Farmers Coop and Panhandle Coop have signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of a merger next March 1st, and the Farmers Coop board is holding three Town Hall meetings on Thursday to explain the proposal.
This first is at 9:00 in the morning at the Gordon Country Club, the second is at 1:00 south of Hay Springs in Mirage Flats at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, with the last in Hemingford at 4:00 in the St Bridget’s Catholic Church Parish Hall.
All are open to the public and not limited to Farmers Coop members. The board says the meetings provide a platform to share information about the proposed merger, address any concerns or questions, and get valuable input.
Both boards say a merger will offer patrons a broader range of services, increased access to markets, and the potential for improved bargaining power – all leading to mutual growth and strengthening the agricultural industry in the entire region.
The boards say Farmers and Panhandle share similar values with a merger as an opportunity to combine their expertise, resources, and strategies for economies of scale and to better meet the changing demands of the market.
The basic proposal is for specialized divisions dedicated to agronomy, livestock feed and management, grain, energy, market analysis, and retail grocery. The boards say it will empower patrons to retain their insights and expertise, while also benefiting from the collective power of the larger, unified co-op.
They also see a merger as benefiting the region through investment in infrastructure, educational programs, and social initiatives – all enriching the lives of both farmers and non-farming residents alike