Ag Partners Expands into High-Value Non-GMO Soybean Market with LFSG Acquisition
Dec 12, 2024
Seneca, KS—DECEMBER 12, 2024—Ag Partners Cooperative is excited to announce the execution of an asset purchase agreement with Lathrop Food, Seed & Grain (LFSG), a leading non-GMO grain cleaning business based in Lathrop, MO, from The Redwood Group, with a closing date of December 27, 2024. This strategic move strengthens Ag Partners’ capabilities in identity-preserved, non-GMO soybean programs, advancing their mission to deliver value-added opportunities for member-owners and enhancing their role as a trusted partner in the agriculture industry.
LFSG specializes in non-GMO, food-grade soybean programs and serves a global customer base, with a strong presence in Asia. Its expertise in grain cleaning, bagging, and container loading—alongside established relationships with growers and buyers—aligns seamlessly with Ag Partners’ strategic vision.
“This acquisition is a transformative opportunity for Ag Partners,” said Brice Elnicki, Senior Vice President of Grain and Business Development. “LFSG allows us to enter the high-value non-GMO soybean market while delivering premium solutions for growers and buyers. We are thrilled to welcome the LFSG team into the Ag Partners family and look forward to building on their legacy of excellence. Together, we will enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen grower partnerships, and create new opportunities for our member-owners.”
As part of the transition, LFSG will integrate with Ag Partners under the brand Ag Partners IP (Identity Preserved). Significant investments are planned over the next 12–18 months to improve efficiency, expand delivery windows, and explore additional value-added processing opportunities.
“Ag Partners Cooperative is excited to announce the asset acquisition of Lathrop FSG, marking a significant milestone in our mission to provide enhanced services and support for our agricultural community,” said Wes Spohr Ag Partners CEO. “This partnership will allow us to expand our resources, broaden our product offerings, and deliver even greater value to our customers. Together, we will continue to prioritize the needs of local farmers and provide access to emerging and broader markets. We look forward to this new chapter and thank our customers, employees, and stakeholders for their continued support as we grow together.”
Growers in the region will benefit from premium programs offering access to high-value markets with minimal adjustments to their current practices. Overseas and domestic customers will realize minimal disruptions and can expect the same level of customer service and product quality they’ve come to expect from The Redwood Group. This initiative also supports Ag Partners’ broader strategy to enhance operational efficiencies and service capabilities.
“Ag Partners has a long history in the agricultural markets with a strong grower network and broad footprint. This, combined with their experienced leadership team and focus on expansion, makes a great home for the LFSG employees and customers. We are excited to see them expand the business LFSG has built to date,” said Mike Kincaid, founder and President of The Redwood Group.
To ensure continuity and quality, 19 employees—including 12 from the Lathrop facility employees and the 7-person Redwood food-grade soybean export team—will join the Ag Partners team as part of the acquisition.
For more information about this exciting development, please email brice.elnicki@agpartnerscoop.com