By Jamie Martin
Ports of Indiana has selected Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a major global player in agri-commodities, to operate the grain export terminal at Burns Harbor. This move is expected to restore one of the Midwest’s key agriculture shipping points by early 2026.
The Burns Harbor terminal, which previously exported over 500 million bushels of corn and soybeans, was closed in 2023. Its reopening under LDC will reestablish vital connections between local farmers and global grain markets.
“We’re very pleased to partner with LDC to revitalize one of the most important agricultural shipping facilities in the state,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana.
Founded in 1851 and operating in the U.S. since 1909, LDC manages the country’s largest integrated soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana. The company’s expansion into Burns Harbor will further support its role in grain handling and exports.
Gordon Russell, LDC’s U.S. Head of Grains & Oilseeds, said, “Burns Harbor is well-positioned at the southern shore of Lake Michigan, with access to multiple regional grain markets.”
The terminal features storage for 7.2 million bushels, 200 railcars, and 20 barges. It can load 1 million bushels of corn onto ocean vessels and unload an 85-car unit train and hundreds of trucks simultaneously.
“LDC’s extended global network and business portfolio will support export growth and expand our reach across the agribusiness spectrum,” added Ryan McCoy, Port Director at Burns Harbor.
With multimodal access to rail, lake, river, and road systems, this partnership will improve efficiency and competitiveness for farmers and grain handlers throughout the region. LDC’s investment is set to bolster Indiana’s position in global agriculture trade.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232
Categories: National