A cooperative serving about 5,500 customers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa is the first to collaborate on a new innovative merger alternative developed by Landus Cooperative. NuWay-K&H announced their intention to join in the strategy that provides local agricultural cooperatives and independent businesses the ability to optimize overall performance. It will be focused on improving service and competitiveness to drive more value for its collective membership and customers, while maintaining local influence and identity. “Locally-based agricultural cooperatives and independent businesses have long played an important role contributing to farmer livelihoods and rural vitality,” says Landus CEO, Matt Carstens. “This strategy of local ag companies collaborating together is designed to modernize and protect the viability of these vital business offerings and services.” NuWay-K&H and Landus will each continue to maintain a separate board of directors, employees and operations. Effective Monday, April 12, NuWay-K&H President and CEO, Kevin Jones, joined Landus as Minnesota Business Unit Leader. He says they are proactively entering into this agreement to build on their strengths and stay ahead of the marketplace. “I’m looking forward to working with the Landus team and continuing my commitment to the success of NuWay-K&H Cooperative customers in my expanded role,” he adds. Financial terms of this agreement have not been disclosed. Future agreements will be tailored to the strength of each party and will be developed on a case-by-case basis.
