FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MANKATO, Minn. (July 25, 2024) — Crystal Valley and New Vision cooperatives are pleased to announce that after a thorough merger study, the Boards of Directors for both organizations have agreed to move forward with a member vote. This vote will determine the potential unification of the two cooperatives. The decision follows an in-depth assessment of the potential benefits and challenges this partnership could offer to our members.
The merger study began in May 2024 and included detailed analyses of the financials, operations, processes, and employee cultures of both companies. Joint Employee Focus Group meetings were conducted in June, followed by New Vision Market Meetings in July. Additionally, a virtual independent Farmer Focus Group meeting, facilitated by Paulsen Agency from Sioux Falls, took place in mid-July.
More definitive dates regarding producer information and producer meetings will be communicated as they are established.
"We are excited to take the next step towards unification after a thorough and collaborative study,” stated New Vision CEO Matt Ashton, “The potential benefits for our members and employees are substantial, and we believe this partnership will strengthen our ability to serve the member-owners. We look forward to the upcoming member vote and the opportunities ahead.”
"Throughout this process, our focus has been ensuring that the unification would provide meaningful advantages for our members. The numerous discussions and in-depth discoveries have shown promising partnerships between Crystal Valley and New Vision. Gene Meyer, Crystal Valley Board Chair, states, “As we move forward with the member vote, we remain committed to transparent communication and making decisions that will benefit our stakeholders long-term."
If the member vote is favorable, the new business entity will officially form March 1, 2025. Members are encouraged to participate in the voting process and to contact a New Vision Board Member with any questions or concerns.
Updates and further information can be found on the Unification Website, and we encourage all members and employees to stay informed and engaged.
Headquartered in Brewster, Minnesota, New Vision has 18 locations and more than 2,200 member-owners in southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and eastern South Dakota. While recognizing their roots back to 1901, New Vision has a strong focus on being a progressive leader to help the success of today’s producers.
From grain marketing and agronomy to feed and livestock production services, New Vision Co-op caters to diverse customer demands. They strive to be the highest quality feed supplier in the area and produce custom feed products for over 30 countries which are shipped all over the world. The Agronomy and Grain teams work together every day to help producers maximize the profitability of their farming operations through technology and updated products and services.
Contact:
Crystal Valley
Mandy Hunecke, Communications Director
Email: communications@crystalvalley.coop
Phone: (507) 726-6455
New Vision Cooperative
Alicia Place, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Email: aplace@newvision.coop
Phone: (507) 842-2028