Landus Jefferson: A Speedy Rebuild

In spring 2021, at Landus' Jefferson, IA location, smoldering grain in a bin located next to the grain elevator led to a dust explosion. Jefferson police chief Mark Clouse referred to the May 14 incident as doing “catastrophic” damage to the elevator, “it blew the tops off at least four of the six storage bins. Luckily no injuries were reported.” In the aftermath of an explosion that was reportedly heard from over half a mile away, the facility was rebuilt and transformed into a flagship location. Landus’ journey, marked by challenges and ultimate success, serves as a testament to the resilience of the agricultural industry.

At the time of the explosion, Landus had 3.9 million bushels of grain in storage that needed to be shipped. The cooperative also had to prepare for and serve its members during the 2022 harvest while simultaneously managing a major construction project. To do so, used equipment was temporarily installed for the duration of the 2021 harvest along with three grain pits, with a capacity of 55,000 bph. The two-month demolition process began after harvest in November 2021 and included removing the damaged main concrete elevator, originally built in the late 1950s along with two of the five grain pits. The demo process was completed in January 2022. The elevator construction and renovation was completed in April 2023.

In late September, Grain Journal was invited to the site for a preview of the extensive reconstruction effort, showcasing its capabilities ahead of the fall harvest.

Tyler Schultes, business unit leader, and hub lead Del Uhlik pointed out the newly replaced receiving system that includes two additional 20,000-bph receiving pits, for a total of four full drive-over dumps. The added pits give Landus Jefferson the ability to receive both commodities (corn and soybeans) at the same time. “We’re able to do 80,000 bph in elevation. Each one of those four pits is 20,000 bph. We can segregate it by whatever commodity, whatever quality, and can bid it appropriately,” Uhlik confirms, “a marked improvement from the previous system of 65,000 bph.”

In addition, an existing grain dryer was moved to a new location and was outfitted with a Platinum Automation Controller from Custom Ag Dryer. A new Sukup Dryer was also installed. “The drying capacity for our wet grain and harvest time is 12,000 bph with a holding capacity of 800,000. We utilize two 400,000 bushel bins that feed the two dryers. That allows for a fall rush if growers come in at a higher moisture levels.” Schultes points out. The automated control system allows for remote monitoring and control of drying.

During the explosion the previous dust collection system was lost and was replaced with a new system from Schenck Process/Twin City. Monitoring dust and maintaining a clean facility is key to running a good elevator. “When a semi comes in, it remains clean during and after it dumps, in an older elevator cleanliness at the receiving pits is an issue.”

Access to the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) plays a pivotal role in the functionality of this grain elevator, particularly when low water levels on the Mississippi River prevent barge shipments. Situated strategically on major rail lines in Iowa, including the UP in Jefferson, the facility can now load a full unit train at a rate of 80,000 bph, which is 30,000 bph faster than the old system.

Remarkably, this process accommodates the loading of 440,000 bushels, or 110 railcars, in six to eight hours using one computer. This is significantly shorter than the more typical 15-hour regulated timeframe. Shultes emphasizes another benefit—the importance of ensuring reasonable shifts for employees’ well-being. “Some older elevators fall within the 15-hour timeframe, and that is a long shift that can lead to safety issues.”

The transported corn primarily finds its way to destinations in southern California and Mexico, serving end-users, while soybeans are directed either to Mexico or to processors. Landus is also investing $1.1 million into a new seed treatment center at the Jefferson site, transforming what was originally a beef feed center into a cutting-edge seed treatment facility. The expanded site also includes additional storage capacity for essential treatment products. This new facility primarily focuses on soybeans and is slated for completion ahead of the 2024 planting season.

The dedication to innovation, efficiency, and support for farmers is evident through ongoing investments in their facilities and the future. Landus continues to maintain its significance in Iowa and beyond, setting new standards in the grain and feed industry.