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Cooperative value

Learn why it’s good to be part of a cooperative 

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What is a cooperative?
Cooperatives are owned and governed by members who use their products, supplies or services. Co-op members find value in more buying power, better market access and having a voice in how the cooperative is managed. Working together for shared success, co-ops support their members and make communities stronger. 
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woman working in a cranberry field
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The cooperative system has shown me strength in unity, in collaboration and in fellowship.
Shannon Forster, farmer and co-op owner
Hear more from Shannon
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Benefits of cooperative ownership

Cooperative owners enjoy benefits that help them succeed:

  • Gain market access
  • Tap into global supply chains
  • Leverage local expertise
  • Earn patronage and equity
  • Have a voice in co-op governance
  • Benefit from long-term thinking
  • Help communities thrive

Raise your voice

Being part of the cooperative system means your voice is heard as decisions are made. Co-ops like CHS represent farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Washington, D.C., and at the state and local levels. 
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As part of a cooperative board, you know the decisions you are making are going to happen. You feel very strongly about what you’re doing to make a good return on an investment.
Mary Kraft, co-owner of Quail Ridge Dairy, Fort Morgan, Colo.

Earn patronage and equity

  • Determined by the cooperative

    Each cooperative creates its own patronage system, set by its board of directors and carried out by management. Regular review of patronage policies ensures they add value for owners and support the cooperative’s business strategies.

  • Recognizes business performance

    Patronage is based on three things:

    • Adjusted earnings before taxes
    • Owner business volume
    • Cooperative patronage and equity policies

  • Fuels growth for farmer-owners and co-ops

    Cooperative decisions about patronage and equity deliver value for owners and fuel long-term cooperative growth. When a cooperative board calculates patronage, it also determines what portion will be retained as member equity in the organization. That equity is a key source of capital for cooperative maintenance and growth.

  • Provides for cash patronage and/or equity

    Cooperatives determine how to distribute patronage and/or equity to owners after the close of each fiscal year. When planned distributions of cash patronage and redeemed equity are complete in 2026, CHS will have returned nearly $2.6 billion to owners over the past five years.

Co-ops help communities thrive 

A cooperative provide jobs, build economic stability and support local services. Through the CHS Foundation and community giving programs, CHS helps develop the next generation of ag leaders and demonstrates the CHS values of safety and cooperative spirit. 

See how we strengthen hometown communities

Stewardship
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Read the latest from CHS to see what this cooperative is doing to support member-owners 
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