Matt Carstens grew up on a family farm, where the daily grind of tending livestock sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture. That early connection to the land propelled him into a nearly 30-year career as an executive in food and agriculture, earning him a reputation for strategic vision and practical leadership. Known for guiding teams through complex markets, Carstens has built a legacy of fostering growth while staying grounded in the values of his youth.
“There are many people who inspired me to be in agriculture, but this really started at a young age back on our family farm,” Matt Carstens says.
Carstens’ career is marked by his ability to balance innovation with real-world solutions. From driving sales growth to leading transformative projects, he has consistently delivered results in competitive environments. Beyond the office, he has served on boards, shaping strategies and governance, while cherishing time with his family.
His journey reflects a commitment to collaboration and impact. Whether empowering teams or supporting communities through philanthropy, Matt Carstens has approached every challenge with a clear goal, which is finding outcomes that benefit everyone. His story is one of steady progress, driven by lessons from the farm and a belief that agriculture can be both profitable and sustainable for everyone in the supply chain.
Matt Carstens Learns Essential Values On Family Farm
Matt Carstens’ roots in agriculture run deep. As a boy, he spent countless hours on his family’s farm, learning the rhythms of planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry. Those experiences weren’t just tasks; they were an education in resilience and responsibility. The farm showed him the realities of agriculture, from unpredictable weather to tight margins, and instilled deep respect for the land and its stewards.
“Getting agriculture into my blood at a young age hooked me immediately,” Matt Carstens says. “Getting to understand the ways of feeding and fueling the world in a way that is profitable for farmers and beneficial to the rest of society was critical to learn growing up.”
These experiences sparked a curiosity about how to support the industry on a larger scale. That drive led him to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in agriculture. The academic foundation complemented his practical experience, preparing him to tackle the industry’s complexities with both knowledge and grit.
His time on the farm also fostered a sense of purpose. The values he learned: hard work, stewardship and a commitment to feeding the world, became the foundation for his career. As he moved into professional roles, Carstens carried those principles with him, using them to guide his decisions and leadership approach.
A Global Awakening
A pivotal moment in Carstens’ career came when he immersed himself in the world of global fertilizer markets. As a young professional, he studied the mechanics of a globally traded commodity; how supply chains, trade agreements and economic shifts influenced availability and cost. The experience was an eye-opener, revealing agriculture’s place in a vast, interconnected system.
“Having the opportunity to learn about the global fertilizer markets and how a globally traded commodity works was an experience I have never forgotten,” Matt Carstens says.
This deep dive into global markets sharpened his strategic instincts. He began to see agriculture as a delicate balance of local needs and international forces, where decisions in one region could impact farmers halfway across the world. The insight pushed him to think beyond traditional approaches, seeking solutions that accounted for both immediate challenges and long-term trends.
Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives
One of Carstens’ proudest accomplishments was launching a sustainability initiative at United Suppliers. At the time, sustainability was still gaining traction in agriculture but Carstens saw it as an opportunity to align environmental stewardship with business goals, creating new pathways for farmers to thrive.
“Starting the sustainability journey within United Suppliers was an achievement that I never thought would happen in the CN group,” Matt Carstens says. “The relationships we grew and the farmers’ opportunities exceeded my expectations by finding the win-win outcomes.”
Innovation also has been a driver of his success through the work of starting an Innovation Hub called Landwerx. This was a key component to helping farmers and agribusiness see the future 1-5 years ahead of any launch. Additionally, Carstens added an Innovation Connector which showcased the innovation to farmers, agriculture as a whole and outside influencers.
Matt Carstens Creates Community Impact Through Family Foundation
Beyond his professional achievements, Matt Carstens Landus has made community a priority. He and his wife, Shanda, founded The Matt & Shanda Carstens Family Foundation to support causes that strengthen rural and local communities. The foundation has funded efforts ranging from emergency medical services to agricultural education programs in public schools, reflecting Carstens’ commitment to giving back.
“I am super proud of our family for starting The Matt & Shanda Carstens Family Foundation,” Matt Carstens says. “We have helped EMS, the victims of the Perry, IA school shooting, public school support of agricultural curriculum and others.”
These efforts reflect Carstens’ belief in practical, direct assistance that acknowledges both immediate needs and future potential. The foundation’s support for agricultural curriculum in public schools particularly aligns with his professional mission of strengthening agricultural literacy and opportunity.
One of the foundation’s most impactful projects came after a tragic school shooting in Perry, Iowa. The Carstens family worked directly with affected families, providing resources to help them rebuild. The outpouring of support from the community, neighbors, businesses, and strangers coming together left a lasting mark.
The foundation’s work mirrors Carstens’ broader philosophy. Whether in business or philanthropy, he measures success by the tangible difference it makes for others.
Matt Carstens’ Advice for the Next Generation
Reflecting on his career, Matt Carstens Landus often thinks about the lessons he’d share with his younger self. His advice is rooted in patience and presence: don’t rush through opportunities. In an industry driven by cycles and deadlines, he believes the most valuable growth happens in the everyday moments of learning and connection.
This mindset has guided him through decades of change, from technological advancements to shifting market demands.
As Matt Carstens continues to lead and give back, his work remains a reflection of the values he learned young: hard work, teamwork and a commitment to leaving things better than he found them. His legacy is one of practical solutions and lasting change, proving that agriculture can be a force for good when guided by vision and purpose.
By: Chris Bates
