There have been multiple concerns raised by individuals associated with Landus Coop and AgTalk forum members regarding actions taken by Landus leadership, particularly Matt Carstens, which may not be in the best interests of the coop's farmer members. Some individuals believe that there may be instances where Landus resources have been used in ways that benefit Carstens and his family, potentially at the expense of the coop and its members.

For example, some of the following issues have been highlighted (examples via links to postings on X):

• Personal Use of Coop Funds: There are allegations that a $10 million home in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, was purchased with Landus resources, ostensibly for hosting board meetings and entertaining large farmers.  An example of such a meeting is scheduled to take place this week, from March 3rd through March 7th.  It's been suggested that the home may be used for personal benefit by Carstens and his family, possibly with Landus covering the expenses.

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2023/06/12/indian-rocks-beach-waterfront-home-sells-for-10m.html
https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896375754059128949
https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896375980987699702
https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896377933239107994

• Corporate Credit Card Misuse: Concerns have been raised about the use of Landus credit cards for personal expenses, such as designer apparel and jewelry purchases during a trip to Florida for board members' wives.

• Private Jet Use: There are claims that Carstens leases a private jet at Landus' expense, with his family and board members reportedly using it for personal travel.

https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896375150528102456
https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896375380979933533

• Allegations of Sexual Misconduct: Some individuals have raised concerns about the possible misuse of Landus funds to settle allegations of sexual misconduct involving Carstens, including payments related to business transactions.

https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896376349834772632

• Excessive Spending on Non-Essential Items: There are reports that Landus funds have been used to purchase luxury items such as suites at Wells Fargo Arena and a party bus, as well as funding NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for Iowa State athletes, which some see as having personal benefits for the Carstens family.

• Unsubstantiated Expense Reports: Concerns have been raised regarding questionable expenses submitted by Carstens' family members and board members' relatives employed by Landus, covering personal items and services unrelated to the operation of the company. One example includes the use of a private jet and all expenses paid for a board member’s trip to the Super Bowl.

Next Steps for Concerned Individuals: If you are an employee or former employee of Landus Coop with additional information or concerns, you may wish to contact the IRS Whistleblower Office, which offers monetary rewards to individuals whose information leads to action by the IRS. The award can range from 15 to 30 percent of the proceeds collected, depending on the significance of the information provided. For more information, visit: IRS Whistleblower Office.

https://www.irs.gov/compliance/whistleblower-office


For members of Landus Coop who feel that they have not been fairly compensated through patronage dividends, you may consider consulting with a private attorney to explore your legal options. If you suspect that criminal activity, such as money laundering or theft, has occurred, you may wish to contact the FBI or your local county attorney to report your concerns.

Lastly, it is suggested that there be a more thorough investigation into the relationship between the Matt and Shanda Carstens Foundation and Landus Coop to ensure that all funds are being used appropriately and to rule out any potential misuse.

https://x.com/ViligantGaze/status/1896377731862118535


As with any serious matter, it is crucial to address these concerns through the appropriate legal and investigative channels to ensure any potential wrongdoing is thoroughly investigated. If you believe you may be implicated in any of the issues mentioned (and I am aware of some individuals who might be), I encourage you to come forward and cooperate proactively.  Wishing you a good time in Florida this week!