From providing farmers with the agronomic and energy solutions they need to preparing the next generation of ag professionals, 2025 was a year of progress for CHS and our member cooperatives. Here’s a roundup of 10 of our favorite stories (in no particular order) that showcases how the cooperative system is driving sustainable growth for farmers and cooperative owners, supporting communities and preparing agriculture for what’s next.
1. Freeze warning
When temperatures drop, a farmer’s work doesn’t stop. Keeping equipment running at its peak during colder weather requires attention to what’s in the fuel tank. Coming in at the top of our list (and at the right time of year), is a story about how the right diesel fuel can minimize the risk of down time in colder months.
2. CHS pipelines keep fuel flowing across rural America
CHS fuels rural America’s energy needs as the nation’s largest cooperative refiner. A complex network of CHS pipelines spanning more than 2,000 miles makes it all possible. Read how refined fuels travel hundreds of miles to fuel terminals across the country, ensuring a steady supply is available for delivery to the farmers, cooperatives, retailers and communities who depend on them.
3. Cooperatives working together for their members
Agriculture cooperatives help farmers pool resources, access larger markets and build infrastructure needed to compete, among other things. In this feature, we share how a strong cooperative partnership between CHS and Garden City Co-op, based in Garden City, Kan., mutually benefits farmer-owners of both cooperatives.
4. Soybean meal deal
As soybean crush capacity expands in the U.S. to meet soy oil demand, who will take all the soybean meal? Industry experts believe more will be fed to livestock and exported to clear supplies. Learn how the cooperative system is uniquely positioned to benefit from crush expansion and opportunities to market more soybean meal.
5. Reimagining the retail experience
Enerbase Cooperative in Minot, N.D., is bringing new meaning to the grab-and-go concept with a state-of-the-art self-serve system. If you’re not sure how this works, check out our feature of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology which was installed in the cooperative’s South Broadway convenience store to create a fully self-serve shopping experience.
6. Five factors driving propane market volatility
Propane is an important energy source for farmers and ranchers to heat homes and buildings, dry crops and even power equipment. The U.S. is producing more propane and propane exports are also the rise affecting supplies. Our exprts covered five factors driving propane market volatility.
7. Farmer-focused crop protection solutions
Wonder how CHS helps solve crop production challenges? We highlight how input from farmers is the start of the CHS crop protection and crop nutrient development and improvement process. And, we bring you inside the CHS Crop Science Research and Development Center in Randolf, Minn. as well as how CHS approaches field testing.
8. Intern spotlight: Allison Engelhart prepares for an ag career
This year we met Allison Engelhart, a full-time student at Bismarck State University studying ag business and agronomy. Recently she took on a larger role helping run her family’s farm after her mother’s death and while her father battles cancer. Engelhart also spent the summer of 2025 as an agronomy intern at CHS River Plains in Ashley, N.D.
9. Hearing loss hope: Farmers and FFA members raise awareness to help ag communities
Daily farm tasks with loud noises can lead to hearing loss. For many farmers, the sounds they hear daily may be slowly fading away. Learn about a hearing loss project conducted by two South Dakota FFA members, early signs of hearing loss and prevention tips.
10. Farm Rescue supports farm families in need
Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Horace, N.D., provides manpower and equipment to keep farms and ranches running as families deal with injury, illness or other challenges. CHS and the CHS Foundation have donated nearly $225,000 to the organization since 2016. Read more to learn about the organization and why CHS contributes to its mission.
