“We’re not the biggest, but we are the best, most personable coop in the area,” remarked General Manager Randy Broesder. “We are built on service, not price.” 
 

With a progressive philosophy, Randy’s goal is to help Farmers Coop Association continue to grow, capitalizing on the substantial growth achieved since 2003. Part of that strategy for Randy includes involving employees in more decision making. “Our staff provides a lot of good insight and imagination,” Randy stated. “We are using that information to improve our service to our customers.” 
 

One of Randy’s personal goals is to support the local communities with Farmers Coop Association locations. “I live and spend here,” he stated. “It’s a philosophy I want our customers to know about and believe in themselves.” In 2010, the coop introduced the “Pumping It Back 2 U” program which results in donations to charities in the Forest City, Kiester, and Leland area based on the number of gallons pumped at the cardtrol locations in Forest City and Kiester.

Farmers Coop Association maintains its headquarters in Forest City, Iowa, where they have grain, LP, retail fuel, and fertilizer facilities. A feed mill is located in Leland, Iowa, and they operate a grain handling location, feed mill, cardtrol island, and fertilizer plant in Kiester, Minnesota. Farmers Coop has also developed a relationship with Christensen Farms to originate grain for them.  
 

Members of Farmers Cooperative Association have built a strong business. “Our balance sheet is very strong,” Randy commented. “We have well-maintained facilities and excellent employees.” 
 

The cooperative system offers great advantages to its members. Purchases of farm inputs from other sources do not result in a dividend being paid back to the farmer as it does in the cooperative system. And there’s no elected board of directors to represent your interests at other retail stores. “I’ve been working in the cooperative system since I graduated from community college,” Randy explained. “I believe in this system which gives its patrons a voice in its direction and success. It’s your business – I will do all I can to make it better.”