CHS Expands Illinois River Grain Operations

By Andi Anderson

CHS Inc. is expanding its grain handling and transportation network in Illinois by taking over operations of a major Mississippi River terminal near St. Louis. Beginning January 31, 2026, CHS will operate a grain facility in Cahokia, Illinois, that is currently owned by COFCO International Ltd.

This Illinois-based facility plays an important role in grain movement along the Mississippi River. Its strategic location offers year-round access to the St. Louis Harbor and connects directly to all six Class I railroads in North America.

The site also includes more than seven miles of private on-site rail track and has the ability to load four unit trains at the same time. This setup allows fast and efficient loading of grain and grain byproducts from trucks to railcars and barges.

CHS leaders say the expansion will improve supply chain efficiency for farmers across Illinois and neighboring states.

John Griffith, CHS executive vice president for ag business and CHS Hedging, explained the cooperative’s focus, stating, "We're focused on strengthening the cooperative system's capabilities in this important region connected by barge, truck and rail." He added, "This expansion deepens our connections with local growers, supports our U.S. Center Gulf export strategy and provides our owners with competitive market access."

The Cahokia terminal will be operated by CHS through a lease agreement with COFCO International. It will become part of CHS’s existing network of grain and agronomy facilities located across Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

This network includes around 20 locations that serve local farmers and agricultural customers in the region.

The facility will also strengthen CHS’s export capabilities through its connection to the CHS export terminal in Myrtle Grove, Louisiana.

Griffith highlighted the broader impact of the expansion, saying, "Adding this facility strengthens our already robust grain network and enhances our ability to serve our owners, domestic buyers and international markets through the CHS export terminal in Myrtle Grove, La."

By expanding operations in Illinois, CHS aims to improve market access for local growers, strengthen transportation options, and support efficient grain movement to domestic and international markets.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232