NCERA210: Improving the management and effectiveness of cooperatively owned businesses and non-profit organizations

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Active

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[02/04/2024] [02/14/2025] [11/07/2025]

Date of Annual Report: 02/04/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/05/2023 - 12/05/2023
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023

Participants

Bhuyan, Sanjib (Rutgers University); Boerngen, Maria (Illinois State University); Boland, Michael A (University of Minnesota); Briggeman, Brian (Kansas State University); Elliott, Matthew S (South Dakota State University); Franken, Jason (Western Illinois University); Gardner, Justin (Middle Tennessee State University); Herchenbach, Jody (University of Nebraska - Kearney); Jacobs, Keri (University of Missouri); Kenkel, Philip (Oklahoma State University); Olson, Frayne (North Dakota State University); Park, John (Texas AgriLife Research); Schmit, Todd (Cornell University); Schweiss, Kristi (North Dakota State University); Secor, William (University of Georgia) Webster, Megan (Wisconsin Cooperative Extension)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved and Megan Webster provided a financial report. Kristi Schweiss was elected secretary, Jody Herchenbach was promoted to vice chair and Will Secor ascended to the chair position. Justin Gardner stepped down as chair. Phil Kenkel provided updates on the Journal of Cooperatives and announced the completion of a new textbook on agricultural cooperatives, which will be published in 2024. The group discussed the feasibility of a proceeding-style issue for the journal of cooperatives and voted to encourage presenters at the NCERA-210 meeting to submit their work to the journal. Brian Briggeman led a discussion about an updated NCFC Cooperative Education Roundtable.

