The Hastings Mill in Hastings, MN, operated by Denver-based Ardent Mills, was the first mill completely dedicated to roller milling in the U.S., and it was the first operating mill in Minnesota. It was established in 1853.
Roller mills use cylindrical rollers to crush grain as part of the flour refining process. The Hastings Mill was originally powered by the adjacent Vermillion River. Several industry firsts have historical connections to the Hastings Mill, including invention of the milling purifier and patent barrel.