DES MOINES, IOWA, US — Landus is purchasing Snittjer Grain Co., a family-owned and operated grain merchandising and elevator company located in Iowa.

Landus, one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in Iowa, will take ownership of Snittjer’s locations in Wellsburg, Iowa, US, and Conrad, Iowa, US, as of Sept. 1. The 11 Snittjer employees will join the more than 600 Landus employees.

“Snittjer is a well-run company with deep roots in the communities they serve,” said Matt Carstens, president and chief executive officer, Landus. “Landus has worked closely with the Snittjer team over the past two years through our optimization model and through our ongoing collaboration we have developed deep respect for their team and the communities they serve.”

Snittjer’s assets are in locations that match the sustainable growth plans at Landus as the cooperative continues to expand, Carsten said.

Landus has 56 licensed grain storage facilities with 152.686 million bushels of storage, according to Sosland Publishing Co.’s 2023 Grain & Milling Annual, which places it 10th among grain handling companies in North America. Landus also has access to seven railroads.

“We’ve worked with Landus in various capacities over the last few years and appreciate their partnership approach,” said JR Kennedy, general manager, Snittjer. “On behalf of both Pat Kennedy and me, as leaders we’re proud to say this opportunity is possible because Snittjer is financially sound and because of our strong team who will blend well with Landus. We are excited to join the Landus family and continue to serve our customers at the level they’ve come to expect, now with the full scope of Landus’ wide breadth of products and services.”