After over 22 years working at another larger cooperative in the area, Larry saw an opportunity to return to a better way of doing business when he joined the Farmers Coop Association team in September 2009. "We are more personal towards the customer here," he observed. "That's what's neat about this place, it is service oriented. People are out looking for coops like this. They know bigger isn't always better."
 

At Farmers Coop Association, Larry works in agronomy sales and service out of the Kiester location. He conducts soil sampling, makes fertilizer and seed recommendations, scouts crops for weed and insect pests, and applies crop protection products in season. "It's like it was when I started in this business years ago - a better atmosphere yet with all the modern technology available," he remarked. Larry also earned his Certified Crop Advisor license recently.
 

Larry says he has found a great place to work at Farmers Coop Association. "This is a nice atmosphere and great people," he commented. "I plan on staying here until I retire. I enjoy the people and the transition has been very easy."

After high school, Larry was in the service. Upon his return he went to work for the other coop and ended up working in agronomy. He and his wife, Helen, live on an acreage just outside of Forest City. She owns and operates Alne Acres, a grooming business and boarding kennel for dogs. The Alnes are parents of two children. Josh works for a contractor in Forest City and Ashley is a student at NIACC. When he's not working, Larry works on their acreage where they have sheep. He also enjoys tinkering with old vehicles.