Grains & Oilseeds
Global Highlights
LDC is a key player in grains and oilseeds, with a strong international presence in the world’s major producing and consumer regions. We originate, transform and merchandize a large range of grains and oilseeds products.
Top 5
40 Major Markets
119 Assets
About Grains & Oilseeds
Grains are an indispensable source of food in many developing nations, and play an important role in diets around the world, providing vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils and protein.
We source grain products – including wheat, corn, sorghum, barley – from all major producing areas. Through our ever-growing network of processing, storage and distribution facilities, we bring these products – as well as derivative products such as dried distillers grains and corn-based ethanol – to key consumer regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
We also originate, process, store and merchandize the full range of oilseeds – including soy, canola sunflower, palm, camelina, cottonseeds, peanuts – and their derivatives, for global food, feed, energy and other industries.
Meal from oilseeds is predominantly used as a protein ingredient in animal feeds. Soybean meal is the world’s largest source of meal protein, accounting for more than 80% of the total according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Vegetable oils can be used to create biodiesel and other derivative products that are used in industrial applications, specialty chemicals, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.
Our Grains & Oilseeds Value Chain
Each of our business lines is integrating further across the five steps of our value chain, as we respond to the need for a traceable and responsible supply line from farmer to consumer.
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Process & Refine
02Process & Refine
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Process & Refine
02Process & Refine
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
Grains in the US
For more than a century, we have sourced, stored, processed, merchandized and exported crops produced by US farmers.
In the country, we originate white and yellow corn, sorghum and all wheat classes, process yellow corn and merchandize the end products, as well as ethanol and dry distillers grains (DDGs).
The domestic market for grains and their by-products is highly dynamic, and we offer superior quality control, processing capabilities and risk management expertise, as we move grains through the marketplace, from our wide network of US suppliers to longtime customers.
We are also one of the country’s top grain exporters, leveraging our global footprint to offer US growers competitive access to world markets via our own export facilities, located within all US port ranges.
- We are a top exporter of US grains
- We have a network of strategically located and state-of-the-art assets at all major US ports
- Our trading hubs in Wilton, Connecticut and Kansas City, Missouri, offer global expertise and local service
Oilseeds in the US
LDC operates an integrated soybean value chain in the US, with modern interior logistics, processing and export facilities.
Our extensive geographic presence, integrated value chain, risk management expertise, market insights and entrepreneurial ‘can do’ model are the foundations of our industry-leading position.
- Largest fully integrated soybean crushing and biodiesel refining plants in the US
- Largest North American producer of kosher and halal certified USP food grade glycerin
- Leading soybean exporter via port terminals in Seattle, Washington and Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- High‑speed truck and rail logistics to barge river terminals in Cahokia, Illinois; West Memphis, Arkansas; Rosedale, Mississippi; and Natchez, Mississippi
- Trading hubs in Wilton, Connecticut and Kansas City, Missouri
Our Assets
Our facilities are strategically located to offer optimal storage solutions to growers, meet the needs of domestic customers and facilitate global exports.
Located in Western Iowa, our ethanol production facility sources grain from local growers and provides renewable fuel to the US market.
Our oilseeds crushing facility in Claypool, Indiana merchandizes soybean meal, biodiesel and glycerin.
We move US grains and oilseeds through our rail and barge shipping stations, strategically located along Class 1 rail carriers and the Mississippi River.
Our two export terminals in Louisiana and Washington have capacity to handle up to 14 million tons of grains and oilseeds annually, for export to destinations around the world.
Committed to Sustainability
In addition to our strong merchandizing capabilities, growing product portfolio and reputation for reliability and integrity, our leading position in grains and oilseeds is also connected with our commitment to responsible sourcing, traceable supply chains and sustainable business practices globally.
Increasing traceability in our palm and soy operations is also central to our sustainability efforts, to encourage responsible land use and non-conversion of native vegetation for soy and palm cultivation.