Mid State Milling (MSM) of State Center is the third overall, but first feed company to join Landus Cooperative over the past month in a collaborative optimization agreement. “The diversity of the first three businesses joining us on this journey of optimizing ag retail demonstrates the universal applicability of the model,” says Landus President and CEO, Matt Carstens. “We welcome the addition of Mid State Milling to help maximize feed infrastructure, grain supply and operational excellence for the benefit of farmers.” MSM joins NuWay-K&H Cooperative and Snittjer Grain as the first companies to partner with Landus in this framework offering an innovative alternative to traditional mergers and acquisitions for agriculture retail. The participating companies maintain their autonomy and preserve a local community presence while enhancing farmer relationships through participation in a shared platform of strength. As a part of the agreement, MSM President, Doug Riese, will remain in his current role while lending his feed operations expertise to the Landus feed team on a part-time basis. “Joining Landus and this network of ag retail partners provides a powerful platform for generating more growth and value for our business and our customers,” Riese says. “We’re looking forward to getting started and realize the full potential of this new way of working together.” These agreements are tailored to the strengths of each party and developed on a case-by-case basis.