#United States #Des Moines #Soybean #Clean Fuel #Landus

Landus Expands Clean Fuel Initiative for Iowa Farmers

Iowa's agricultural landscape is poised for transformation as Landus, a prominent cooperative, gears up to enhance opportunities for local farmers through its Clean Fuel Regulation (CFR) initiative. Set to commence in August, the program allows Iowa farmers access to premium markets for their 2025 soybean crop. This expansion is greatly attributed to recent policy changes that are expected to increase the demand for liquid biofuels, particularly in Canada.

At the heart of this initiative is Landus' state-of-the-art mechanical soybean crush facility in Ralston, Iowa. Here, the cooperative processes soy oil that meets the new CFR guidelines, making it eligible for lucrative clean fuel markets. Thanks to this initiative, farmers who participated in the 2024 crop have collectively earned around $750,000 in additional premiums, underscoring the financial benefits of this program.

Enrollment Process and Benefits

Enrollment for participating farmers will open in August. The process is straightforward: farmers need to fill out a short harvester declaration online and deliver their soybeans to Landus. Complete chain-of-custody documentation must be submitted by early October before delivery. Unlike some programs, there is no cap on the amount of soybeans farmers can enroll, although retroactive signing is not permitted.

Craig Mouchka, Director of Sustainability at Landus, highlighted the importance of collective participation, stating, "The more farmers who participate, the greater our collective impact will be on farm profitability and the future of sustainable agriculture." Anticipating significant growth in premiums, Mouchka expressed confidence in the initiative's potential to quadruple the current amounts, broadening its benefits to even more Iowa farmers.

Landus' CFR initiative is part of a larger strategy to integrate regenerative practices into farming and generate additional profit opportunities. Last year alone, the cooperative earned nearly $2 million in extra premiums for its 2024 crop through various sustainability programs, demonstrating the tangible rewards of responsible farming practices.

Sustainability Successes

Among these sustainability-focused efforts is the Carbon Intensity Supply Chain Program, executed in collaboration with Verity, Friona Industries, and Hereford Ethanol Partners. Through this program, Landus allocated $420,000 to over 40 Iowa farmers who enrolled their 2024 crops. These participants provided detailed data regarding their farming practices, allowing Landus to accurately track the carbon intensity of corn feedstock throughout the supply chain. This innovative, data-driven initiative not only benefits the environment but also offers farmers market premiums for their transparency and regenerative approaches.

Another successful program, the Carbon Ready Program, rewarded over $670,000 to participants in 2024. Farmers implementing best practices such as no-till farming and integrated pest management received an average of $20.08 per acre, creating incentives for progressive farming that fosters both environmental and economic sustainability. With the continued success of these initiatives, Landus aims to further scale its programs in 2025, promising an even more significant impact on farming practices.

Landus Commitment to the Future

Landus is committed to remaining farmer-centered in all its decisions, ensuring its initiatives align with the needs of the agricultural community. As a powerhouse in the agricultural solutions space, Landus connects thousands of farmer-owners across 34 states and 16 countries with vital resources in grain, agronomy, and distribution. The cooperative thrives on innovation, looking to build robust, sustainable practices that will serve the needs of today’s farmers while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

For those interested in participating in the Clean Fuel Regulation initiative or learning more about potential sustainability program premiums, Landus representatives are available to provide guidance and support. Interested farmers can visit landus.ag for further information.

About Landus

Founded with the vision of supporting farmers, Landus leverages forward-thinking approaches to tackle pressing agricultural issues. The cooperative's diverse strategies not only enhance farm profitability but also promote a resilient agricultural system capable of adapting to the evolving demands of sustainability. With a commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers while nurturing the planet, Landus remains a beacon of responsible farming in the agriculture sector.

As Landus propels the clean fuel movement forward, Iowa farmers stand at the precipice of new opportunities, ready to embrace the future of agriculture with sustainability at its core.