At POET Bioprocessing – Laddonia, efficiency and impact are the drivers of everything the team does.
Since opening in 2006, the facility has grown steadily from producing 50 million gallons of bioethanol per year to 80 million gallons after a 2021 expansion. In addition, the plant produces an array of bioproducts, including biogenic CO2, which offers various food processing applications.
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“We try to find the best use for every part of the kernel in everything we do,” said Steve Murphy, General Manager.
The Missouri plant began processing CO2 in 2013 at a rate of 100 tons per day and, as of 2024, has expanded to 300 tons per day, paired with dry ice manufacturing.
Murphy, who worked in automotive parts manufacturing before joining POET in 2009, said he appreciates the continuous evolution of the biofuels industry.
“I enjoy that the business is efficient and technology-driven compared to inventory-driven. We operate depending on the market conditions to make the best value, whether it’s making animal feed, corn oil, liquefied bioCO2, or bioethanol — we can move production around between those various buckets depending on what the market tells us it needs,” he said.
As general manager, Murphy said that gives him more opportunities for success.
“We’re making the same thing every day, but we’re making it better and better. Our evolution isn’t in style like it is with something like car parts, but in our efficiency as an economical product, a greener product, and more coproducts and bioproducts.”
Efficiency also extends to the relationships POET develops with local producers. The plant works closely with area farmers, and Murphy said creating a positive experience for them is key.
“When people deliver corn, we want to be the destination of choice by making it an attractive, efficient operation for farmers to get in and out of, especially at harvest time when they're trying to get back to the field,” he said. “We try to make it as smooth and effortless as possible so that they want to keep coming back.”
It seems to be working.
Brad Callison is the commodity manager and has been with the plant since it opened. Over those nearly 18 years, he said the majority of producers have also been with them from the start.
“We work with around 1,000 producers, and I’d say 95 percent of that is repeat business. It’s humbling because we met a lot of people when we started, and we’ve gotten to watch the younger generations take over and fill those roles. We knew them when they were in school and have
watched them mature over the years, becoming a key part of their family operation,” he said.
Local producers are the lifeline of our business. Callison said that, depending on the yields each year, the plant buys between 10 and 15 percent of its corn from commercial operations, but our focus is working with our local producers.
Working with individuals allows for enhanced personal relationships. Callison said he and his team have been invited to social functions like barbecues, church events, weddings, Fourth of July celebrations, and more simply because of the genuine relationships we have cultivated over time.
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Steve Murphy and Brad Callison stand outside the facility
“We know some better than others, but it’s a matter of understanding what they want over time and trying to satisfy their needs. We’re always upfront with them, and they respect that because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” he said.
He emphasized the experience and personalized service that his team members provide, noting that his grain merchandisers have all been with the company for five to ten years, and many of the team members have backgrounds in agriculture.
“It helps that producers are always talking to the same people when they call in, and we make it a point to meet every new producer in person,” Callison said.
By operating an efficient business and creating a positive experience for customers, the plant has become a premier employer, driving significant local economic impact.
With the CO2 expansion and the addition of dry ice manufacturing, POET added six people to the team, not including additional truck drivers to haul both the liquid and dry ice.
“In a small town, six new jobs is pretty important — jobs that come with benefits and aren’t going away. That’s the thing about the bioethanol industry — we have to be in rural areas where the corn is grown. We’re here for the long haul,” said Murphy.
He added that many jobs in the agriculture sector are seasonal, but the plant runs day in and day out.
“Anytime you can add jobs like that, it’s big for a rural community,” he said.
Callison emphasized the positive workplace culture.
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“POET is very team member-oriented, and the culture they have is phenomenal. I hadn’t worked in a corporate environment until I started working here, and it was a big change and a very challenging one as well. It opened my eyes to a whole other type of business,” he said. “They’re very good to their people; they’ve been good to me and my family, and I’ve been blessed since the get-go. Plus, our POET Grain team at Laddonia is second to none in the business.”
He added that the community has always been supportive of the plant. “I think this area was hungry for what we had to offer. They’ve welcomed us with open arms.”
The plant buys 27 million bushels of corn per year, equaling over $100 million in local economic impact since the plant began.
“That’s a pretty big number — it’s a big number anywhere — but in a rural community, it’s especially impactful,” Murphy said.
In addition, POET Bioprocessing – Laddonia makes a point to give back to the community financially and through volunteer and educational outlets. Callison noted involvement in activities such as facilitating the POET Community Impact Grant program, sponsoring local sports teams, and sending out their corn trailer each weekend to fairs, picnics, ball games, and birthday parties.
On at least a monthly basis, the team hosts tours for everyone from local school groups and FFA chapters to university groups and political figures.
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Christen Haley and Steve Murphy discuss bioproducts
“I think people drive by on the highway and wonder what we do, and I’m happy to answer that question,” Murphy said.
The plant gets international visitors as well, which Murphy attributed to the global reach of POET’s feed bioproducts.
“We’ve had tour groups from Taiwan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, Brazil, and Mexico. The fact that someone from Bangladesh would want to tour a plant in Laddonia, Missouri, shows our reach in the animal feed industry,” Murphy said.
Across the board, POET Bioprocessing – Laddonia has proven it knows how to make an impact as part of the POET team, creating positive experiences for team members, customers, and visitors alike.
“Our success and growth are a testament to the dedication of the team,” said Murphy. “I’m honored to lead this team. We at POET are incredibly proud to be a part of the Laddonia community, and we look forward to many more years of helping make our community and our world a better place.”
