Conference provides interactive learning experience for the next generation of American agriculture
Representatives and farmers from established and emerging cooperatives provided insights into cooperative careers, leadership, and development. (Provided photo)
WASHINGTON — The National Farmers Union (NFU) hosted 76 students and educators in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last weekend for its annual Cooperative College Conference (CCOC). This three-day conference provides the next generation of American agriculture with an interactive learning experience about the importance, structure, and operation of different types of cooperative groups.
“Cooperatives have long played an important role in strengthening rural and urban communities alike, which is why the Farmers Union established this program decades ago.” NFU Engagement said Emma McCormick, Senior Director. “By giving tomorrow's agricultural leaders a practical application of cooperative business principles and structures, we can inform and prepare them for the many opportunities available through the cooperative model.”
Representatives and farmers from established and emerging cooperatives provided insights into cooperative careers, leadership, and development. Students heard from representatives from Compia Farm Credit, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), CROPP/Organic Valley, North Country Cooperative Foundation, National Cooperative Grocers, and several other Speakers from universities also participated. Additionally, participants visited several local cooperative organizations, including Seward Community Co-op, Riverton Housing Co-op, MY Credit Union, and REI Co-op.
“NFU was founded on the core principles of education, civic engagement and collaboration, and today we proudly build on that foundation through in-person learning experiences like CCOC,” McCormick added. “Thanks to the support of our sponsors, NFU is able to go beyond the farm and ranch gates and provide a collaborative education to young leaders on college campuses across the country.”
This year’s conference is made possible by major supporters: CHS Foundation, Federated Youth Foundation, Blaze Credit Union, and NFU Foundation. The National Farmers Union also provided travel scholarships to several students and hosted the Louis Doering Keynote Luncheon, which included a lecture by Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program Executive Director Brad Schlosser, Ralph K. Morris We are also grateful to the Foundation for its generous contribution.
National Farmers Union We work on behalf of more than 230,000 American farmers and their communities. We envision a world where farmers and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
To learn more about us, visit NFU.org.
–National Farmers Union
