Improving Access on the Water Recent infrastructure investments will improve access and efficiency for two CHS facilities on the water. In January, CHS strengthened the company’s position in the Midwest and Upper Mississippi River crop nutrients markets by acquiring Winona River & Rail, Inc., a subsidiary of Rosen’s Diversified, Inc., Fairmont, Minn. The acquisition brings improved storage capacity and rail access to CHS facilities on the other side of the river at Winona. Now called CHS Winona River & Rail, the facility includes storage capacity for 90,000 tons of dry crop nutrient, a dedicated river dock and a 65-car railroad track capacity. Major renovations at the CHS Crop Nutrients terminal at Memphis improve safety and nearly double handling efficiency, says David Klima, director of crop nutrient facilities. “In March most of the new equipment installation was completed, which included replacing conveyor equipment from the dock where barges are emptied to where trucks are loaded. It used to take us 10 to 11 hours to unload a barge. Now it takes just five or six hours.” Without adding storage, the new handling equipment has improved capacity, he says. “We’ve gone from moving 200 tons of product per hour to moving around 400 tons per hour, all while reducing product loss due to spills. That improves efficiency and reduces the impact on the environment.” Installation of a new blender completed the Memphis renovations, says Klima. “Being able to offer custom blending of products, including phosphates, urea, potash and ammonium sulfate, is a great new service for our customers in this region.” A crane unloads urea from a barge at CHS Winona River & Rail, which has 90 tons of dry crop nutrient storage. 12 September/October 2009 CHSINC.COM