Overview

The Lakota plant, located on 78 acres about 30 miles southeast of Fairmont, Minnesota, produces ethanol, distillers grains livestock feed and fuel- and feed-grade corn oil. With original startup in November 2002, the plant was acquired by Valero in November 2018. Corn is purchased from within 40-50 miles.
 

Lakota map

Lakota By the Numbers

  • ~70 employees
  • 110 million gallons per year ethanol production capacity
  • 289,000 tons per year dried distillers grains production
  • 38 million bushels per year corn processing capacity
  • More than $200,000 contributed to the United Way of North Central Iowa through employee pledges, additional donations and company matches since 2000
  • $62,525 from the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children to local children's charities since 2020
  • More than 3,000 hour volunteered by Lakota plant employees supporting local nonprofits since 2020

By the Numbers

Lakota_overview_desktop

In Our Community

Lakota Employees Give Back

Valero volunteer t-shirt

Volunteer Hours

More than 3,000 hours volunteered by Lakota plant employees supporting local nonprofits since 2020.

Valero Texas Open golf ball

Benefiting Children

A total of $62,525 from the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children has been given to local children's charities since 2020.

Valero Day of Caring 2023

United Way Giving

Since 2020, more than $200,000 contributed to the United Way of North Central Iowa through employee pledges, additional donations and company matches.

Local Information

  • About Lakota

    The present town of Lakota used to be named Germania, from the German heritage of many of the early settlers. Because of the stigma of have the name during World War I, the town held an election in October 1918 to change the name to Lakota, a name from the indigenous people that has been translated as “beautiful prairie,” or “plenty,” or “allies.” The vote was 48 yes and 32 no. The name was officially changed on October 16, 1918, though the U.S. Post Office did not officially change the name until August 1919.

    Population: 255 in 2010 Census

  • Things To Do

    Find local activities in Lakota.

  • Helpful Links

    City of Lakota:  http://www.city-data.com/city/Lakota-Iowa.html

    North Iowa Community School District:  https://www.northiowa.org/

Farmers Work Hard to Produce and Harvest Corn

At Valero, we work hard to maximize the value of U.S. corn production by connecting farmers to premium markets across the globe.

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Contact Us Plant Manager: Kirk Jarvis