The Value of a Coop

Besides being the biggest employer in many of the towns we serve, local co-ops are also engines of economic growth. Profits in the form of patronage go back into the pockets of our member-owners, who then purchase goods and services from other local businesses. Our employees also spend money in their local communities. And our Ag Partners board of directors invests directly in the communities we serve, funding everything from Little League baseball uniforms to community swimming pools. It’s a virtuous cycle that makes many of our members feel especially proud to be part of the cooperative system.