, plant shutdowns, quarantines and social distancing, we quickly adjusted and overcame them. With hard work, perseverance and a little luck, we turned what looked like a less than promising year into a positive one.
Heading into 2020, we knew we would be faced with significant challenges. Due to the previous spring's inclement weather, we were faced with a soybean crop of low quality and yield. The pandemic then hit the U.S. beginning in March, which only accelerated existing challenges and exposed new ones. Our oil market was immediately affected. Demand for soybean oil in public places, like bars and restaurants, came to an almost screeching halt, forcing many of our food customers to cancel their scheduled shipments. As a result, we were forced to consider a slowdown in order to avoid filling up on oil. Our meal market, likewise, was sharply disrupted. Meat packing plants were forced to slow down or shut operations due to pandemic-related workforce disruptions, causing processing facilities to turn away hogs which, in turn, caused a hog backup at confinement and other facilities. As a result, these facilities curtailed their purchases of soybean meal.
Toward the end of May, however, we began to see signs of recovery. Restaurants, bars and other small businesses slowly began to reopen, resulting in a growing demand for oil. Similarly, in the energy sector, oil demand returned from the renewable diesel sector.
Going into the fourth quarter, a number of factors contributed to our further recovery. In our oil refinery, after investing heavily the past few years on improving and expanding our operations, we discovered new markets and areas to market our oil. The meal market also returned to normal levels, with demand restored in both the local and export markets. The fall soybean crop significantly improved in both yield and quality compared to 2019, helping operations finish the year on a positive note.
As a result, we recorded a net income of $15.6 million, compared to $11.0 million in 2019.
Looking ahead into 2021, we anticipate strong demand for soybean oil and steady demand for soybean meal. The renewable diesel sector is currently purchasing high volumes of soybean oil for delivery in 2021 and beyond. Soybean oil demand from the food sector is expected to continue to improve in 2021, particularly as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in the bar and restaurant trade. Soybean meal demand from the feed sector is likely to remain flat in 2021. While demand for meal from the hog market is expected to improve due to higher prices for hogs, demand from the dairy market may fall due to the price competitiveness of feed substitutes such as canola meal.
Soybean supply may prove to be a challenge for us in 2021 during the third quarter. Due to strong export demand and increased processing in the U.S., soybean supply is forecast to fall dramatically during the summer. This shortfall, in addition to causing higher soybean prices, may force us to slow production in August and September. A successful fall harvest would provide relief, though we are unable to provide a harvest forecast at this time. Our planned investments in new storage facilities in 2021 could provide additional relief by allowing us capture a greater number of new crop soybeans when they become available in the fall.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019
$ % of
Revenue $ % of
Revenue
Revenue $ 415,025,765 100.0 $ 371,275,766 100.0
Cost of revenues (395,772,460) (95.4) (356,475,930) (96.0)
Operating expenses (3,819,645) (0.9) (3,624,306) (1.0)
Other income (expense) 148,067 - (195,345) (0.1)
Income tax (expense), net - - (600) -
Net income (loss) $ 15,581,727 3.8 $ 10,979,585 3.0
Revenue - Revenue increased $43.7 million, or 11.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in revenues is primarily due to increases in the quantity of soybeans processed and sales of soybean oil. We processed an additional 3.8% in soybeans in 2020 compared to 2019, which increased the volume of soybean products available for sale to our customers. In addition, our soybean oil sales increased 10.4% compared to 2019 due primarily to an increase in production capacity in the renewable diesel industry.
Gross Profit/Loss - Gross profit increased $4.5 million, or 30.1%, in 2020 compared to 2019 due primarily to improved weather conditions in our soybean procurement area and decreased maintenance costs. Severe flooding arising from heavy snow and rainfall in the spring of 2019 forced local farmers to delay or reduce planting, or elect to not plant at all. Consequently, soybean production in South Dakota decreased nearly 50% from 2018 to 2019, which increased local soybean prices and narrowed soybean crush margins. Crush margins were also adversely affected by increased moisture and decreased protein content in the 2019 soybean crop, both of which reduced our product yield. In 2020, soybean quality and yield in our procurement area greatly improved. In addition, production expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 4.7%, between 2019 and 2020 due to a decrease in maintenance costs. In August 2019, we had an extended shutdown of our Volga facility, which required us to make extensive repairs and replace certain processing equipment.
