Bayer branded seed will no longer be sold through the WinField United distribution model after Crop Year 2027, according to a July letter sent to WinField United retailers by Leah Anderson, president of WinField United and senior vice president at Land O’Lakes, Inc. Bayer also confirmed the news.
The change does not include Bayer branded crop protection products.
“We recognize this is a meaningful change for your business, and we are committed to helping you navigate the transition through clear communication, practical planning support and portfolio solutions that help protect your grower relationships and seed business,” Anderson wrote.
Through the Croplan and Armor seed brands, WinField United will continue to work with Bayer and a licensing partner of Bayer traits and genetics.
In a statement, Bayer said: “Distribution remains a critical part of our business, and our success. As Bayer evolves its go-to-market model to continue delivering industry-leading innovation to farmers, it will be changing its business relationship with WinField United. While in Market Year 2027 our relationship will remain the same, beginning in Market Year 2028, Bayer will be evolving its relationship with WinField United on DEKALB, Asgrow and Deltapine seed distribution. WinField United remains an important partner in our seed licensee and Crop Protection space as we work to provide best in class solutions to farmers.For farmers, nothing changes. Cooperatives remain an important part of our distribution model, and we value the role they play in delivering the best, most complete solutions to the farmer.”
Anderson’s letter also emphasized the importance of seed to WinField United’s wholesale and retail business.
“We will continue to communicate openly about what is changing, what is not, and how we can help you prepare for Crop Year 2028,” she wrote. “As the industry evolves, our commitment to retail success remains unchanged.”
The announcement follows a distribution shift Bayer announced with Simplot earlier this year.
