Key Takeaways:
- Scoular has announced its Adrian, Missouri, grain handling facility as a sustainability showcase hub.
- The facility will feature solar panels and a safety training center to develop sustainable solutions.
- Projects aim to reduce energy consumption by up to 67% and track fuel and energy usage efficiency.
- 2024 Initiatives: Installation of an on-site solar panel system and creation of an Environmental Health and Safety Training Center.
- The hub will also focus on educational outreach and regenerative agriculture practices.
Scoular, a leading agribusiness firm, has designated its state-of-the-art grain handling facility in Adrian, Missouri, as a sustainability showcase hub. This initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, aiming to significantly decrease resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing product quality and safety.
Current and Future Sustainability Projects
Several sustainability projects are already underway at the Adrian facility. Over the summer, variable frequency drive motors were installed to reduce energy consumption significantly. The facility also introduced a new system to track fuel and energy usage per bushel, providing valuable data to measure and improve efficiency.
Looking ahead to 2024, Scoular plans to install an on-site solar panel system to supply a substantial portion of the facility’s energy needs with renewable power. Additionally, an Environmental Health and Safety Training Center will be established to educate Scoular’s employees and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Community Engagement and Education
Scoular is extending its sustainability efforts beyond its operations by offering classes to local producers and community members. The company is actively seeking partnerships with educational institutions and held a meeting in August to discuss regenerative agriculture practices, which can drastically reduce emissions in the agricultural industry.
The “Elevator of the Future”
TJ Mandl, Scoular’s regional manager, envisions the Adrian facility as the “elevator of the future,” serving as a testing ground for operational sustainability strategies and regenerative agriculture practices. The company is committed to sharing its findings and experiences with producers, customers, and the community.
Facility Upgrades and Market Impact
In 2022, Scoular completed an extensive upgrade to the Adrian facility, which handles corn, wheat, and soybeans. The operation is strategically located to serve diverse markets, including soybean processors and feeders.
Kate Pitschka, Scoular’s Corporate Sustainability Manager, emphasized the positive feedback from customers on the sustainability hub initiative. She highlighted the company’s eagerness to engage and partner on solutions that align with supply chain reduction goals.
Image provided by Scoular