Operating Expenses - Administrative expenses, including all selling, general and administrative expenses, increased $195,000, or 5.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increase in personnel costs.
Interest Expense - Interest expense increased $172,000, or 18.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in interest expense is due primarily to an increase in borrowings from our lines of credit, as we borrowed more to pay for capital improvements and increased soybean prices. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the average debt level was approximately $32.9 million, compared to $19.1 million in 2019. Partially offsetting the increase in borrowings is a decrease in interest rates on our senior debt with CoBank. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate on our revolving long-term loan was 2.60%, compared to 4.24% as of December 31, 2019.
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) - Other non-operating income, including patronage dividend income, increased $515,000, or 71.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to the forgiveness of the Payment Protection Plan loan by the U.S. Small Business Administration in November 2020.
Net Income/Loss - We generated a net income of $15.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $11.0 million during the same period in 2019. The $4.6 million improvement in net income is primarily attributable to an increase gross profit.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018
$ % of
Revenue $ % of
Revenue
Revenue $ 371,275,766 100.0 $ 391,764,683 100.0
Cost of revenues (356,475,930) (96.0) (362,601,571) (92.6)
Operating expenses (3,624,306) (1.0) (3,834,845) (1.0)
Other income (expense) (195,345) (0.1) 551,038 0.1
Income tax (expense), net (600) - (1,960) -
Net income (loss) $ 10,979,585 3.0 $ 25,877,345 6.6
Revenue - Revenue decreased $20.5 million, or 5.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease in revenues is primarily due to a 7.0% decrease in the average sales price of soybean meal. Soybean meal prices in 2019 were adversely affected by increased production of U.S. soybeans during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. A record sized soybean crop in the fall of 2018 and a trade dispute with China, caused soybean processors in the U.S. to operate at full or increased capacity in effort to maximize margins.
Gross Profit/Loss - Gross profit decreased $14.4 million, or 49.3%, during 2019, compared to 2018. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to adverse weather conditions in our soybean procurement area, increased soybean processing in the U.S., and increased maintenance costs. Severe flooding arising from heavy snow and rainfall in the spring of 2019 caused local farmers to delay and reduce planting or not to plant entirely. Consequently, soybean production in South Dakota decreased approximately 47% from 2018 to 2019, which increased soybean prices and narrowed soybean crush margins.
In May 2018, China implemented a 25% tariff on U.S. soybeans effectively halting soybean exports from the U.S. to China. China subsequently shifted soybean purchases to other countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Since China does not typically purchase or import soybean meal or oil, soybean meal and oil prices did not decrease at the same rate as soybeans, resulting in unprecedented board crush levels in 2018. By 2019, however, U.S. soybean processing facilities, in effort to capitalize on high crushing margins, increased their production capacity, which returned crush margins to average levels historically.
Our Volga facility completed its regularly scheduled annual maintenance shutdown in August 2019. The shutdown, unfortunately, was approximately twice as long in duration than in previous years due to extensive and necessary repairs and replacement of various process equipment. As a result, maintenance expenses increased by approximately $3.1 million in 2019, compared to 2018.
Operating Expenses - Administrative expenses, including all selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased $211,000, or 5.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to 2018. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in personnel costs.
Interest Expense - Interest expense increased $21,000, or 2.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The increase in interest expense is due primarily to an increase in borrowings from our lines of credit. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the average debt level was approximately $19.1 million, compared to $18.8 million in 2018.
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) - Other non-operating income, including patronage dividend income, decreased $725,000, or 50.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a $310,000 deterioration on gains (losses) on sale of property and equipment and an $184,000 decrease in compensation for management services. In 2019, we recorded $64,000 in losses on the sale of property and equipment, compared to a $246,000 gain during 2018. In April 2018, we entered into two agreements with Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC for a total consideration of $1.72 million for the purpose of performing various management and construction management services. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized income of $759,000 from these two agreements, compared to $943,000 during the same period in 2018.
