— Jeff Manderscheid, Chairman of the Board
United by land.
Driven by purpose.
As we move forward as Central United Coop, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this merger represents and where we are headed.
Having served on the United Farmers Coop Board for 17 years, I have seen firsthand the responsibility that comes with guiding a member-owned coop. As we move forward as Central United Coop, that same commitment to local ownership, strong governance, and long-term stability remains at the center of our work.
Bringing two coops together requires thoughtful leadership and a clear focus on the future. Our board now consists of ten directors representing our trade area and working together to provide sound oversight and strategic direction for your coop. Our role is to ensure Central United Coop remains financially strong, well governed, and positioned to serve members for years to come.
It is also important to recognize those who recently concluded their board service. Tim Kohn and Dave Berle stepped away at the time of the merger. In December, Kurt Martens, Kevin Lindeman, Brian Broderius, and Bruce Kuelbs completed their terms. Their leadership and dedication helped build the foundation that allows Central United Coop to move forward with strength today, and we thank them for their years of service.
As a board, we remain focused on investments that improve your experience and strengthen the coop long term. Upgrades to starter fertilizer production in Brownton are providing higher-quality products to your farm across our agronomy locations. Improvements at Klossner, including expanded upright grain storage and an added dry corn pit, enhanced grain handling capacity, while feed upgrades deliver a more consistent grind for producers’ rations. Continued investment at the Cosmos agronomy site ensures our northern customers have reliable access to liquid fertilizer, crop protection products, and anhydrous ammonia.
These projects are not simply facility upgrades. They represent a commitment to efficiency, quality, and service across our trade area. They also reflect careful planning and stewardship of member resources.
As a member-owner, your voice matters. I encourage you to connect with a board member, share your ideas, and let us know where we can continue to improve. Engagement from our membership is what keeps a cooperative strong and responsive.
Thank you for your trust, your business, and your continued involvement in Central United Cooperative.