Cooperatives have had a significant, generational impact on U.S. agriculture and rural communities.
An economic impact study conducted by the University of Wisconsin Center of Cooperatives shows agriculture cooperatives account for about one-third of both total farm sector revenue and input purchases. Agricultural co-ops account for nearly $130 billion in annual revenue, more than $10 billion in annual value-added income and directly and indirectly employ more than 200,000 people in the U.S.
CHS is the nation’s leading agribusiness cooperative. Dan Schurr, chair, CHS Board of Directors, describes how cooperative ownership adds value to his farming operation and why the cooperative model is as important as ever.
Schurr raises corn and soybeans near LeClaire, Iowa, runs a commercial trucking business and has been associated with cooperatives his whole life.
“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.’
“CHS is in a unique position as a global cooperative. We bring value by opening up the world to farmers. I can get fertilizer from the Middle East and sell grain to Egypt, which I couldn’t do without the cooperative system,” Schurr continues. “When I sell grain, my participation doesn’t end, but continues on. I get to participate in the success of CHS.”
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