Co-op 101
The following is a collection of material to aid in the understanding of the cooperative business model. Due to their unique structure of ownership by customers, cooperatives are often misunderstood, even by those who use them. Additional material about cooperative management can be found in our Newsletter and Presentations sections.
Co-op 101 CD-ROM
Sit back and relax while you watch this lesson introducing the cooperative business model. Previously distributed as a CD-ROM, we have brought our first lesson online. We are still in the process of converting the lesson for online use, but the lesson is fully accessible through the table of contents to the left of the video window.
Lesson 1: Defining Today's Cooperative Business
Defining the Cooperative
Cooperative businesses are a common sight across rural America. Yet, they are often misunderstood—sometimes by those who use them. A basic understanding of their origin, operation, and challenges bring newfound respect for this unique type of business. This brief and informative article describes the cooperative business in familiar terms.
Cooperative Management Letter, CML06-05
The New Generation Cooperative
New generation cooperatives focus on value added processing, allowing the farmer to hold onto a larger share of the consumer dollar and guarantee him a buyer of his commodities. While not strictly “new”, this concept has gained newfound interest as state legislatures contemplate new cooperative business models. This brief article helps to explain the operation of this alternative to the traditional cooperative.
Cooperative Management Letter, CML07-01