Landus, Iowa’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, reported on May 20 that it is the latest organization to join Integrated Agribusiness Professionals (IAP), Fresno, Calif. The IAP network, which consists of 32 retailer-owners across the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $2 billion, helps its members access competitive fertilizer and crop protection positions, and also advocates on behalf of the ag retail industry.
“IAP membership better positions Landus and our farmer-owners for competitive access to fair-priced inputs and advantageous collaboration with an international network of like-minded purchasers focused on doing what’s right for the farmer,” said Matt Carstens, Landus President and CEO. “We continue to seek out valuable partnerships that benefit the more than 7,000 farmers we represent.”
Based in Ames, Iowa, Landus was formed in 2016 by the merger of Farmers Cooperative Co. (FC) in Ames and West Central Cooperative in Ralston, Iowa (GM April 15, 2016). The co-op employs about 600 full-time employees at more than 60 Iowa locations, serving over 7,000 farmer-owners with products and services in agronomy, grain, feed, animal performance, and data. The company’s agronomy offerings include fertilizer, chemicals, seed, and custom application.
“We are excited to have Landus join the IAP family of retailers,” said Jim Fargo, IAP President. “This marks an important step in the continued growth of IAP. Now in its 31st year, IAP ownership is committed to independent retailers across the US. Landus and IAP exist to improve our customers’ capabilities and competitiveness. This alliance will help both organizations create value and provide growth opportunities for our suppliers, our retailers, and the farmer customers we serve.”
IAP said it represents more than 724 PCA’s/CCA’s, 362 retail locations, and 4,809 employees across the U.S. IAP is also a founding member of AgLink International, a global alliance of independent member organizations across Australia, Canada, and Brazil. AgLink members work together to share, collaborate, and create prosperity in agriculture globally.