Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art dry fertilizer facility at Full Circle Ag in Hecla, marking a major investment in the region’s agricultural future. Work began June 1, and the plant is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026.
The new 7,500-ton facility will replace the aging 2,500-ton plant and is a twin plant to Full Circle Ag’s fertilizer operation in Doland. The upgrade will significantly increase storage capacity, improve blend quality, and speed up service—benefits that will directly impact local producers during the busiest times of the year.
Full Circle Ag’s presence in Hecla dates back to 1990, when the Brown County Cooperative—serving Hecla, Columbia and Frederick—merged with the Farmers Union Co-op. Continued growth and consolidation over the decades eventually led to the formation of Full Circle Ag, a farmer-owned cooperative that serves many surrounding communities.
Demolition of the old facility began in June. Both the receiving leg and the blending tower were removed, and shortly after, the main building came down, clearing the way for new construction. The updated facility will feature fully concrete construction, a 250-ton receiving system, and a 250-ton output. Fully automated blending and mixing capabilities will result in faster, more accurate fertilizer preparation.
“The biggest benefit for producers is speed,” said Full Circle Ag CEO Travis Christensen. “It used to take 30 minutes to load a truck. With this new facility, it’ll take just five to seven minutes.”
In addition to faster loading times, the facility will offer better fertilizer blending, including the ability to impregnate stabilizers on-site. With more product available on hand, Full Circle will also reduce reliance on trucked-in fertilizer, allowing the co-op to respond quickly to grower needs.
“This is really about putting ourselves in a better position to serve the people who trust us,” Christensen said. “Tripling our capacity means we’re more competitive, efficient and more prepared and shows we are committed to our producer.”
The new Hecla facility will reinforce Full Circle Ag’s mission to remain local and reliable for the communities it calls home.
