LIME SPRINGS, Iowa (Apr. 1, 2026) – Five Star Cooperative has announced the completion of its new dry fertilizer facility in Lime Springs at a grand opening program, purpose-built to deliver fast service, improved product quality, and a safer, more efficient experience for both members and team members.
“The opening of our new Lime Springs dry fertilizer plant marks a significant milestone in our commitment to Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota’s agriculture success,” Tony Myers, general manager for Five Star Cooperative, said. “By investing in modern infrastructure and increasing capacity, we are ensuring that our producers have the reliable, high-quality products and services necessary to remain competitive in an evolving global market.”
Designed with a focus on performance and long-term value, the facility maximizes storage capacity, designed to save space while keeping operations moving smoothly. With 3,000 tons of storage capacity across six 38-foot-deep rodless bins, the facility is equipped to meet seasonal demand and keep products readily available when farmers need them most.
“High-quality customers deserve high-quality service,” Nick Sawyer, agronomy director for Five Star Cooperative, said. “The new fertilizer facility at Lime Springs will help our team provide a quality product in an extremely efficient manner.”
A key feature of the new facility is its ability to perform inbound impregnation, enabling products such as urea to be treated with additives, such as N-Trap, upon arrival. This means the product is ready to go at loadout, eliminating the need for additional blending at pickup and significantly reducing wait times during peak seasons.
“This facility is built to eliminate bottlenecks and barriers specific to the needs of growers while demonstrating our commitment to long-term service in the Lime Springs community,” Sawyer continued.
The facility also incorporates a Murray automated batching system and a blending system from Doyle Manufacturing. This technology replaces manual processes, improving accuracy and reducing the potential for human error.
Operational design improvements further enhance both safety and workflow. The structure features a single-peak roof, eliminating a traditional clerestory, along with a one-sided catwalk that transitions to a two-sided system for safe and efficient maintenance access.
Additional features include in-floor heating in the alleyway to prevent moisture buildup and maintain product quality, as well as a covered loadout area that protects operations from the elements while allowing for efficient movement. A dedicated loadout office located near the truck loading area provides improved visibility and real-time communication between operators and drivers, helping streamline the entire pickup process.
This project was successfully completed on-time and on-budget in thanks to the general contractor, Marcus Construction, and the many local sub-contractors who contributed to the new facility.
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Details
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the facility on April 1st with over 200 people in attendance. Customers were able to tour the facility, talk with the Five Star team about their Grain, Agronomy, Feed, and Retail needs along with entering several drawings for prizes.
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About Five Star Cooperative
Five Star Cooperative is a proud farmer-owned agricultural cooperative spanning across 15 counties with 19 locations in North Iowa that provides agronomy, feed, grain, energy, and retail products and services to its members and customers. They have been empowering farmers in their pursuit of yielding success for over 100 years. Connect with Five Star with your favorite social network: Facebook X LinkedIn
