Second-largest U.S. animal feed producer Land O’Lakes Inc. plans to acquire Southern States Cooperative Inc.’s animal feed business.
Southern States Cooperative is one of the largest U.S. farmer-owned cooperatives, supplying animal feed in 23 states through its network of eight feed mills.
“This is an excellent opportunity to expand our relationship with Southern States and increase our animal feed business in the eastern U.S.,” said Chris Policinski, president and CEO, Land O’Lakes Inc.
This year, Southern States entered into a supply agreement with Land O’Lakes Inc. through its WinField United crop inputs and insights unit.
Distribution of Southern States’ branded products will continue uninterrupted.
According to Feed Management magazine’s Top 10 U.S. Feed Companies report, Southern States Cooperative was the country's ninth largest compound feed producer, manufacturing 1.7 million metric tons in 2015.
“Our members will continue to receive the same level of service from our retail locations while benefiting from Land O’Lakes’ feed business, Purina Animal Nutrition and their knowledge and experience in manufacturing the quality feed our customers expect,” said Jeff Stroburg, president and CEO of Southern States Cooperative.
The purchase is expected to be completed in January 2017. The terms of the sale have yet to be released.