Accomplishments

Outputs (Publications): <ul> <li>Bhuyan, S. & Karantininis, K. 2023. "How to Measure Cooperative Performance using Organizational Effectiveness and Participation," Chapter 8, in M. Boland & M. Elliot (eds). Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618">http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618</a></li> <li>Boland M. & M. Elliot (eds). Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618">http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618</a></li> <li>Kashyap, D. and Bhuyan, S. 2023, "Accessing value-added market through cooperatives: a case study of Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti Ltd., India," Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 399-417. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2021-0131">https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2021-0131</a>.</li> <li>Franken, J.R.V., M.L. Cook, and J.M.E. Pennings. 2022. “Producer Risk Aversion and Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives” Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, 10(2): 100171. Pub date: 2022/12/1</li> <li>Franken, J. and J. Grashuis. 2023. “New Generation Cooperatives: What we Know and Need to Learn.” in Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals, ed: Mathew Elliott and Michael Boland. Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 83-99. pub date: 2023/2/7</li> <li>Gardner, J., J. Franken, and M. Boerngen. 2022. “A Research Agenda for Cooperatives.” Journal of Cooperatives, 36: 38-66.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M., F.C. Tamarkin, & R.M. Severson. 2023. Differential economic impacts for cooperative business structures: An application to farmer-owned cooperatives in New York State. Ch. 19 (pp. 292-312) in Research Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, M. Boland & M. Elliot, eds. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, UK.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M., R. Stamm, & R.M. Severson. 2022. Engaged learning: Linking course instruction and extension programming. Applied Economics & Teaching Resources, 4(2):69-83.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. 2023. Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program Report. In 2022 Annual Report of the Northeast Cooperative Council. March.</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Shanoyan, A., Low, S., Miller, B. (2023). A Qualitative Assessment of Farmer Director Skills in Agricultural Cooperatives. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 26(4), 655-672. https://www.ifama.org/ifamr-journal</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 4 of 4): A Tool to Evaluate Director’s Skill Levels and Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 3 of 4): Identifying the Most Important Director Skills. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 2 of 4): Existing Skill Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 1 of 4): Skills Needed to be Engaged and Knowledgeable Directors. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Li, Y. 2023. Needs assessment and financial feasibility of solar sheep grazing cooperatives in the Northeast United States. MS Thesis. Cornell University. (T.M. Schmit, Thesis advisor)</li> <li>Mashange, B.C. Briggeman. “Dynamic Pro-Forma Tool for Farmer Cooperatives.” Poster Presented at Extension Risk Management Education Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 2023.</li> <li>Nienhaus, R., J.R.V. Franken, and J.M.E. Pennings. 2022. “Hedging behavior of agribusiness cooperatives and investor-owned firms in Germany.” Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, 11(2), 100219. Pub date: 2023/12/1</li> <li>Secor, W., and Boland, M.A. (2023). The role of the farmer and their cooperative in supply chain governance: a US perspective. In Elliott, M.S., and Boland, M.A. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals (pp. 185-192). Edward Elgar Publishing.</li> <li>Boland, M.A., Byrne, N., Carroll, B., McCarthy, O., Pitts, S., and Secor, W. (A) (2023). A framework for understanding the role of producers in governance of supply chains. In Elliott, M.S., and Boland, M.A. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals (pp. 166-171). Edward Elgar Publishing.</li> </ul> Outputs (Presentations): <ul> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Equity Management Strategies.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Income Distribution Strategies.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative Finance Workshop.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative Finance Foundations.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Issues Facing Cooperatives.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative Principles.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative History and Principles.” Rural Grocery Initiative Cooperative Stakeholder Meeting, Manhattan, KS, December 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Dynamic Proforma Financial Statement Tool – Kanza Cooperative.” Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Interest Rate Outlook and Implications for Agriculture.” Michigan Ag Credit Conference, East Lansing, MI, October 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Data Trends in Rural Grocery Purchasing Cooperative Survey.” Virtual Discussion, October 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative Research and Education Update.” Leadership Symposium for Cooperatives, Manhattan, KS, August 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Skills Assessment in a Co-op Board Room.” 2023 Board Officer’s Workshop: Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, Ames, IA, July 2023</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Updates to the Dynamic Proforma Financial Tool for Farmer Cooperatives.” CoBank, Wichita, KS, June 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Leveraging the Cooperative Model to Create Member Value.” 