Superior Ag Breaks Ground On Fertilizer Terminal

Superior Ag, an Indiana-based, farmer-owned cooperative, broke ground July 21 on its new Ohio River fertilizer terminal near Rockport, Ind.

The new, 32,000-ton dry fertilizer distribution facility is being built on the site of the former Summit River Terminal, Ohio River Mile 743.8. Superior Ag purchased the 18-acre site in January with plans to build one of the largest retail fertilizer distribution sites in the region.

The new terminal, which represents a $20 million investment, is aimed at better serving farmers in southwestern Indiana, northern and central Kentucky and bordering Illinois. Farmers will be able to have their own trucks loaded with fertilizer, or fertilizer can be loaded onto Superior’s trucks and spread on farmers’ land using the company’s spreaders.

The facility will offer direct barge-to-truck unloading as well as storage, custom blending, retail sales and loadout. Products are shipped upriver from a variety of suppliers in the New Orleans area, and then they are stored and blended on site.

“Our construction marks a significant step forward in delivering efficient, high-capacity service to our farmers,” said Richard Lloyd, Superior Ag president and CEO. “This investment underscores our cooperative’s commitment to growth and innovation and supports agricultural productivity now and into the future.”

Key features of the terminal include 10 large bins for diverse fertilizer segregation, a 600-tons-per-hour barge receiver that can unload a full barge in roughly three hours, a 300-tons-per-hour truck receiver that can offload a truck in about five minutes and 300-tons-per-hour blend and ship capability, allowing for the loading of one 25-ton truck in five minutes. Overhead weigh hoppers on scales will allow a seamless “dump-and-go” for outbound trucks. The terminal will also have automated treatment systems for stabilizers, micronutrients and dust control.

Superior Ag expects to unload 30 to 35 barges per year at the facility.

Construction is projected to take 12 to 18 months, with full operation expected in late 2026. Six employees will work at the site, although company leaders expect 15 to 20 jobs to be added at the terminal eventually, including both distribution truck drivers and on-site workers.

“We’re excited about the terminal’s location along the Highway 231 corridor, offering direct river access that significantly enhances our logistic capabilities,” said PJ Peter, agronomy division manager for Superior Ag. “Farmers are using bigger equipment today, and the new facility will help meet their needs by carrying a larger inventory and speeding load time and efficiency. We must grow with them to keep up with them.”

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Featured photo caption: Superior Ag broke ground July 21 on its new $20 million fertilizer terminal on the Ohio River near Rockport, Ind. The terminal will be one of the largest retail fertilizer distribution facilities in the region and will receive 30 to 35 barges per year. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2026. (Photo courtesy of Superior Ag)