INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. (KFGO) – Farmers in west-central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota are about to see some changes. On Nov. 26, 2024, members of West Central Ag Services, a cooperative based in Ulen, Minn., voted to sell their cooperative to CHS, the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S. and a major player in global agribusiness.
The deal, expected to close soon, will bring West Central Ag Services into the CHS family as a new business unit called CHS West Central. This move is part of CHS’s broader strategy to grow its agricultural supply chain and improve market access for farmers.
Duane Brendemuhl, president and chair of the West Central Ag Services board, is optimistic about the future. “Our members agreed that CHS is the best fit for our cooperative,” he said. “This partnership connects our farmers to the global marketplace efficiently and ensures long-term strength and value for our owners.”
West Central Ag Services currently provides grain and agronomy services to over 3,000 members across 14 locations. By joining CHS, they will gain access to a much larger supply chain, which means more opportunities for farmers to sell their products and access needed inputs.
For local farmers, this transition is expected to bring benefits like stronger market connections and expanded resources. CHS’s executive vice president of ag retail, Rick Dusek, emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to its members. “We are excited to welcome West Central Ag Services members and employees to CHS,” he said. “Together, we’ll connect more producers to the global ag supply chain and provide broad market access for all our farmer-owners.”
CHS operates in 16 states, serving approximately 450 communities.
Sources: West Central Ag Services, CHS
Comments