Ag cooperative paying back members
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana-based agriculture and energy cooperative Co-Alliance Cooperative, Inc. has announced it will be paying $57 million in patronage to eligible farmer-members who did business with the cooperative in 2023. Of that, $50 million will be paid back in cash, while the remaining $7 million will be returned in equity. This amount represents an exceptional cash return as a member-owned business, according to a press release, reflecting the profitable year the cooperative business had.
Fifty-three percent of Co-Alliance’s 2023 net income will be paid back in patronage, which will arrive to members in January 2024. The remaining profit will be reinvested into the cooperative’s assets to ensure Co-Alliance is prepared to service today’s member owners and the next generation of farm families. It is projected that $80 million will be reinvested in capital improvements to better service the membership.
Co-Alliance will have its annual meeting Jan. 9 in Indianapolis. Learn more at co-alliance.com.
Cover crop conference coming up
INDIANAPOLIS – The Midwest Cover Crops Council will host its 2024 annual meeting and conference Feb. 13-14 at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Airport.
The MCCC is a collaboration of researchers, extension staff, farmers, agencies and industry with the mission of facilitating widespread adoption of cover crops across the Midwest.
The Feb. 13 session is the annual meeting and will consist mostly of state and province reports. The first day will conclude with a reception, including a graduate student poster competition. The second day, Feb. 14, is a typical conference program with keynote presentation by Dr. Rob Myers, the director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture and SARE regional director of extension programs. There will also be a farmer panel and a general session by Barry Fisher, Indian farmer and retired soil health specialist. Breakout sessions include cover crops, grazing and specialty crops.
One- or two-day registrations are available. Early bird registration ends Dec. 15.
Details and registration is at midwestcovercrops.org/meetings.
Homemakers gauging interest on leadership program
GREENFIELD – Local extension homemakers are gauging interest on a new leadership program.
I-LEaD (Indiana Leadership, Education and Development) is a program of the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association, designed to grow the confidence and leadership skills of members. Those who would like to learn more should contact Debbi Green, [email protected] or call 317-249-0781.
