History of ADM

These are our founders. This is our story.

In 1902, George A. Archer and John W. Daniels began a linseed crushing business. By combining unmatched knowledge of our industry with an unwavering commitment to excellence, we’ve made the most of opportunities for nearly 118 years, and grown from a regional linseed oil business to a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Read more about how it all began.

Transforming Our Portfolio

Over the last several years, we’ve worked to transform ADM. Today, we are a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more.

Click here to download a timeline of ADM's history.

1902
Daniels Linseed Co. founded in Minneapolis

1923
Changed name to Archer Daniels Midland Company

1924
Listed on NYSE

1927
Formed grain division

1929
Began crushing soybeans
Acquired Commander Larabee flour milling business

1963
Built export terminal at the Gulf of Mexico

1967
Entered barge freight business

1969
Relocated headquarters to Decatur, Illinois

1974
Acquired first soybean processing plants in Europe and South America

1979
Established ADM Trucking

1986
Formed Golden Peanut Company

1994
Invested in Asian agribusiness Wilmar

1997
Acquired Glencore's Brazilian operations
Entered edible beans business

2009
Launched ADM Cares corporate giving program
Built first wholly owned food-ingredient facility in China

2014
Acquired WILD Flavors
Relocated global headquarters to Chicago

2015
Acquired Eatem Foods
Acquired Eaststarch CB

2016
Launched Together We Grow consortium
Acquired majority stake in Biopolis
Launched ADM Medsofts

2017
Acquired Crosswind Industries, Inc.
Acquired Chamtor

2018
Acquired Rodelle
Acquired Protexin
Purchased Algar Agro assets

2019
Joined Paradigm for Parity coalition
Acquired Neovia