Net Income/Loss - We generated a net income of $11.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $25.9 million during the same period in 2018. The $14.9 million decrease in net income is primarily attributable to a decrease in revenues and gross profit.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and borrowings under our two lines of credit which are discussed below under “Indebtedness.” On December 31, 2020, we had working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, of approximately $31.4 million, compared to working capital of $21.3 million on December 31, 2019. Working capital increased between periods primarily due to increases in net income in 2020. We will continue funding our capital and operating needs from cash from operations and revolving lines of credit.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
2020 2019
Net cash from (used for) operating activities $ 14,206,832 $ (3,347,017)
Net cash (used for) investing activities (4,949,271) (9,968,606)
Net cash from (used for) financing activities (6,231,292) 6,743,222
Cash Flows From (Used For) Operating Activities
The $17.6 million change in cash flows provided by (used for) from operating activities is primarily attributed to a $17.7 million change in accrued commodity purchases and a $4.6 million increase in net income. In 2020, we increased accrued commodity purchases by $13.6 million, compared to a reduction of $4.1 million in 2019. Partially offsetting the change in accrued commodity purchases was a $6.2 million increase in inventories in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. We increased inventories by $20.6 million in 2020, compared to $14.3 million in 2019. Increases in accrued commodity purchases and inventories were the result of increased commodity prices.
Cash Flows From (Used For) Investing Activity
The $5.0 million decrease in cash flows used for investing activities between 2019 and 2020 was due to a decrease in capital improvements in 2020. In 2020, we spent approximately $4.7 million on capital improvements to improve the quality and efficiency of operations, compared to $10.1 million in 2019.
Cash Flows From (Used For) Financing Activity
The $13.0 change in cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities is due to an $17.3 million reduction in net proceeds (payments) on borrowings from our credit facilities in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. In 2020, net proceeds from borrowings was $0.4 million, compared to $17.7 million in 2019. The change in net proceeds (payments) on borrowings was partially offset by an $8.5 million decrease in cash distributions to members in 2020, compared to 2019.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
2019 2018
Net cash from operating activities $ (3,347,017) $ 30,477,437
Net cash used for investing activities (9,968,606) (13,765,561)
Net cash used for financing activities 6,743,222 (10,198,317)
Cash Flows From (Used For) Operating Activities
The $33.8 million change in cash flows provided by (used for) from operating activities was primarily attributed to a $14.9 million decrease in net income and a $7.8 increase in inventory in 2019, compared to a $1.3 million decrease in 2018. We increased crude oil inventory in 2019 mainly due to complications starting up our refinery after the plant maintenance shutdown in August 2019.
Cash Flows From (Used For) Investing Activity
The $3.8 million decrease in cash flows used for investing activities between 2018 and 2019 was due to a decrease in investments in 2019, offset by an increase in capital improvements in 2019. In 2018, we made an equity investment of $6.3 million in Prairie AquaTech, LLC and its affiliated companies, compared to $0 in 2019. This decrease was offset by spending $10.1 million in capital improvements in 2019 to help improve the quality and efficiency of operations, compared to $8.0 million in 2018.
Cash Flows From (Used For) Financing Activity
The $16.9 change in cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities is due to a $22.2 million change in net proceeds (payments) on borrowings from our credit facilities in 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. In 2019, net proceeds from borrowings was $17.7 million, compared to $4.5 million in net payments on borrowings in 2018. The change in net proceeds (payments) on borrowings was partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in cash distributions to members in 2019, compared to 2018.
Indebtedness
We have two lines of credit with CoBank, our primary lender, to meet the short and long-term needs of our operations. The first credit line is a revolving long-term loan. Under this loan, we may borrow funds as needed up to the credit line maximum, or $26.0 million, and then pay down the principal whenever excess cash is available. Repaid amounts may be borrowed up to the available credit line. The available credit line decreases by $2.0 million every six months until the credit line’s maturity on September 20, 2023, at which time we will be required to make a balloon payment for the remaining balance. We pay a 0.40% annual commitment fee on any funds not borrowed. The principal balance outstanding on the revolving term loan is $17.5 million and $16.0 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Under this loan, $4.5 million was available to be borrowed as of December 31, 2020.
