In a significant restructuring move, Landus Cooperative, an Ames-based agriculture company, has laid off around 55 employees, approximately 10 percent of its Iowa workforce. This decision, announced on Friday, comes as the company embarks on a transformative journey to integrate advanced farming technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into its operations. CEO and President Matt Carstens explained that the layoffs are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the company’s efficiency and aligning its workforce with future goals.
Carstens emphasized that the changes at Landus have been in the works for five years, reflecting a long-term vision for the cooperative. “These changes really, truly started all the way back five years ago,” he noted. The layoffs, which affected various positions and locations within the company, were communicated through a Teams call, a method that has drawn scrutiny but was deemed necessary under the circumstances. The CEO expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We’re really excited for what that future holds,” while also highlighting the need for employees who are committed to the cooperative’s new direction.
As part of the transition, Landus is rolling out cutting-edge data gathering and consolidating systems that utilize AI to provide farmers with detailed insights into their crops. This technology will involve conducting eight to twelve flights over fields using drones, airplanes, or satellites, allowing farmers to access comprehensive information about their land’s conditions and how they impact both operations and profitability. Carstens described this shift as transformative, indicating that it will significantly alter the way certain departments at Landus function.
While the layoffs are undoubtedly a difficult aspect of this transition, Carstens assured that those remaining will have opportunities for growth, with many employees transitioning into new roles starting Monday. He also mentioned that laid-off employees would receive severance packages based on their tenure with Landus, alongside career services to assist them in finding new employment opportunities. Importantly, he confirmed that there are no plans for further layoffs or plant closures as the company moves forward with its technological upgrades.
This overhaul at Landus Cooperative underscores a broader trend in the agricultural sector, where technology is increasingly seen as essential for improving efficiency and productivity. As the industry adapts to these changes, the implications for both employees and farmers will be significant, signaling a shift towards a more data-driven approach in agriculture.