2023 IFAMA World Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, June 2023</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “EMAW Co-op Spraying Game.” Co-ops 101 for Cooperative Interns: Kansas Cooperative Council, Garden City, KS, May 2023</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Co-op Finance Basics.” Co-ops 101 for Cooperative Interns: Kansas Cooperative Council, Garden City, KS, May 2023</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Remaining Relevant to Members: Thinking Beyond Patronage.” CFO Roundtable Bull Session, Kansas City, MO, May 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Building Trusted Relationships with Farmers.” SE Ag Lenders School, Greenville, SC, May 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Garden City Co-op’s Financial Position and Insights from Very Large Cooperatives.” Garden City Co-op Board Meeting, Garden City, KS, March 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “The U.S. Ag Economy: How are we looking?” Mid-America Farm Expo, Salina, KS, March 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Value of the Cooperative Model – Bull Session.” CEO Roundtable, Kansas City, MO, March 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Cooperative Education Needs.” National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Orlando, FL, February 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Application of the Cooperative Model to Rural Grocery Stores in Kansas.” Rural Grocery Initiative, Iola, KS, January 2023</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Utilizing a Dynamic Pro Forma Financial Tool for Cooperatives.” CoBank, Wichita, KS, January 2023.</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., “Future Landscape of Farmer Cooperatives.” Alliance Ag and Grain, LLC Strategic Planning Meeting, Mulvane, KS, January 2023.</li> <li>Bhuyan, S., Karantininis, K. & Kinikli, F., 2023. “An Assessment of the Organizational Effectiveness of Farmer-owned Businesses: Cases from Turkey and Greece,” Contributed Paper, XVII Congress of the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE), Rennes, France, August 29-September 1, 2023.</li> <li>Bhuyan, S., Karantininis, K. & Kinikli, F., 2023. “Using Organizational Effectiveness to Assess Performance of Selected Cooperatives in Greece and Turkey,” ICA CCR Global and European Cooperative Research Conference 2023, Leuven, Belgium, July 10-13, 2023.</li> <li>Gardner, J.G. “The Cooperative Development Challenge” Selected Paper, NCERA-210 Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, 05 December 2023</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S. (Author & Presenter). Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) Intern Retreat, "Cooperatives' Role and Value," Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC), Kearney, NE. (June 14, 2023).</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S. (Author & Presenter), Weber, R. (Author & Presenter). Frenchman Valley Cooperative Board of Directors Retreat, "Director Skills - Frenchman Valley Board," Frenchman Valley Cooperative, Imperial, NE. (March 21, 2023).</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S. (Author & Presenter), Briggeman, B. C. (Author). Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) Graduate Director Program, "Developing the Most Important Skills for Directors," Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC), Kearney, NE. (January 4, 2023).</li> <li>Huang, B., T.M. Schmit, & X. Kong. 2022. Higher member heterogeneity improves cooperative performance? Evidence from cooperative unions in China. Working Paper WP 2022-02, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. USA. Under Review: Agribusiness: An International Journal.</li> <li>T.M. 2023. Needs Assessment and Financial Feasibility for Solar Sheep Grazing Cooperatives, with R.M. Severson and Y. Li, Selected Paper, NCERA-210 Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, 05 December 2023.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. Cornell’s Cooperative Enterprise Program – 2023 Program Update, Cooperative Leaders Forum, Northeast Cooperative Council, Albany, NY, 01 March 2023.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. 2023 Decision Making in Cooperatives: How Would You Act, College Conference on Cooperatives, National Farmers Union Foundation, Bloomington, MN. 17 February 2023</li> </ul> Activities (Grants): <ul> <li>Briggeman, B.C. USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant “Supporting Rural Grocery Stores Through Cooperative Development,” $198,399. Project PI: R. Carver. Co-PI: B.C. Briggeman, 2023.</li> <li>M. Schmit and R.M. Severson. Cooperative Industry Education and Networking. Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University, Warren Teaching Endowment, 07.01.22 – 06.30.25, $16,220.</li> <li>M. Schmit (PI), R.M. Severson (co-I). Building economic and social equality through employee-owned enterprises. USDA, NIFA, Smith Lever, 10.01.21–09.30.24, $73,673.</li> <li>M. Schmit (PI), R.M. Severson (co-I), & M.N. LeRoux (co-I). A New Dawn for Shepherds: Grazing Sheep under Utility-scale Solar Arrays. USDA, AMS, Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, 09.30.21–09.29.24, $250,000.</li> <li>M. Schmit (PI) & R.M. Severson (co-I). Cooperative Extension Education & Outreach, Northeast Cooperative Council, 07.01.21 – 06.30.24, 136,343.</li> <li>M. Schmit (PI) & R.M. Severson (co-I). Cooperative Extension Education & Outreach, Dairylea Foundation Legacy Fund, Northeast Cooperative Council, 07.01.21 – 06.30.24, 30,000</li> </ul> Activities (Programs and Program Administration) <ul> <li>Boland, M. A., Co-op Director / Manager Edcation Workshop, "Current Issues in Governance," UMN, Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, United States. (August 10, 2023).</li> <li>Boland, M. A., Co-op Director / Manager Education Workshop, "Current Issues in Cooperative Finance and Accounting," UMN, Lamberton, Minnesota, United States. (March 10, 2023).</li> <li>Boland, M. A., Co-op Director / Manager Education. Workshop, "Current Issues in Cooperative Finance and Accounting," UWCC and UMN, Mankato, Minnesota, United States. (January 5, 2023).</li> <li>Boland, M. A., Co-op Director / Manager Education Workshop, "Director Compensation and Evaluation," UWCC and UMN, Mankato, Minnesota, United States. (January 4, 2023).Briggeman B.C., CEO Roundtable for Cooperative Managers: March 2023 (Kansas City, MO).</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., CFO Roundtable on Cooperative Finance: May 2023 (Kansas City, MO).</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., K-State Symposium on Cooperative Issues: August 2023 (Manhattan, KS).</li> <li>Briggeman B.C., Kansas Cooperative Council’s Co-ops 101 for Cooperative Interns: May 2023.</li> <li>Schmit T.M., Faculty Director, Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.</li> <li>Schmit T.M., Faculty Liaison, Northeast Cooperative Council, New York. USA</li> <li>Gardner, J.G., “The Cooperative development Challenge, Tennessee FFA State Convention” Gatlinburg TN, March 19-22, 2023</li> <li>Gardner, J.G., Ex Offico Director, Tennessee Council of Cooperatives</li> </ul>   Activities (University Instruction) <ul> <li>Briggeman B.C., AGEC 470 Cooperative Management</li> <li>T.M. Cooperative Business Management (AEM 3260/5260), Cornell University, N=20 students, Spring 2023.</li> </ul>

