Koch Completes $3.6 Billion Acquisition of Iowa Fertilizer Co.
As reported by The Des Moines Register, Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, a Koch subsidiary, has completed its $3.6 billion purchase of the Iowa Fertilizer Co.
The facility is based in southeast Iowa and produces 3.5 million metric tons of nitrogen fertilizers and diesel exhaust fluid each year.
Koch announced its plans to purchase the facility in December. Company president Mark Luetters says the investment will provide additional flexibility to adapt to customers’ nitrogen preferences.
“This acquisition marks another significant investment in the growth of our fertilizer business,” Luetters said in a statement. “In the past 15 years, we have invested $2 billion in our North American production facilities to enhance reliability, expand production and improve logistics for our customers.”
Farmers have expressed concern about the deal further consolidating the fertilizer industry and driving prices higher.
Certis Biologicals Names New President and CEO
Eda Reinot is the new president of Certis Biologicals and will soon transition to CEO.
“The growth in the biological market has been unparalleled over the past decade,” Reinot said. “Throughout that trajectory, Certis Biologicals has consistently led based on its strength in and commitment to science-based innovation. That science-led approach is critical as we continue to bring to market products that help growers feed the world while enhancing the sustainability of their land, resources, and operations.”
Reinot previously served as vice president at Indigo Ag, where she was responsible for R&D, regulatory, quality, bio-processing and international product development.
“Certis Biologicals is an integral part of our agriculture strategy, which aims to create value for our customers, partners, and society,” said Hitoshi Kudo, General Manager of the AgriScience Division at Mitsui & Co., Ltd. “We believe that Eda’s expertise and leadership will accelerate the growth and innovation of this business.”
Channel Seed Joins Bayer Plus Rewards 2025 Program Year
Bayer has announced the addition of Channel seed to the Bayer Plus Rewards 2025 program as of September 1.
“We are thrilled that Channel is joining the Bayer Plus Rewards program, aligning our efforts to empower growers with whole farm solutions,” said Tiffany Williams, loyalty strategy lead at Bayer.
This is a grower loyalty program that gives members cash back on more than 60 eligible products. Growers, including Channel customers, can calculate their potential earnings using the Bayer Plus Rewards online calculator.
“By adding Channel to the Bayer Plus Rewards program, we are providing our customers with an opportunity to start earning rewards on the seed products they know and trust,” added Jared Thomas, Channel brand marketing lead at Bayer.
