DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines-based agriculture co-op with locations across the state is laying off workers. WHO-TV reports a spokesman for the company confirmed the company is letting some employees go. Landus, which works with farmers to buy and sell grain, provides agronomy services, and conducts sustainable soybean processing. In a statement provided to the television station, a Landus spokesperson said:

“Today we announced internally that we are executing on our strategy and are in a strong position to become the ag retailer of the future. As we have seen with many companies across the US, we needed to make changes in both our personnel and our structure to better support our farmer-owners and accomplish this bold strategy, which unfortunately means saying goodbye to some colleagues. This was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary decision as we move forward into 2025 and beyond. Landus is poised and ready to take the next step in growth and efficiency.”

The spokesperson did not provide the number of employees who were laid off. He did say rumors about a buyout of the company were not true. According to Landus’ website, the company employs 600 people and has 50 locations throughout the state of Iowa. There’s also a location in southern Minnesota. It serves 5,500 farmers and impacts 34 states and 16 countries. Landus has an international office in Guadalajara, Mexico as well.

The company reported $2.4 billion in revenue in 2023.