Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved an application Tuesday to rezone about 19.2 acres of land from agricultural to industrial land for a proposed dry fertilizer building expansion at Central United Cooperative, along Highway 14 several miles west of Essig.

NEW ULM — A proposed dry fertilizer plant expansion project got a step closer to reality at the Brown County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning application to rezone 19.2 acres of land from A-1 (agricultural land) to I-1 (industrial land) at Central United Cooperative, along Highway 14 in Home Township west of Essig.

Commissioner Brian Braun said he favored the application.

“Taking a look at our current and future county land use plans, Brown County’s intent is to improve and increase industry and commerce. This is a plan to make that happen. The property going from A-1 to I-1 land is supporting agriculture,” said Commissioner Braun.

The rezoning application was filed by Central United Cooperative CEO Nathan Gieseke. He said fertilizer building expansion construction could begin in the fall of 2026 or spring 2027.

Central United Cooperative was created Sept. 1 with the merger of United Farmers Cooperative and Central Region Cooperative.

The facility produces lawn fertilizer, professional custom blends and ice melt solutions.

Rezoning action came on a motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded by Tony Berg.

The Brown County Planning Commission recommended the county board approve the rezoning application Nov. 12. No public comments were made at the planning commission meeting.