AMES, Iowa — Landus, Iowa’s largest farmer-owned agricultural cooperative, has launched its first international office to open this Spring. The new office is strategically located in Guadalajara, Mexico, a nation that consumes almost 25 percent of U.S. corn exports.

This first step towards international expansion of the Landus grain business will be led by Leopoldo Orozco, international manager. Orozco has spent the past decade with Landus overseeing international sales of the company’s dairy feed ingredient product line, including SoyPlus and SoyChlor. These branded products are trusted by dairy producers worldwide thanks in part to Orozco’s global work.  

“We are excited to elevate Orozco’s role within Landus as we expand our direct grain shipping business and better connect our farmer-owners to purchasers seeking more from their grain suppliers,” said Landus President and CEO Matt Carstens. “Through our network of more than 7,000 farmer-owners, Landus can provide transparent access to the people growing the corn we export and the data demonstrating the sustainable growing practices happening on their farms.”

Landus is the seventh-largest grain company in North America handling 5.5 million metric tons of grain annually. The farmer-owned cooperative has grain facilities on all major rail lines in Iowa and the ability to ship shuttle trains of corn to destinations throughout Mexico. The Landus grain team understands that international grain buyers are faced with the same challenges and opportunities related to consumer demands for greater traceability and concern for sustainable practices and taking steps to deliver solutions downstream.

“For years our customers have valued the consistency and quality we deliver with our SoyPlus and SoyChlor shipments,” said Orozco. “Now, with our inland freight ownership and expanded grain marketing strategy, we can offer expanded services and international buyers direct access to quality corn and soybean shipments through our network of farmer-owners,” said Orozco.

Orozco will be based out of the Landus International Office in Guadalajara. Office operations will be supported by Ileana Orozco, who will assist with customer inquiries, communications and administration needs on site.