A Supply Cooperative -- As Farmers See It

Excerpts from the report Summary: The responses of a randomly selected group of farmers in Augusta County, Va., indicate that supply cooperatives in the county are meeting the needs of their patrons. The farmers interviewed depended heavily upon their supply cooperatives, and in most cases they were successful in obtaining needed products and services from them. Ninety-five percent of the farmers interviewed had purchased some supplies from cooperatives in the year preceding the study. Lower prices for products purchased from the cooperatives, convenience, and products and services available when needed were among the advantages cited by the farmers. The farmers also thought cooperatives held competitors’ prices in line. Eighty percent of the farmers could cite no disadvantages in belonging to a cooperative. The farmers believed their county’s major supply cooperative was an efficient operation, was controlled by members, and had been a leader in bringing new farming methods to the area. They also believed the cooperative helped improve their income. The farmers were generally satisfied with the organization, management, and personnel of the cooperative.