Viafield announces new CEO

Ludwig to work out of central office in CC

To the Press

Viafield has named Chris Ludwig as its new chief executive officer. He will work out of the Viafield Central Office in Charles City

As CEO,  Ludwig is responsible for leading the cooperative and managing and continuous improvement of the organization. His chief directives are to foster a competitive, vibrant and innovative business while leading internal staff to deliver high levels of customer service.

“We are excited to welcome Chris as the new CEO of Viafield,” said Rick Matt, Viafield Board Chairman. “He comes to the position with extensive experience in grain origination, leadership development and a passion for agriculture. Viafield is thrilled to have such a competent and talented person assuming leadership of our organization.”

Ludwig said: “I’m truly honored and excited about the opportunity to lead this great cooperative. I believe the cooperative has a tremendous foundation and the potential to grow with more innovative products and services for our member owners.”

Ludwig graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agribusiness management and multiple focuses in strategic management, marketing, sales, finance, economics and accounting.

His experience includes work as a business manager at Scoular Company where he led the creation of a business unit to export grains from Brazil to Asia.

He also held management positions with Cargill and Continental Grain.

Most recently, he was a director with Land O’Lakes Business Development Services delivering business solutions to local cooperatives nationwide.

Viafield is a farmer-owned supply and grain cooperative formed in September 2010.