The second credit line is a revolving working capital (seasonal) loan. The primary purpose of this loan is to finance our operating needs. Prior to the 2021 amendments described below, the maximum we could borrow under this line was $25.0 million until the loan's maturity on December 1, 2021. We pay a 0.20% annual commitment fee on any funds not borrowed; however, we have the option to reduce the credit line during any given commitment period listed in the credit agreement to avoid the commitment fee. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were advances outstanding on the seasonal loan of $0 and $1.7 million, respectively. Under this loan, $25.0 million was available to be borrowed as of as of December 31, 2020.
On February 5, 2021 and March 1, 2021, we amended our seasonal loan with CoBank. Under the amendments, the principal amount that we may borrow is increased from $25 million to $45 million until the loan's maturity on December 1, 2021. All other material items and conditions under the credit agreement, and subsequent amendments to such agreement, remain the same following these amendments.
Both the revolving and seasonal loans with CoBank are set up with a variable rate option. The variable rate is set by CoBank and changes weekly on the first business day of each week. We also have a fixed rate option on both loans allowing us to fix rates for any period between one day and the entire commitment period. The annual interest rate on the revolving term loan is 2.60% and 4.24% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the interest rate on the seasonal loan is 2.35% and 3.99%, respectively. We were in compliance with all covenants and conditions under the loans as of December 31, 2020.
On April 20, 2020, we entered into an unsecured promissory note for $1,215,700 under the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP Loan“), a loan program created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (the "CARES Act"). The PPP Loan was made through First Bank & Trust, N.A., Brookings, South Dakota The PPP Loan was scheduled to mature on July 20, 2022 and had a 1.0% interest rate. In November 2020, we submitted to the SBA an application for loan forgiveness application equal to the sum of qualifying expenses such as payroll costs, rent obligations, and covered utility payments. The forgiveness application was approved by the SBA on November 25, 2020 for $1,205,700 and the remaining $10,000 in February 2021.
We also had a loan with the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation in connection with previous improvements made to the railway infrastructure near our soybean processing plant in Volga, South Dakota. Under
this loan, which matured on June 1, 2020, we made annual principal and interest payments of $75,500. The principal balance outstanding on this loan was $0 and $603,342 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
We made a total of $4.7 million in capital expenditures on property and equipment in 2020, compared to approximately $10.1 million in 2019. Improvements were made to enhance the quality and efficiency of our soybean crushing facility and oil refinery in Volga, South Dakota, and our small oilseed processing plant near Miller, South Dakota. Depending upon profitability, we anticipate spending between $8.0 million and $12.0 million for capital improvements in 2021, which will be financed from cash flows from operating activities and long-term debt financing.
Off Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
We do not utilize variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet financial arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table shows our contractual obligations for the periods presented:
Payment due by period
CONTRACTUAL
OBLIGATIONS Total Less than
1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5
years
Long-Term Debt Obligations (1) $ 23,090,000 $ 4,368,000 $ 18,722,000 $ - $ -
Operating Lease Obligations 12,916,000 6,024,000 2,869,000 1,159,000 2,864,000
Total $ 36,006,000 $ 10,392,000 $ 21,591,000 $ 1,159,000 $ 2,864,000
(1)Represents principal and interest payments on our notes payable, which are included on our Balance Sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See page, Note 1 of our audited financial statements for a discussion on the impact, if any, of the recently pronounced accounting standards.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Preparation of our financial statements requires estimates and judgments to be made that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. We continually evaluate these estimates based on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The difficulty in applying these policies arises from the assumptions, estimates, and judgments that have to be made currently about matters that are inherently uncertain, such as future economic conditions, operating results and valuations as well as management intentions. As the difficulty increases, the level of precision decreases, meaning that actual results can and probably will be different from those currently estimated.
