New Mid-Ozark Fertilizer Facility in Development

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 21, 2026 — MFA Incorporated and Black Family Enterprises have formed Mid-Ozark Fertilizer, LLC, a joint venture to develop and operate a new dry fertilizer blending and distribution facility near Lebanon, Mo. The facility is expected to begin operations in fall 2026 and will serve customers across south central Missouri. 

Mid-Ozark Fertilizer will improve product availability in the area and reduce turnaround time during peak application periods. Its rapid blending capacity will support more efficient operations across the region. 

“This joint venture will give customers in the area a high-capacity asset for fertilizer distribution,” said Jason Weirich, chief operating officer for MFA Incorporated. “We have used similar designs in other parts of MFA’s trade territory, and they have significantly improved unloading speed, blend accuracy and loadout efficiency. We expect this facility to deliver those same benefits in the mid Ozarks.” 

Construction includes a 10,000-ton dry fertilizer plant designed for efficient blending, fast loading and unloading, and flexible fulfillment options. As part of the distribution model, the facility will support wholesale customers and producers who own tender equipment. 

The high-throughput plant will feature specialized equipment, including a declining weight scale system designed to handle bulk materials with speed and accuracy. The facility’s storage capacity will serve as a strategic fill point, improving service reliability and market access for customers. 

“We’re excited to bring the ease and efficiency of the latest in blending technology to the farmers and ranchers of south-central Missouri,” said Jacob Black, managing partner for Black Family Enterprises. “We will now get to experience the efficiency of facilities designed for crop country here in the beauty of the Ozarks.” 

Construction is expected to begin in April, with the goal of the facility becoming operational in early fall 2026. 

Mid Ozark Fertilizer will be jointly owned and operated by MFA Incorporated and Black Family Enterprises, combining the companies’ regional experience and operational capabilities. The venture is intended to support long-term service reliability for customers. 

“This is the kind of collaboration that makes sense for both organizations and the growers we serve,” said Bob Huffman, president and CEO of MFA Incorporated. “By working together, we can create scale and efficiency that support long term customer value.” 

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About MFA Incorporated 
MFA is a regional farm supply and marketing cooperative serving approximately 45,000 farmers and ranchers in Missouri and surrounding states. MFA Incorporated provides whole-farm solutions for agricultural producers, delivering products and services for crop and livestock production through Agri Services Centers, locally owned affiliates, private enterprises and agribusiness partnerships. Founded in 1914, MFA is farmer owned and guided by a cooperative mission focused on service, value and long-term strength for member owners. 

About Black Family Enterprises 
Black Family Enterprises was established with the purchase of Richland Plant Food in 2014 and has expanded to include Laclede County Seed and Fertilizer in Lebanon, Mo., and Tri County Seed and Fertilizer in Crocker. The company specializes in consultation, sales and application of seed and fertilizer for producers with crop and pasture operations. Black Family Enterprises serves farmers and cattlemen across 12 counties in the Ozarks. Managing partners, Chris and Jacob Black, are fifth- and sixth-generation beef producers in Pulaski County.