Cargill

Cargill is a global corporation that was founded in 1865. It plays a crucial role in the global food supply chain by providing essential products and services.

In 1875, W. W. Cargill relocates the Cargill family and headquarters to La Crosse, Wisconsin, which was a regional commerce hub. This move signifies the company's expansion and growth in the industry.

By 1885, Cargill, led by W. W. Cargill and his brothers, has expanded significantly with 102 structures across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas. This expansion showcases the company's rapid growth and presence in the region.

John MacMillan, Sr., consolidates operations under the Cargill Elevator Company in 1910, emphasizing the company's focus on trading and processing grain. He successfully repays debts and leads Cargill back to prosperity.

In 1922, Cargill Elevator acquired a competitor, Taylor & Bournique, known for its private wire system that enabled instant messaging among employees, showcasing Cargill's focus on innovation and competitiveness.

In 1923, Cargill acquired Taylor & Bournique along with its teletype machine, enabling employees to send messages almost instantly, giving them a competitive edge.

In 1924, Cargill leased the 1.5-bushel Superior elevator in Buffalo, New York, as part of its expansion efforts, showcasing its commitment to growth and innovation.

In 1936, Cargill Elevator and other Cargill firms merged to form Cargill, Incorporated, marking a significant milestone in the company's organizational structure.

In 1939, Cargill started manufacturing Blue Square Feed in Lennox, South Dakota, marking a significant step in its product diversification and expansion into the feed industry.

The U.S. military selects Cargill in 1942 to build tankers and towboats to support the Allied war effort in Europe. The shipbuilding crew is shown at Port Cargill, Savage, Minnesota, circa 1943.

The USS Agawam, an Auxiliary Oil and Gas (AOG) tanker built at Port Cargill, travels on the Minnesota River under the Mendota Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota, with several men on a small watercraft guiding the ship while a crowd of onlookers stand on the bridge above, in 1943.

Austen Cargill receives the E Award Flag from the U.S. Navy Air Station in Minneapolis in 1945. The Cargill Shipbuilding Division was awarded the Army-Navy E Award for excellence in production and contributions to the war effort.

In 1958, Cargill decided to contribute to CARE's Food Crusade as a gesture of goodwill towards its employees, initiating a long-standing partnership with the organization.

In 1965, Cargill commemorated its 100th anniversary with a special event held in Kansas City, Missouri, reflecting on a century of growth and success.

In 1966, Cargill introduced a new 'C' logo, symbolizing a fresh identity and branding for the company during that period.

In 1971, Cargill sold fumigated seed grain treated with a methylmercury-based fungicide to Iraq at the request of Saddam Hussein. The contaminated grain, intended for planting and not consumption, led to over 650 deaths due to mercury poisoning when consumed by unaware individuals.

In 1977, Whitney MacMillan, W. W. Cargill’s great-grandson, takes over as president of Cargill after Erwin Kelm's retirement. He is the last family member to hold the position of CEO.

In 1979, Cargill acquired beef processor MBPXL, later known as Excel, marking its entry into the meat-processing business. The division expanded into turkey, food service, and food distribution.

During the 1980s, Cargill deepens its commitment to sustainability by partnering with Dr. Temple Grandin to improve the treatment of animals in beef supply chains and sets new industry standards. Additionally, Cargill collaborates with The Nature Conservancy to enhance environmental stewardship and establishes its first Environmental Policy and Corporate Environmental Affairs Office.

Around 1990, Cargill acquires Akzo Salt, becoming one of the largest salt production and marketing companies globally, as illustrated by the St. Clair salt plant image from the 1990s.

In response to demands for an initial public offering from private shareholders in the early 1990s, Cargill implemented an employee stock ownership plan. The company purchased 17% of the firm for $730 million and reorganized its board of directors.

In 1997, Cargill acquired Akzo Salt, propelling it to become one of the leading salt production and marketing companies globally.

In 1999, Warren Staley assumed the roles of both CEO and president at Cargill, taking over leadership responsibilities.

In 2000, a listeria outbreak in a Cargill processing plant in Texas resulted in seven deaths, 29 illnesses, and three stillbirths or miscarriages. The outbreak was linked to sliced turkey from the plant.

In 2002, Cargill acquired European-based starch manufacturer Cerestar from Montedison for $1.1 billion. This acquisition expanded Cargill's presence in the European market.

In 2003, Cargill's earnings surpassed $US 1 billion for the first time.

In 2005, the International Labor Rights Fund filed a lawsuit against Cargill, Nestlé, and Archer Daniels Midland for child trafficking and forced labor on cocoa bean plantations in Côte d'Ivoire.

In 2006, Cargill and other major soya buyers, in response to a Greenpeace campaign, agreed not to trade in soybeans grown in newly deforested areas of the Amazon. This initiative, known as the 'soya moratorium,' led to a significant drop in Amazon deforestation and was considered a major success.

At the 8th Annual Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil meeting in 2010, smallholders at Cargill’s palm plantation, PT Hindoli, become the first to be certified under the RSPO’s Smallholder Principles & Criteria.

In August 2011, Cargill and USDA recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey produced at Cargill's Arkansas plant due to salmonella fears. The recall was prompted by antibiotic-resistant salmonella contamination, resulting in one death and multiple illnesses across 26 states.

In September 2011, Cargill issued a second immediate recall of 185,000 pounds of fresh-ground turkey products from its Arkansas facility due to possible Salmonella Heidelberg contamination. The recall aimed to prevent potential health risks to consumers.

In August 2015, a bulk tanker loaded up at Cargill's soybean terminal in Santarem, Brazil. This event showcases Cargill's significant presence in the global food industry.

In February 2018, Cargill acquired Pro Pet, a pet food manufacturing company with three facilities in Minnesota, Kansas, and Ohio.

On April 8, 2020, Cargill shut down its Hazleton meatpacking plant due to COVID-19 cases among employees. The county had a high number of confirmed cases.

Cargill temporarily closed its High River plant in Alberta in April 2020 after being linked to numerous COVID-19 cases. The plant accounted for a significant portion of Canada's beef production.

On May 10, 2020, Cargill's plant in Chambly was not shut down by Quebec's public health authority despite COVID-19 cases among employees. The company closed the plant voluntarily.

By May 11, 2020, the Cargill plant in Alberta had become the largest single-site COVID-19 outbreak in North America with about 1,000 reported cases. There were concerns about worker safety and management actions.

Cargill, America's second biggest private company, has deeply influenced global agribusiness by being involved in various aspects of food production and consumption. The company's controversial practices, including links to deforestation and other scandals, have raised concerns.

In 2021, Cargill reported net profit earnings of just below $5 billion. This financial success demonstrates the company's strong performance in the market.

Cargill reported gross revenues of $165 billion in 2022, solidifying its position as the largest privately held company in the United States in terms of revenue.

Cargill becomes the first global edible oils supplier to adhere to the World Health Organization's recommended standard on industrially produced trans-fatty acids.