Refocusing for the Future

This fall marks a season of change not just for me personally, but for Crystal Valley as a whole. I stepped into the role of CEO earlier this year. While I’m still learning the ins and outs of the cooperative, I’ve already seen the strength of our people, assets, and communities.

I grew up on a farm in Wabasso, Minnesota, and that experience continues to shape how I think and lead. I’m a farm kid turned businessman, with a career rooted in agriculture and the cooperative system. Agriculture has always been part of my life, and by staying actively involved in my family’s farm today, I stay grounded in the same realities our members face.

Before joining Crystal Valley, I served as CEO of United Farmers Cooperative and held leadership roles at CHS. My focus has always been the same: serving growers and rural communities across southern Minnesota.

We all know agriculture is under pressure. Input costs are high, margins are thin, and more headwinds are ahead. To remain strong, we need to operate differently. In the months ahead, we will be ultra-focused on streamlining systems, processes, and structure to better utilize our current assets, improving services and driving stronger returns on investment for our member-owners.

I am a firm believer in the cooperative system because it directly benefits the member-owners who choose to do business with us, unlike a multinational or independent competitor whose profits serve themselves. The cooperative system in southern Minnesota has work to do to improve, and I intend to push the limits to make that happen.

We will also focus on working collaboratively, both inside our organization and with neighboring cooperatives. Working together where it makes sense will help minimize overlap in the countryside and strengthen our ability to serve patrons.

There’s no quick fix, but we are putting in the work to ensure Crystal Valley remains a stable, dependable partner for years to come. Thank you for your continued support and trust. I look forward to meeting more of you and building a cooperative that keeps its patrons first.