Publications

<ul> <li>Bhuyan, S. & Karantininis, K. 2023. "How to Measure Cooperative Performance using Organizational Effectiveness and Participation," Chapter 8, in M. Boland & M. Elliot (eds). Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618">http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618</a></li> <li>Boland M. & M. Elliot (eds). Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618">http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781802202618</a></li> <li>Kashyap, D. and Bhuyan, S. 2023, "Accessing value-added market through cooperatives: a case study of Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti Ltd., India," Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 399-417. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2021-0131">https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2021-0131</a>.</li> <li>Franken, J.R.V., M.L. Cook, and J.M.E. Pennings. 2022. “Producer Risk Aversion and Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives” Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, 10(2): 100171. Pub date: 2022/12/1</li> <li>Franken, J. and J. Grashuis. 2023. “New Generation Cooperatives: What we Know and Need to Learn.” in Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals, ed: Mathew Elliott and Michael Boland. Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 83-99. pub date: 2023/2/7</li> <li>Gardner, J., J. Franken, and M. Boerngen. 2022. “A Research Agenda for Cooperatives.” Journal of Cooperatives, 36: 38-66.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M., F.C. Tamarkin, & R.M. Severson. 2023. Differential economic impacts for cooperative business structures: An application to farmer-owned cooperatives in New York State. Ch. 19 (pp. 292-312) in Research Handbook on Cooperatives and Mutuals, M. Boland & M. Elliot, eds. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, UK.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M., R. Stamm, & R.M. Severson. 2022. Engaged learning: Linking course instruction and extension programming. Applied Economics & Teaching Resources, 4(2):69-83.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. 2023. Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program Report. In 2022 Annual Report of the Northeast Cooperative Council. March.</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Shanoyan, A., Low, S., Miller, B. (2023). A Qualitative Assessment of Farmer Director Skills in Agricultural Cooperatives. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 26(4), 655-672. https://www.ifama.org/ifamr-journal</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 4 of 4): A Tool to Evaluate Director’s Skill Levels and Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 3 of 4): Identifying the Most Important Director Skills. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 2 of 4): Existing Skill Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 1 of 4): Skills Needed to be Engaged and Knowledgeable Directors. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</li> <li>Li, Y. 2023. Needs assessment and financial feasibility of solar sheep grazing cooperatives in the Northeast United States. MS Thesis. Cornell University. (T.M. Schmit, Thesis advisor)</li> <li>Mashange, B.C. Briggeman. “Dynamic Pro-Forma Tool for Farmer Cooperatives.” Poster Presented at Extension Risk Management Education Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 2023.</li> <li>Nienhaus, R., J.R.V. Franken, and J.M.E. Pennings. 2022. “Hedging behavior of agribusiness cooperatives and investor-owned firms in Germany.” Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, 11(2), 100219. Pub date: 2023/12/1</li> <li>Secor, W., and Boland, M.A. (2023). The role of the farmer and their cooperative in supply chain governance: a US perspective. In Elliott, M.S., and Boland, M.A. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals (pp. 185-192). Edward Elgar Publishing.</li> <li>Boland, M.A., Byrne, N., Carroll, B., McCarthy, O., Pitts, S., and Secor, W. (A) (2023). A framework for understanding the role of producers in governance of supply chains. In Elliott, M.S., and Boland, M.A. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals (pp. 166-171). Edward Elgar Publishing.</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

NCERA-210 has had a significant impact on both the scholarship related to agricultural cooperatives and the management of agricultural cooperatives. The single largest impact of the groups in 2023 was the completion and publication of a handbook on cooperatives, this handbook can be used by cooperative scholars, leaders, and other stakeholders. Counting all publications the group has generate no less than 18 pieces of scholarly literature, and well over 50 presentations aimed at improving the financial performance of cooperatives.

