Celebrating National Coop Month
As we celebrate National Coop Month this October, it’s a great time to reflect on why the cooperative business model remains essential today. In a world of rising costs and market volatility, cooperatives offer something unique—strength in unity, shared success, and local impact. At UFC, our focus on benefiting member-owners rather than outside investors allows us to deliver real value to the communities we serve.
The Cooperative Difference: Putting Members First
Unlike traditional corporations, cooperatives are owned by their members, meaning the profits go directly to the people who make our business successful—our member-owners. This model not only ensures members benefit directly, but it also strengthens the local economy by keeping resources within the community.
Over the past three years, UFC has returned $20 million to our member-owners through cash patronage and equity retirement. This commitment reflects our dedication to those who trust us to meet their needs.
Why Cooperatives Matter in Today’s World
With ongoing market fluctuations and growing global demand, the challenges faced by growers and rural businesses have never been greater. That’s why the cooperative model is more important than ever. By pooling resources, UFC provides services and pricing that individual farmers might not access on their own. Whether through bulk purchasing, strategic investments, or infrastructure improvements, working together gives us collective strength.
In 2024, UFC partnered with Central Region Cooperative to form an agronomy LLC at our Brownton location. This collaboration allows us to pool resources, expand our agronomy offerings, and better serve our member-owners. Together, UFC and CRC provide improved access to fertilizers, crop protection products, seed, and precision ag services—all delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.Additionally, cooperatives are community-focused. We don’t just operate in rural communities—we are part of them. We hire locally, support local businesses, and reinvest in the areas we serve. Doing business with a cooperative helps create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and sustain the community.
Additionally, cooperatives are community-focused. We don’t just operate in rural communities—we are part of them. We hire locally, support local businesses, and reinvest in the areas we serve. Doing business with a cooperative helps create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and sustain the community.
UFC’s Impact on Members and the Community
At UFC, our mission is to provide value that goes beyond products and services. We ensure our members benefit financially and have access to the best tools, equipment, and support for their operations. Whether it’s grain handling, agronomy, or livestock support, we make sure our member-owners have the resources they need to succeed.
The $20 million returned to members over the past three years demonstrates the tangible impact of the cooperative system. These returns help farms reinvest in their operations, support local businesses, and strengthen the financial security of rural communities.
Why You Should Consider Joining a Cooperative
If you’re not yet part of a cooperative, now is the time to explore the benefits. Doing business with a cooperative like UFC means more than just access to products and services. It means being part of a system that works for the good of all members—providing shared profits, better pricing, and strong local support.
During National Coop Month, we invite you to take a closer look at how the cooperative model works, why it’s more relevant than ever, and how it can benefit your operation. Join us in celebrating the power of cooperation!