Great News On the Co-op Front

Wallaces Farmer posted an article on the USDA’s recently released annual report on co-operatives.

USDA recently released its annual report on cooperatives, saying the nation’s top 100 co-ops again set a record for net income in 2015.

Net income for the nation’s agricultural cooperatives soared by 14% last year, according to data released Oct. 5 by USDA. In its annual report on national cooperative business sales, USDA reported that the country’s farmer, rancher and fishery co-ops posted record net income of $7 billion in 2015.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak praises the co-operative business model, stating:

While the model has long been one of the hallmarks of rural economies, its reach has greatly expanded to include almost every aspect of U.S. commerce. The latest data show cooperatives are a key to building stronger and more vital communities, particularly in rural areas.”