Date of Annual Report: 02/14/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/14/2024 - 11/18/2024
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see attached file below for NCERA201's 2024 report.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/07/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/01/2025 - 10/02/2025
Period the Report Covers: 11/18/2024 - 10/02/2025

Participants

Bhuyan, Sanjib (Rutgers University); Boland, Michael A (University of Minnesota); Braggs, Kayla (Florida A&M); Briggeman, Brian (Kansas State University); Ellis, Dana (Elroy Webster Scholarship); Franken, Jason (University of Missouri); Fulton, Murray (University of Saskatchewan); Gardner, Justin (Middle Tennessee State University); Grott, Abby (University of Wisconsin); Hassanizadeh, Behnam (Oklahoma State University); Herchenbach, Jody (University of Nebraska - Kearney); Jacobs, Keri (University of Missouri); Kenkel, Philip (Oklahoma State University); Lucena, Luiza (University of Minnesota); Marty, Katie; Nelson, William (Ralph K. Morris Foundation); Olson, Frayne (North Dakota State University); Santillana, Summer (Cornell University); Schmit, Todd (Cornell University); Schweiss, Kristi (North Dakota State University); Secor, William (University of Georgia); Tommell, Nicole (Cornell University); Webster, Megan (Wisconsin Cooperative Extension)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved and Brian Briggeman provided a final financial report. Frayne Olson was elected secretary, Brian Briggeman will remain as treasurer, Phil Kenkel was promoted to vice chair and Kristi Schweiss ascended to the chair position. Jody Herchenbach stepped down as chair. Phil Kenkel provided updates on the Journal of Cooperatives. The group discussed the anchoring to another event for future in-person meetings, such as how it was conducted in 2025. The plan is to continue forward with NC-1177/NACC for next year. NCERA-210 will need to be reauthorized in 2028 so the paperwork will be completed in fall of 2027.

