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Cooperatives Remain Relevant to South Dakotans

Posted on: October 10, 2018   |   Category: News Releases

By Doug Sombke, President SDFU, October 9, 2018Supporting the cooperative mission by providing policy support as well as cooperative education to rural youth has been a large focus of South Dakota Farmers Union for more than a century.It continues today because cooperatives remain relevant to South Dakota’s rural communities, farmers and ranchers, serving as a lifeline to technology, electricity, water and many necessary products and services.Because cooperative boards are made up of members, elected by the members, member/owners’ needs are heard, understood and addressed.Unlike a corporate model, where the bottom line is often the only consideration, cooperatives remain a fair platform where members’ interests are come first. Annual meetings are open to members and our vote counts.And, because cooperatives are member-owned, the more business done at the cooperative, the greater the share in profits. Which also means, even during tough times, we all share the burden – spreading the risk and better insuring today’s cooperatives are around to serve us into the future.