CHS and Sunrise Cooperative are evolving their long-standing partnership to further strengthen the crop nutrients supply chain. As part of this transition, CHS has sold its 50% ownership stake in Crestline Crop Nutrients LLC to Sunrise Cooperative. Alongside the change in ownership, the two organizations have established a new long‑term agreement that expands how CHS will serve Sunrise’s agronomy business into the future. This agreement expands the number of Sunrise locations served by CHS and increases the volume of crop nutrients moving through the cooperative system.
Crestline Crop Nutrients LLC, formed as a joint venture between CHS and Sunrise in 2010, is a fertilizer blending and storage facility serving 2,800 cooperative members in Ohio. The JV paired the power of a global agribusiness with the retail operations of a regional cooperative to strengthen the crop nutrients supply chain.
CHS originally entered the joint venture to strengthen the cooperative system and expand storage and blending capabilities for Sunrise members. With those objectives achieved, transferring ownership to Sunrise allows for streamlined operations and continued support for local growers.
“This agreement reflects the CHS commitment to strengthening the cooperative system and ensuring reliable access to high-quality crop nutrients products,” says John Griffith, executive vice president, CHS ag business and CHS Hedging. “By aligning our capabilities in a new way, CHS and Sunrise can deliver even greater value to producers across Ohio.”
George Secor, president and CEO of Sunrise Cooperative, adds, “Sunrise has worked collaboratively with CHS for more than 15 years at our Crestline facility to deliver the newest and most innovative crop nutrient products from around the world to growers in Ohio. Together we’ve grown the cooperative model to the point where Sunrise is well equipped to take sole control of the Crestline facility, enabling CHS to focus on its area of strength, which is increasing the supply of world-class agronomy products to our customer-owners.”
The sale of CHS shares in Crestline Crop Nutrients LLC to Sunrise closed on January 29, 2026.
Sunrise Cooperative is headquartered in Fremont, Ohio.
