As America’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, the cooperative model and the strength it brings to local communities is the backbone of CHS.

Every October, that model is celebrated as part of National Co-op Month, which aims to spread awareness about the benefits of being part of the cooperative system and the important role cooperatives play in their communities.

As farmers reflect on the last two years, the uncertainty of the markets, supply chain disruptions and high fertilizer costs have presented challenges to their operations.

This year’s National Co-op Month theme, “Coops Build Economic Power,” serves as a reminder that local cooperatives help weather these dynamic business conditions through quality services, products and cooperative membership benefits.

“Many of our relationships with producers are end to end,” said Jason Kroener, general manager of the CHS location based in Okarche.

“Our agronomists help farmers formulate crop plans, guide them through timely agronomic decisions based on plant conditions and weather and ultimately see the crop through the harvesting process.” Farmers depend on their local cooperatives to keep their business running smoothly. “Working with the cooperative team provides reassurance in decision-making and a sounding board to discuss new ideas and strategies,” said Nathan Kreutziger, a second-generation farmer in Oklahoma.

“I rely on my CHS agronomist to be another set of eyes on my fields. Hav- ing this relationship with a trusted agronomist gives me confidence in the management decisions I make for my farm.”

With a farmer-first culture, co-ops have a vested interest in their patrons’ success and giving their members a voice.

Farmer-owned cooperatives bring jobs, critical infrastructure and financial support to rural communities. When farmers do business with a cooperative, they strengthen their local neighborhoods.

Cooperative spirit enables us to work together for shared success.

You see it in the pride on the farm and at the co-op when harvest is ended, the paperwork is wrapped up and everyone can celebrate another safe and successful growing season.

“We are proud to be a farmer-owned cooperative, powering communities, making connections, building relationships and helping farmers grow and succeed,” said Kroener.