EP 64: Federated Co-op, Patronage, & Calvin Coolidge
January 12, 2023
Meet Joe, A TRAX Crop Specialist at Premier Ag
January 15, 2023
Hanging Our Hat on 2022
The past three years have been nothing short of unprecedented. While we’re sure most are tired of hearing that description, there are scarce adjectives to better describe what we have been through as a country, community, and individual families since January 2020.
That being said, the Premier Ag Cooperative (Premier Companies) has never let up in our mission to continually lead our organization forward through viruses, supply issues, inflation, shifting consumer preferences, regulation, and extreme labor shortages.
In February of 2022, the Board of Directors and Senior Management of Premier Companies set four pivotal strategic imperatives:
- Provide a farmer-owned choice in every market, every geography.
- Be of size and scale to be relevant, competitive, innovative, and cost-efficient.
- Look for ways to allow farmers to participate more fully in the value chain.
- Be a reliable supplier.
As we review the previous year and look forward to 2023, we are pleased to say we have hit all four imperatives and continue to strategize about expansion and optimization in all four areas.
Why a Cooperative in 2023?
Farmer-owned cooperatives were born in the 1920’s due to the lack of availability and fair pricing on farm inputs. By joining together under a common goal, we have always been able to accomplish more than apart. Since the early 1900’s, as farming operations have grown larger and more concentrated, so have the companies that supply crop inputs.
For example, approximately five companies in the fertilizer, crop protection and seed industries control more than 80% of all the products sold. Through being a part of a farmer-owned cooperative, Premier’s size and market influence helps to ensure product availability, fair pricing, and a voice for the needs of the farmer at the forefront of all negotiations.
Vision for the Future
As we march into 2023, Premier will continue to stay aggressive and competitive for our members. We will continue to look for ways to directly benefit our farmer-owners by increasing storage, adding speed to operations, improving efficiencies, and more. Our leadership is excited for what the new year will bring in new ideas, opportunities, and technology with the main goal of supporting our farmer-owners.
Thank you for continuing to trust Premier Companies with your business. If you are interested in joining Premier Companies on this journey, please contact us today to learn more. And stay tuned for what the new year will bring.
