Cooperatives are shaping the future of rural America
In many rural communities like ours, the co-op is part of the rhythm of everyday life – the grain elevator rises on the horizon, co-op employees make stops in farm fields and the co-op’s support is visible at county fairs and other community events throughout the year.
Because cooperatives have always been part of the landscape, it can be easy to take them for granted, but the cooperative model is no less important today than when forward-looking farmers and ranchers created the first ag co-ops a century ago.
In October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month, I am reflecting on how cooperatives have evolved to meet the needs of their owners and the communities they serve. That evolution over the past century has helped farm and ranch families succeed and has helped build more resilient, stable communities across America.
Our cooperative has been a long-term supplier of inputs and grain marketing services for our owners and for others in the communities we serve. In fact, the co-op is an extension of hundreds of family ag businesses in our area. While our cooperative team has to earn their business just like any other supplier, the difference is that as co-op owners, they have equity in the company. Relying on their co-op is the truest form of keeping business local. The profits go back to the co-op owners to grow their own businesses and support their communities.
Cooperatives were built on the principle of doing more together than one person can do alone. This collective strength has powered agriculture for generations. Because our owners are part of a co-op connected with CHS, they are connected to a world of opportunities with a company focused on creating value for its owners. That’s the cooperative difference.
As the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, CHS has for generations brought value through patronage back to our owners and their communities. When intended cash returns to owners are complete in 2026, CHS expects to have returned nearly $2.6 billion to our owners over the previous five years. Those dollars are reinvested by CHS owners to strengthen rural communities.
CHS is also investing for the future – in facilities and capabilities that will serve farm and ranch families for decades and bring quality jobs and economic viability to communities. Co-ops embrace that kind of long-term thinking because they were created for farmers, by farmers.
In recent years, our team has invested in two new shuttle loading facilities, and upgraded several exiting grain, agronomy and energy assets to strengthen our operations and support the local economy. We also support local organizations and events that matter to our employees, customers and community. Our community giving includes area fire departments, FFA and 4-H clubs, and community entertainment and recreation venues which are making a meaningful difference in the area.
U.S. farmers and ranchers face many challenges today, from shifts in demand for the commodities we produce to volatile weather, changing policy and more. As we look to the future for our family businesses and the next generation of ag leaders, cooperative ownership will help us navigate those challenges together.
Cooperatives are a valuable part of America’s past, and they will help lead us into a bright future. Together, we are strengthening the places we call home and building a better world.
Evan Fust is senior director of operations for CHS .