Of the significant accounting policies described in the notes to the financial statements, we believe that the following may involve a higher degree of estimates, judgments, and complexity:
Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies, by their nature relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred, as well as in estimating the amount of the potential
expense. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., we accrue an expense when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Inventory Valuation
We account for our inventories at estimated market value. These inventories are agricultural commodities that are freely traded, have quoted market prices, may be sold without significant further processing, and have predictable and insignificant costs of disposal. We derive our estimates from local market prices determined by grain terminals in our area. Processed product price estimates are determined by the ending sales contract price as of the close of the final day of the period. This price is determined by the average closing price on the Chicago Board of Trade, net of the local basis, for the last two business days of the period and the first business day of the subsequent period. Changes in the market values of these inventories are recognized as a component of cost of goods sold.
Long-Lived Assets
Depreciation and amortization of our property, plant and equipment is provided on the straight-lined method by charges to operations at rates based upon the expected useful lives of individual or groups of assets. Economic circumstances or other factors may cause management’s estimates of expected useful lives to differ from actual.
Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investments are evaluated for impairment on the basis of undiscounted cash flows whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair market value based on the best information available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate undiscounted future cash flows and may differ from actual.
We evaluate the recoverability of identifiable intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an intangible asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, (2) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or (3) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition of an asset. We measure the carrying amount of the asset against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with it. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value of the asset being evaluated, an impairment loss is recognized.
The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeded its fair value. The fair value is measured based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. The evaluation of asset impairment requires us to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset being evaluated. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We minimize the effects of changes in the price of agricultural commodities by using exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize our net positions in these inventories and contracts. We account for changes in market value on exchange-traded futures and option contracts at exchange prices and account for the changes in value of forward purchase and sales contracts at local market prices determined by grain terminals in the area. Changes in the market value of all these contracts are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.
Operating Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-02 (Leases). The standard requires companies to recognize operating lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information regarding its leasing arrangements. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted in ASC Topic 842. Accordingly, we accounted for all our leases as operating leases under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contracts contain leases under Topic 842, (b) whether classification of the operating leases would be different in accordance with ASC Topic 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs before transition adjustments, if any, would have met the definition of initial direct costs in ASC Topic 842 at lease commencement. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting guidance, we recognize: (a) a lease liability amount which represents the
present value of all remaining lease payments discounted using our incremental borrowing rate at the time of adoption of the respective leases, and (b) a right-of-use asset amount which represents the total lease liability adjusted for any unamortized initial direct costs. We also elected not to recognize and measure any short-term lease, which is a lease that, at the commencement date, has a term of 12 months or less and does not contain an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise.
Revenue Recognition
We account for all of our revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which became effective January 1, 2018. As part of the adoption of ASC 606, we applied the new standard on a modified retrospective basis analyzing open contracts as of January 1, 2018. However, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was necessary as no revenue recognition differences were identified when comparing the revenue recognition criteria under ASC 606 to previous requirements.
We principally generate revenue from merchandising and transporting manufactured agricultural products used as ingredients in food, feed, energy and industrial products. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with a customer, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties (e.g. - taxes). We follow a policy of recognizing revenue at a single point in time when we satisfy our performance obligation by transferring control over a product to a customer. Control transfer typically occurs when goods are shipped from our facilities or at other predetermined control transfer points (for instance, destination terms). Shipping and handling costs related to contracts with customers for sale of goods are accounted for as a fulfillment activity and are included in cost of revenues. Accordingly, amounts billed to customers for such costs are included as a component of revenues.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.
Commodities Risk & Risk Management. To reduce the price change risks associated with holding fixed price commodity positions, we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures contracts (either a straight or options futures contract) on a regulated commodity futures exchange, the Chicago Board of Trade. While hedging activities reduce the risk of loss from changing market prices, such activities also limit the gain potential which otherwise could result from these significant fluctuations in market prices. Our policy is generally to maintain a hedged position within limits, but we can be long or short at any time. Our profitability is primarily derived from margins on soybeans processed, not from hedging transactions. Our management does not anticipate that hedging activities will have a significant impact on our future operating results or liquidity. Hedging arrangements do not protect against nonperformance of a cash contract.
