Landus Jefferson Reopens for Harvest

source:Carroll Times Herald

The Landus grain facility in Jefferson, IA, has officially reopened and began accepting harvest grain last week, reports theCarroll Times Herald.

This comes just a few months following theelevator explosionthat left many questioning if the location would be ready in time for fall

Farmers hauling into Landus in Jefferson should expect minimal impact this harvest and should not experience any difference in dumping speed.

The site is running with three fully operational pits and will have increased drying capacity above what was available prior to the explosion.

Last May, Landus Cooperativereported on its corporate blogthat dust particles caused an explosion at its Jefferson location around 8 a.m. The company added that local fire and emergency workers responded to the scene and contained the damage.

The area is arranged with six concrete storage bins next to each other and the elevator in the middle, with catwalks connecting the buildings.

According to a report at theDes Moines Register, the explosion caused "catastrophic" damage, blowing the tops off of at least four of the bins and destroying some walls. The western side of the buildings were crumbling and the catwalks had collapsed.

Landus reported that after an initial investigation, smoldering grain in a self-contained bin located next to the grain elevator was identified as the source of the explosion.