Investing in the Future
Jul 06, 2026
Jarod Lemper
Grain Division Manager
THE CROP IS OFF TO AN EXCELLENT START! For that reason, the Key Grain division is already preparing for the coming harvest.
Fall plans begin with empty or nearly empty facilities. As a result, most of our summer work relates to getting those facilities empty and prepped for the next crop cycle. Through rail car loading in Newton and Nevada and plenty of truck traffic, we’re making great progress toward that goal. We’re on pace to be as empty as possible by the end of August.
Having space available during harvest is one of the ways we can serve our members, and I believe one of Key’s greatest strengths is our ability to receive grain at a high rate across our facilities. Investing in facilities to store and maintain those harvest receipts is of great importance to us and to you!
We’ve been sharing regular updates on one major addition coming this fall: the Newton hoop building, which is nearing completion. We’ve had a deficit of space in the Grinnell/Newton/Sully area for some time now. We’re pleased that this new building will add about 1.25 million bushels of space to the area.
With the increased volume of grain flowing out on the Iowa Interstate Railroad, having additional storage in Newton will be a great asset. We’ll be able to position a large amount of corn and soybeans near our loading facility, which will make for a short haul when recharging after loading any cars. We’ll be free to make sales and market grain when the opportunity arises and not because our space is full. The building also has an unloading system that will allow us to draw grain out over time without being constrained by weather, as we were with the bunkers.
We will continue to monitor the crop as it develops. We’re all aware of how the final harvest numbers can change due to growing conditions over the remainder of the season. Plans will evolve as conditions change, but we will do our best to be as prepared for the fall as we can be. In the meantime, fair season is fast approaching, and we look forward to seeing many of you on the fairgrounds!
Grain Division Manager
THE CROP IS OFF TO AN EXCELLENT START! For that reason, the Key Grain division is already preparing for the coming harvest.
Fall plans begin with empty or nearly empty facilities. As a result, most of our summer work relates to getting those facilities empty and prepped for the next crop cycle. Through rail car loading in Newton and Nevada and plenty of truck traffic, we’re making great progress toward that goal. We’re on pace to be as empty as possible by the end of August.
Having space available during harvest is one of the ways we can serve our members, and I believe one of Key’s greatest strengths is our ability to receive grain at a high rate across our facilities. Investing in facilities to store and maintain those harvest receipts is of great importance to us and to you!
We’ve been sharing regular updates on one major addition coming this fall: the Newton hoop building, which is nearing completion. We’ve had a deficit of space in the Grinnell/Newton/Sully area for some time now. We’re pleased that this new building will add about 1.25 million bushels of space to the area.
With the increased volume of grain flowing out on the Iowa Interstate Railroad, having additional storage in Newton will be a great asset. We’ll be able to position a large amount of corn and soybeans near our loading facility, which will make for a short haul when recharging after loading any cars. We’ll be free to make sales and market grain when the opportunity arises and not because our space is full. The building also has an unloading system that will allow us to draw grain out over time without being constrained by weather, as we were with the bunkers.
We will continue to monitor the crop as it develops. We’re all aware of how the final harvest numbers can change due to growing conditions over the remainder of the season. Plans will evolve as conditions change, but we will do our best to be as prepared for the fall as we can be. In the meantime, fair season is fast approaching, and we look forward to seeing many of you on the fairgrounds!