Accomplishments

Outputs (Publications): <ul> <li>Beeler, Ashley, Dayton M. Lambert, Phil Kenkel, and B. Wade Brorsen (2025), “The Effect of a Cooperative Grain Alliance on Wheat Basis” Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, September 2025</li> <li>Bhuyan, S., Karantininis, K. & Kinikli, F., 2025. “An Assessment of the Organizational Effectiveness of Farmer Cooperatives: Cases from Greece, Sweden, and Turkey,” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMA) (under review).</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C. and G. Mashange. “Impact of Section 199A(g) on Local Grain Marketing and Farm Supply Cooperatives.” ACCC Fact Sheet Series, November 2024.</li> <li>Grashuis, J.; Franken, J. R. V. “Why are there fewer and fewer cooperatives in the agricultural sector? A survival analysis within a competing risk framework.” Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics (2025), Vol. 96 (1), p. 5-21. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apce.12493">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apce.12493</a></li> <li>Herchenbach, J., B.C. Briggeman and J. Bergtold. “Valuing Trust: An Application to Agricultural Lending.” Agricultural Finance Review, forthcoming.</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Shanoyan, A., Low, S., Miller, B. (2024). A Skills Gap Analysis of Farmer Directors of U.S. Farmer Cooperatives. Agribusiness: An International Journal. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21997">https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21997</a></li> <li>Jacobs, K. L., Berner, C. “The Role of Right Mix and Board Development Practices in Governance Outcomes.” CGRI Research Brief. University of Wisconsin, Center for Cooperatives, December 2024.</li> <li>Kenkel, Phil, Agricultural Cooperatives, 1st Edition, Congella Academic Publishing, 2025 (18 Chapters)</li> <li>Kenkel,P. “Farmers Cooperative Association Casestudy” created for cooperative education project sponsored by Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) and CHS, 9-23-2025</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Why are Cooperatives Prominent in U.S. Agriculture” Southern Ag Today, 3-14-2025 <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/14/why-are-cooperatives-prominent-in-u-s-agriculture/">https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/14/why-are-cooperatives-prominent-in-u-s-agriculture/</a></li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Understanding the Section 199A Tax Deduction” Southern Ag Today 6-6-2025 <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2025/06/06/understanding-the-section-199a-tax-deduction/">https://southernagtoday.org/2025/06/06/understanding-the-section-199a-tax-deduction/</a></li> <li>Kenkel, P. R B. Holcomb, M. Carvalho, and R. Radmehr,  “Cost-Effective Strategies for Feral Swine Control: Exploring Trapping Equipment Cooperatives” Human–Wildlife Interactions, Vol. 18 Issue 3, 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Manager Evaluations”, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Cooperative Management Letter, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Asking Questions”, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Cooperative Management Letter, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Evaluating the Cooperative Manager” Southern Ag Today, January 31, 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Members Are the Key to Cooperative Success” Southern Ag Today, April, 2025</li> <li>Santillana, S. and T.M. Schmit. 2025. Estimating the association of social capital and participation in cooperatives and influence cooperative membership on farm profitability. Working Paper, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.</li> <li>Santillana, S., S. Li, T.M. Schmit, N. Tommell, & R.M. Severson. 2025. Financial feasibility of solar sheep grazing service cooperatives. Working Paper, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. and C. Laughton. 2024. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.farmcrediteast.com/resources/Industry-Trends-and-Outlooks/Reports/2410KEP_NorthEastEconomicEngine__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AkQr9Dx7ISoMSAjWamC1V62nOBt4ZaLL8iekPx2UDv8tB2KAN9fPtsLYrkJsEc4Q0UkKnN3AIPZZb2kt2mbT$">The Northeast Economic Engine: Agriculture, Forest Products, Commercial Fishing and Food Manufacturing</a>. Knowledge Exchange Partner, Volume 19, Issue 10. Farm Credit East. October.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. 2024. Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program Report. In 2023 Annual Report of the Northeast Cooperative Council. March.</li> <li>Severson, R.M. O.G. Dunn-Hindle, & T.M. Schmit, T.M. 2024. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/dyson.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/EB_2024-08-VD.pdf__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AkQr9Dx7ISoMSAjWamC1V62nOBt4ZaLL8iekPx2UDv8tB2KAN9fPtsLYrkJsEc4Q0UkKnN3AIPZZb6MndiGf$">Worker Cooperatives: A Solution to Small Business Ownership Succession. The Owner’s Decision to Sell & The Employees’ Decision to Buy</a>. EB 2024-08, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University.Schmit, T.</li> </ul>   Outputs (Presentations): <ul> <li>Boland, M.A. and J. Park. Director Leadership Training Workshop: Finance. Minnesota Cooperatives. Mankato, MN January 6, 2025.</li> <li>Boland, M.A. and J. Park. 2025. Director Leadership Training Workshop: Finance. Montana Cooperatives. Billings, MT January 8, 2025.</li> <li>Boland, M.A. 2025. Case Studies on Cooperatives. California Center for Cooperative Development. Sacramento, CA February 6-7, 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Equity Redemption Strategies.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Patronage Income Distribution Policy.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “The Importance of Cash Flow.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Building and Analyzing Cooperative Financial Statements.