2025: A Year in Review

By David Cramer, President & CEO
As we move through 2025, I want to reflect on the tremendous momentum our cooperative has built and the opportunities ahead. This year, our employees and facilities have continued to perform at an exceptional level, delivering prompt, reliable service across all divisions. I extend my sincere appreciation to our dedicated employees and our member-owners for your continued loyalty and trust.

Most of our core divisions have performed strongly, and we continue to capture efficiencies that deliver solid returns on investment. The United Cooperative Board has approved several major construction and expansion projects to better serve our customers. Below is an update on the projects that have been completed in 2025:

• Center Valley – A complete Agronomy facility and 4.2-million-bushel grain storage facility with a 7,000 bu/hr dryer, high speed receiving pits and rail car loading. Completed.
• Hillsboro – Dry fertilizer plant expansion. Completed.
• Johnson Creek – New faster fertilizer receiving pit and leg. Completed.
• Mayville – construction of a new agronomy facility with office and warehousing. Completed.
• Necedah –1.4 million bushel grain bin. Completed
• Westfield – New fertilizer blending tower. Completed.
• Waupun - Soybean Processing Plant. Completed.

The current crop year has brought strong performance across much of our geography. While spring planting came with its usual challenges, advancements in seed technology, crop genetics, and modern farming practices helped producers overcome environmental hurdles. Large volumes of spring inputs were delivered thanks to ongoing investments in hard assets, rolling stock, and our expanded H2A program. Thank you to our seasonal teams, full-time employees, and supplier partners for supporting the level of service our members expect.

This year’s harvest moved quickly and efficiently, running ahead of typical seasonal averages. Crop moisture levels were low, and yields remained favorable. As demand continues to grow, we are actively evaluating and expanding our grain storage and receiving capacity to ensure we are prepared for 2026 and beyond. A substantial amount of fall fertilizer was also applied, positioning us well for a more balanced spring workload.

December 31 marks the end of our fiscal year, and while final audited financials will be completed in early 2026, internal reports indicate another strong year for the cooperative. Our continued success is built on thoughtful planning, reliable execution, product availability, excellent customer service, and, most importantly, the loyalty of our member-owners. Thank you for your ongoing support.

For more than 30 years, the National Cooperative Bank (NCB) has published the Co-op 100, which highlights the country’s top cooperatives across all industries. United Cooperative ranked 29th among agricultural cooperatives and 54th overall in the most recent listing. CropLife magazine also recognized United Cooperative as 17th on its annual CropLife 100 list.

While these recognitions are an honor, our true measure of success is the value we return to our member-owners. Strong patronage returns and ongoing reinvestment into facilities, equipment, and infrastructure continue to demonstrate our commitment to protecting and growing shareholder value.

As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains on evolving alongside our farmers and delivering a customer experience built on trust, reliability, and partnership. We encourage you to work closely with your United Cooperative advisors as you prepare for the year ahead. Early planning and execution remain essential drivers of success for both your farm and your cooperative.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support throughout 2025. I look forward to a strong and prosperous 2026 together.