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October is National Co-op Month. It’s a time dedicated to recognizing the value cooperatives bring to communities in rural America.
Co-ops are built on principles rooted in collaboration, democracy, economic participation and social responsibility. They’re owned and governed by members. And they exist to provide value for their members.
In the first episode of the It Takes a Co-op™ podcast, Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Board of Directors Chair Dan Schurr and farmer and co-op owner Shannon Forster describe how cooperative ownership adds value to their farming operations and why the cooperative model is as important today as ever.
Schurr, who raises corn and soybeans near LeClaire, Iowa, and runs a commercial trucking business, has been associated with cooperatives his whole life. He recalls accompanying his grandfather and father to the local co-op when they conducted business. As a boy, Schurr says he helped his father, who was on the co-op board, audit the co-op by weighing and counting nails. Now Schurr chairs the board that oversees Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥, the nation’s largest ag and energy cooperative.
“Cooperatives have always been an important part of our operation,” he says. “It’s farmers coming together saying, ‘I can’t do something by myself. I can’t get fuel or market my livestock or grain. But together, we can do something great.’
“It’s the same today,” he continues. “Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is in a unique position as a global cooperative. We bring value by opening up the world to farmers. When I sell grain, my participation doesn’t end, but continues on. I get to participate in the success of Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. I can get fertilizer from the Middle East and sell grain to Egypt, which I couldn’t do without the cooperative system.”
Forster, who manages her family’s cranberry, wild rice, soybean and small grain operation near Aitkin, Minn., learned from a young age about the value of cooperatives.
“When our farm turned from a playground to a business for me, Dad explained why we buy fuel from the cooperative and about being able to connect with other farmers and having a stake in the company.”
Schurr encourages farmers and ranchers to engage in cooperatives. “Co-ops are constantly looking out for the best interest of the farmer-owner. Our competitors aren’t doing that.”
Cooperative ownership gives farmers a voice, Forster adds. “I think the biggest opportunity I've had so far and the opportunity I'll have in the future is the ability to give a voice to the rural community.”
Follow and listen to the It Takes a Co-op podcast on your preferred podcast app and watch video versions on the . Episodes will be posted monthly.
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