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Thinking Like a CFO.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Financial Drivers Facing Cooperatives.” Emerging Leaders: Building a Cooperative Finance Foundation, Manhattan, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Marketplace Business Solutions Simulation Game.” Strategic Financial Management for Cooperatives, Wichita, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Growth and Investment in the Future.” Strategic Financial Management for Cooperatives, Wichita, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Capital Allocation.” Strategic Financial Management for Cooperatives, Wichita, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Introduction to Strategic Financial Management.” Strategic Financial Management for Cooperatives, Wichita, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “EMAW Spraying Game.” KCC Co-ops 101 for Employees, Dodge City, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Introduction to Co-op Finance, Patronage, and Equity.” KCC Co-ops 101 for Employees, Dodge City, KS, July 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “The Evolving Cooperative Landscape in the United States.” IFAMA World Conference, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, June 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Examining Implications of the Evolving Cooperative Landscape.” Garden City Cooperative Leadership Retreat, Manhattan, KS, April 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Rethinking the Cooperative System for Future Success – Bull Session.” CEO Roundtable, Olathe, KS, April 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Proforma Analysis for Cooperatives.” Advanced Directors Training – Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, Ames, IA, March 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Building a Financially Resilient Cooperative.” Advanced Directors Training – Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, Ames, IA, March 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Strategic Direction for Cooperatives.” Producers Cooperative Association, virtual, February 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Cooperative Education Roundtable.” NCFC Annual Meeting, La Quinta, CA, February 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Financial Benchmarking.” Kanza Cooperative, virtual.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Strategic Direction and Goals.” Scott Cooperative Association Board Planning Retreat, Scott City, KS, January 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Importance of Margins.” Scott Cooperative Association Board Planning Retreat, Scott City, KS, January 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Evolving Cooperative Landscape.” Scott Cooperative Association Board Planning Retreat, Scott City, KS, January 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Financial Benchmarking.” Scott Cooperative Association Board Planning Retreat, Scott City, KS, January 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Assessing Directors’ Skills.” Scott Cooperative Association Board Planning Retreat, Scott City, KS, January 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Equity Management Strategies.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Income Distribution Strategies.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Cooperative Finance Workshop.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Cooperative Finance Foundations.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Issues Facing Cooperatives.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Cooperative Principles.” Kansas Director Development Program, Wichita, KS, December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Agricultural Inputs and Market Shifts: Farmer Cooperatives.” Midwest Agriculture Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Chicago, IL. December 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., “Building a Resilient Cooperative.” KCC Executive Director Development Program, Manhattan, KS. November 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C. and G Mashange. “Impact of the Section 199a(g) Deduction on Farmer Cooperatives.” Selected presentation at the AAEA Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, 2025.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C. and G Mashange. “Impact of the Section 199a(g) Deduction on Farmer Cooperatives.” Selected presentation at the NCERA 210 Annual Meeting, Virtual, 2024.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C. and G Mashange. “Impact of the Section 199a Deduction on Farmer Cooperatives.” Selected presentation at the NC-1177 Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO, 2024.</li> <li>Hassanizadeh, B. and P. Kenkel, “Correlation of Count-level Grain Production and Implications for Cooperative Mergers” NCRA-210 2025 Annual Meeting, Omaha Nebraska 10-2-2025</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. NCFC HR Conference. Louisville, KY. Sep. 2025. N = 75</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. AgriBank 2025 District Conference. Minneapolis, MN. Sep. 2025, N = 225.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Missouri Institute of Cooepratives’ Intern Session. Virtual. July 2025. N = 27</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. NECC Annual Meeting and Leaders Forum. Syracuse, NY. March 2025. N = 125.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. NCFC Annual Meeting, Directors Education Conference Session. La Quinta, CA. February 2025. N = 150.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. NCFC Annual Meeting, Cooperative Education Luncheon. La Quinta, CA. February 2025. N = 50.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. CHS’s Cooperative Leadership Conference. Huntington Beach, CA. January 2025. N = 300.