ADM to expand US corn processing capacity amid growing biofuel demand

US agribusiness company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is expanding corn processing capacity at its facility in Columbus, Nebraska, to capitalize on growing demand for biofuels. Through a two-phase modernization program, the company plans to increase annual corn processing volumes by 20 mln bushels, or approximately 508 thsd tons, compared with 2025.

The first phase of modernization began in 2025 and involved equipment upgrades and improvements to production processes. These investments enabled the facility to process an additional 10 mln bushels of corn in 2026. The second phase, beginning in autumn 2026, will introduce new technologies designed to increase processing volumes by another 10 mln bushels, improve production efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption during the drying of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

ADM said the capacity expansion reflects the long-term growth prospects of the US biofuels market. Rising demand for lower-carbon fuels, renewable fuel mandates and tax incentives are creating favorable conditions for investment in ethanol production. According to Nick Smith, president of North American Energy and Biofuels at ADM, increased corn processing will generate additional demand for crops produced by US farmers.

At the same time, the company is developing projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions from biofuel production. In 2025, ADM and Tallgrass began capturing CO2 at the Columbus facility for transportation through the Trailblazer pipeline and geological storage in Wyoming. The company also announced plans to enter the voluntary carbon credit market, using the facility’s capacity to remove more than 800 thsd tons of CO2 annually.

Investments in corn processing are part of ADM’s broader program to modernize its manufacturing facilities across North America. The company is also upgrading corn receiving infrastructure in Iowa, increasing throughput at a grain elevator in Oklahoma and expanding oilseed crushing capacity. ADM expects the development of biofuel production and lower-carbon technologies to support stronger domestic demand for agricultural commodities in the United States.

Tags: corn, ADM, USA, biofuel