2026 Sustaining Sponsor Spotlight: POET

2026 Sustaining Sponsor Spotlight: POET

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is pleased to feature our Sustaining Sponsors in the 2026 Spotlight Series. This week, the focus is on Bronze Sponsor: POET.

POET

Location (Main Headquarters): Sioux Falls, SD

Year established: 1987

Number of locations: 3 in Ohio; Fostoria, Leipsic, and Marion; POET has 35 total locations across nine Midwestern states

Number of employees: Over 160 team members in Ohio; almost 2,600 across all of POET's footprint

About Your Company

POET is the world's largest producer of biofuels and a global leader in the production of American-made bioproducts produced from locally grown corn. POET is committed to advancing practical solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, while strengthening rural communities and supporting American agriculture. POET produces a suite of bioproducts, including bioethanol, animal feed ingredients, corn oil, asphalt rejuvenator, bioCO2, and purified alcohol

What makes your company unique? As the world's largest producer of biofuels, POET combines industry-leading scale with a relentless focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer service. Our vertically integrated business allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality products while creating value for our customers, communities, and farming families.

Your Company Story

POET was founded in 1987 by Jeff Broin with a vision to transform agriculture through American-made energy. What began as one humble bioethanol facility in Scotland, South Dakota, has grown into a global leader with 35 bioprocessing facilities, pioneering technologies that maximize the value of every kernel of corn. More about POET's history can be found at poet.com

Over nearly four decades, POET has expanded from a single bioprocessing facility to 35 facilities across nine states. POET has also developed a diverse portfolio of bioproducts, ensuring every kernel of corn is utilized to its full potential. We have continuously invested in research, technology, and infrastructure to improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities for agriculture while growing our network of facilities and serving customers around the world.

What's next for your company? POET continues to invest in technologies and infrastructure that expand markets for American agriculture and local farming families. Our focus includes increasing access to biofuels through blends like E15, a blend of 15% bioethanol that's approved for virtually every car on the road today. We're proud to deliver reliable solutions and bioproducts that support farmers and rural communities for generations to come.

OABA Membership

How has OABA membership benefited your company or the agribusiness industry? Supporting the ag industry and agribusinesses is a team effort. OABA is constantly advocating for strong trade policies that expand market access throughout Ohio and beyond.

What is one reason you would encourage others to become an OABA member? No matter the root of your agribusiness, OABA advocates for it's members on a wide range of current and relevant agribusiness issues.

Just For Fun

Interesting tidbits about your business: We have an annual Community Impact Grant program that supports local nonprofits, schools, churches, earth-friendly groups, and individuals committed to leading projects that will benefit their communities. The 2026 Grant Program recently concluded, and we're looking forward to announcing recipients in the coming weeks!

Anything else you would like to share:POET will celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2027 and has been operating in Ohio for almost 20 years!

Interested in becoming a Sustaining Sponsor?

Click here to learn more about the program or contact Lauren Prettyman Brown at [email protected]. Sustaining sponsors will automatically be promoted as such at all OABA events and will not be approached for sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.

Note that because the OABA Educational Trust is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, sponsorships related to this trust are separate from OABA.