At any one time, our inventory and purchase contracts for delivery to our facility may be substantial. We have risk management policies and procedures that include net position limits. They are defined by commodity, and include both trader and management limits. This policy and procedure triggers a review by management when any trader is outside of position limits. The position limits are reviewed at least annually with the board of managers. We monitor current market conditions and may expand or reduce the limits in response to changes in those conditions.
An adverse change in market prices would not materially affect our profitability since we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures and forward contracts as economic hedges of price risk.
Foreign Currency Risk. We conduct essentially all of our business in U.S. dollars and have minimal direct risk regarding foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency fluctuations do, however, impact the ability of foreign buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products and the competitiveness of and demand for U.S. agricultural products compared to the same products offered by foreign suppliers.
An adverse change in market prices would not materially affect our profitability since we generally take opposite and offsetting positions by entering into commodity futures and forward contracts as economic hedges of price risk.
Interest Rate Risk. We manage exposure to interest rate changes by using variable rate loan agreements with fixed rate options. Long-term loan agreements can utilize the fixed option through maturity; however, the revolving ability to pay down and borrow back would be eliminated once the funds were fixed.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $0 in fixed rate debt and $47 million in variable rate debt available to borrow. Interest rate changes impact the amount of our interest payments and, therefore, our future earnings and cash
flows. Assuming other variables remain constant, a one percentage point (1%) increase in interest rates on our variable rate debt could have an estimated impact on profitability of approximately $470,000 per year.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Reference is made to the “Index to Financial Statements” of South Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC located on the page immediately preceding page of this report, and financial statements and schedules for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Control and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Additionally, based on management’s evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As of December 31, 2020, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control- Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on this assessment using those criteria, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Our management reviewed the results of their assessment with the Audit Committee.
This Annual Report does not include a report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting was not subject to an audit report by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Thomas Kersting
Thomas Kersting, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Mark Hyde
Mark Hyde, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Pursuant to General Instructions G(3), we omit Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, and incorporate such items by reference to an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to a Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this Report (December 31, 2020).
Part IV

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
The following exhibits and financial statements are filed as part of, or are incorporated by reference into, this report:
(a)(1) Financial Statements - Reference is made to the “Index to Financial Statements” of South Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC located on the page immediately preceding page of this report for a list of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The financial statements appear on page of this Report.
(2) All supplemental schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits - Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Exhibit Index accompanying this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit
Number Description
3.1(i)
Articles of Organization (1)
3.1(ii)
Operating Agreement, as amended and restated
3.1(iii)
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Organization
4.1
Form of Class A Unit Certificate
10.1
Railroad Car Lease Agreement with Trinity Industries dated February 12, 2002
10.2
Railroad Car Lease Agreements with Wells Fargo Rail Corporation, dated November 10, 2003 and November 25, 2003 (2)
10.3
Security Agreement with CoBank dated June 17, 2004
10.4
Credit Agreement with CoBank dated December 28, 2016
10.5
Amendment to Credit Agreement with CoBank dated March 28, 2017
10.6
Amendment to Credit Agreement with CoBank dated February 27, 2018
10.7
Amendment to Credit Agreement with CoBank dated January 28, 2020
10.8
Amendment to Credit Agreement with CoBank dated December 10, 2020
10.9
Monitored Revolving Credit Supplement dated December 28, 2016
10.10
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated January 28, 2020
10.11
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated December 10, 2020
Exhibit
Number Description
10.12
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated February 5, 2021
10.13
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated March 1, 2021
10.14
Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note dated January 28, 2020
10.15
Thomas Kersting Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2020
10.16
Mark Hyde Employment Agreement dated March 21, 2017
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer
32.1
Section 1350 Certification by Chief Executive Officer
32.2
Section 1350 Certification by Chief Financial Officer
____________________________________________________________________________
(1) Incorporated by reference from Appendix B to the information statement/prospectus filed as a part of the issuer’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-75804).
(2) Assigned by General Electric Railcar Services Corporation to Wells Fargo Rail Corporation on August 1, 2016.