Levridge Lingo #1 – What is a Co-op?

By Levridge staff | Updated: Aug 2, 2023 | Accounting , Grain | read

How does a co-op work in the agriculture industry? What and why is split invoicing a thing? What is the difference between load tickets and scale tickets?  We created the “Levridge Lingo” blog series to help explain common agriculture terms. This will provide insight into how the agriculture industry works and give you a deeper understanding of how Levridge is an integral function for commodity processors and ag retailers.

 

To Kick Off This Series, Let’s Start by Defining a Co-op

 

A cooperative, or co-op, is a type of organization that is owned and controlled by its members, who are typically farmers, ranchers, or other agricultural producers. In the agriculture industry, co-ops are often formed to provide collective marketing, purchasing, or other services to their members.

 

How a Co-op Typically Works in the Agriculture Industry

 

Formation

A group of farmers or producers decide to form a co-op to achieve economies of scale and improve their bargaining power in the market. They may form a legal entity, such as a cooperative corporation, and establish bylaws and membership rules.

 

Membership

Farmers or producers who want to join the co-op apply for membership and purchase shares in the co-op. Each member typically has one vote in the co-op’s decision-making process, regardless of the size of their shareholding.

 

Services

The co-op provides various services to its members, such as collective marketing, purchasing of supplies and equipment, processing, storage, transportation, and financing. The co-op may negotiate with buyers and sellers on behalf of its members and distribute the profits among them.

 

Governance

The co-op is governed by a board of directors elected by the members. The board is responsible for setting policies, making strategic decisions, and overseeing the operations of the co-op. Members may also have a say in the decision-making process through meetings and voting.

 

Benefits

Members of the co-op benefit from economies of scale, reduced transaction costs, improved market access, and shared risks and rewards. They also have a sense of community and solidarity with other farmers or producers.

 

Co-ops play an important role in the agriculture industry by helping small and medium-sized farmers to compete with larger players in the market, access resources and services, and improve their profitability and sustainability.

 

More Levridge Lingo Blogs: