The U.S. grain industry is a marvel of efficiency – an absolute machine when it comes to churning out mountains of corn, soybeans and wheat. That’s excellent news for ethanol plants, crushing facilities and exporters. But ingredient buyers are starting to look for something different: specialty grains with very specific characteristics to meet niche consumer demands.

Peterson is uniquely positioned to deliver these specialty products, creating added value for farmers willing to go the extra mile to preserve their crop’s identity from seed to processor.

A Simple Example: Non-GMO Soybeans

Customers around the world desire non-GMO soybeans, especially those with clear hilums and higher protein content, for use in making products like soymilk and tofu.

Here’s how we can make that happen:

Sourcing: Our strong relationships with all major breeding companies allow us to find genetics that meet specific buyer requirements.

Testing: Our research programs identify which of those varieties will perform best in our region’s fields.

Contracting: Our agronomy team and dealer network work together with growers to produce the exact quality and quantity buyers need, including organic products.

Processing: Our facilities in Pingree (and Prosper) receive, clean and ship the final product to its destination. As you can see in the Specialty Grains graphic (below), this isn’t exactly a “set-it-and-forget-it” process. Successful delivery takes coordination, trust and a fair amount of logistics wizardry, but it also creates meaningful profit opportunities for regional farmers.

Beyond Soybeans

Opportunities abound. And we’re exploring new possibilities, not only in soybeans, but in corn, wheat, oats, organics and other specialty crops. These markets aren’t easy. They take time, patience
and persistence. But we’re convinced that the payoff is coming, and there is additional profit potential for your farm.

So stay tuned. Pingree is just getting started.