Seeing a great need for phosphate fertilizers produced in the western United States, J.R. Simplot was determined to explore untapped phosphate reserves and develop processing and production capabilities.
To complement being a major supplier of crop nutrition, Simplot has expanded manufacturing also to include feed phosphates, industrial products, turf and nursery fertilizers, and the mining of silica sand.
Locations throughout the Western U.S.

Smoky Canyon, ID
The Smoky Canyon Mine is located in the highlands outside of Afton, WY. Operations here consist primarily of mining phosphate ore.

Vernal Mine, UT
The Vernal Mine is a phosphate ore mine found north of Vernal, UT. Ore from this facility is used at other Simplot facilities including Rock Springs.

Lathrop, CA
Our Lathrop, CA plant produces high-quality fertilizers for the turf trades, nurseries and agriculture. Feed phosphates and industrial products are also produced here.

Don Plant, ID
The Don Plant near Pocatello, ID produces high-quality phosphate fertilizer, feed phosphates and industrial products from ore mined at Smoky Canyon Mine.

Rock Springs, WY
Our facility outside of Rock Springs, WY produces phosphate fertilizer and phosphoric acid from ore mined at the Vernal Mine. The plant also produces ammonia.

Helm, CA
The Helm, CA Plant produces liquid nitrogen fertilizer primarily for local growers. Ammonium fertilizer made here is also used for fertilizer production in Lathrop.

Overton, NV
Located in the beautiful Moapa Valley northeast of Las Vegas, the Overton Silica Production Facility produces high-quality silica sand with a chemical purity of 99.5%.
Engagement with People
Simplot is proud to be a member of the communities where our facilities are located. We take pride in investing in the people, resources and the environment across the locations of our global enterprise.
Safety
At the J.R. Simplot Company, we have a passion for people, demonstrated in our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, suppliers and communities in which we work. Simplot’s dedication to fostering a safe and healthy workplace actively involves all employees across the globe.
Education
Simplot actively supports various education foundations as well as school boards and college and university-level departments and programs. We fund specific local scholarships, science and technology fairs as well as the STEM Action Center.
Community
In our communities we encourage and engage in arts, culture, economic development, public safety and more. Some of these organizations include symphonies, fire departments and emergency management services, volunteer ski patrol, search and rescue groups, agricultural fair and festivals, as well as community parks, parades, and numerous chambers of commerce.
Youth
We are engaged with a variety of activities that serve youth in our communities. These include many vital areas like drug education, rural kid’s safety and self-reliance as well as enrichment areas such as sports leagues, school playgrounds, 4H/FFA, high school rodeo. We also support school districts and fund local scholarships.
Learn more about Simplot’s philanthropic investments and community impact work.
Sustainability
The J.R. Simplot Company is committed to delivering honest value through hard work, being loyal partners, and treating the Earth as a precious resource to be protected every day. From soil and sea to employees and partners, sustainability is woven into the fabric of our company. It drives us to find ways to produce more with less as we contribute to feeding the world’s growing population today and for generations to come.
We hang our hat on responsible stewardship of the precious resources Earth has to offer. At Simplot, our operations go above and beyond to help nature be more productive, efficient, and healthy. Learn more about sustainability at Simplot.
Simplot AgriBusiness Awards, Certificates & Recognition

Idaho Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency
2022, Smoky Canyon

Energy Star® Certificate for Multiple Years
Helm, CA and Rock Springs, WY

State of Idaho Leadership in Energy Efficiency
2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 Don Plant, Pocatello, ID

Energy Star® Top Energy Projects
2020, Vernal, UT (Denver Grinding Optimization)

Rocky Mountain Power Energy Efficiency Incentive
2018, Rock Springs, WY (Ammonia Plant efficiency)

Utah Association of Energy Users (UAE)
2018, Vernal, UT, Outstanding Leadership on Energy Issues

Utah Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency
2018, Vernal, UT

Department of Energy Better Project Award
2018, Don Plant - Pocatello, ID (Blend System Project)
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in Simplot’s Mining and Manufacturing operations.