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. GROWMARK’s Cooperative Leadership Conference. Cancun, Mexico. January 2025. N = 60.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. MFA Emerging Leaders Program. Camdenton, MO. January 2025. N = 55.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Nebraska Cooperative Council’s Director Certification Program. Kearney, NE. January 2025. N = 60.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. “Cooperative Value in Action.” CHS Podcast episode 3. Dec. 18, 2024.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. “The Role of Cooperatives in Global Food and Fuel Systems.” Whole Grain Podcast episode 48. April 1, 2025.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Presentations, workshops, and training for individual cooperatives/organizations totaling 17 events to 13 different cooperatives. N = 214. (Cooperatives not listed as these were private events.)</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting. West Des Moines, IA. Dec. 2024. N = 400.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. “New Leaders Forum & Exec Leadership Team.” CHS Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN Dec. 2024 N = 120.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. NW Ag Cooperative Council’s Northwest Regional Cooperative Institute. Spokane, WA. November 2024. N = 150.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. CEO Roundtables. Chicago, IL. October 2024. N = 10.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. “Section 199A and Ag Cooperatives’ New Role in Pooling and Distributing Tax Deductions.” Agribusiness Economics & Management Section Track Session, AAEA Annual Meeting, July 2025.</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Sustainable Growth Rate” presented for Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Academy with open access to other viewers, 8-27-2025</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Profit Distribution in Cooperative Firms” presented for Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Academy with open access to other viewers, 9-17-2025</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Overview of Equity Management Systems” presented for Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Academy with open access to other viewers, 10-22-25</li> <li>Kenkel, P. Attitudes of Wheat Elevator Managers Toward an AI Assisted Wheat Grading Decision Aid’ WERA-72 Committee on Agribusiness, 2025 Annual Meeting, Fresno California, 6-4-2025</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “The History and Logic of Cooperative Taxation” Track Session, 2025 AAEA Annual Meeting,</li> <li>Olson, F.E. “Future of Local Cooperatives.” North Dakota Cooperative Managers Association Spring Statewide. Fargo, ND. April 11, 2025. N = 60.</li> <li>Olson, F.E., North Dakota Cooperative Managers Association Fall Statewide. Deadwood, SD. September 16, 2025. N = 60.</li> <li>Park, J. and Boland, M.A. 2025. Director Leadership Training Workshop: Governance. Minnesota Cooperatives. Mankato, MN January 5, 2025.</li> <li>Park, J. and Boland, M.A. 2025. Director Leadership Training Workshop: Governance. Montana Cooperatives. Billings, MT January 7, 2025.</li> <li>Park, J. “Manager Evaluation”, Cooperative Leadership Conference, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “Influential Leadership”, Director Training, Mankato, MN, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “Influential Leadership”, Director Training, Billings, MT, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “Influential Leadership”, Director Training, Sacramento, CA, February 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “Influential Leadership”, NSAC Texas Chapter, Fredericksburg, TX, February 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “The Cooperative Business Model”, College Station, TX, April 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “influential Leadership”, Student Services Workshop, Texas A&M University System, May 2025</li> <li>Park, J. “Fiduciary Responsibilities”, Director Development Program, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, August 2025</li> <li>Schmit, T. Investigating Factors that Influence Participation in Cooperatives and Related Farm Profitability Effects, Selected Paper Presentation, with S. Santillana, NCERA-210 Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE, 2 October 2025.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cooperative Research and Extension Programming Updates, CCE Farm Business Management Retreat, Hamilton, NY, 15 September 2025.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Public Food Procurement and Food Manufacturing in New York State, New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy, online, 13 May 2025.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Decision Making in Cooperatives: How Would You Act, College Conference on Cooperatives, National Farmers Union Foundation, Bloomington, MN. 14 February 2025.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cooperative Development: The Process, Potential Pitfalls, & Ingredients for Success, Conferencia de la Comunidad Agrícola Latina del Noreste (Northeast Latino Agricultural Community Conference, Stony Point NY. 07 December 2024.</li> <li>Tommell, N. Let’s Dig Deeper: Overview of the Cooperative Business Model, Keystone Development Center, online, 27 March 2025.</li> <li>Tommell, N. Favorable Economic Conditions for a Cooperative, NY FarmNet, online, 11 June 2025.</li> <li>Trunzo, H. and P. Kenkel, “Challenges and Opportunities Facing Farm Supply Cooperatives” NCRA-210 2025 Annual Meeting, Omaha Nebraska 10-2-2025</li> </ul>     Activities (Grants): <ul> <li>Schmit, T. Farm Worker to Farm Owner: The Cooperative Approach to Raising and Marketing Beef Cattle. 2025. T.M. Schmit (PI), M.N. LeRoux (co-I), & N. Tommell (co-I), Local Food Promotion Program, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, 09.30.25 – 09.29.27. $100,000. UNDER REVIEW</li> <li>Schmit, T. Why Cooperate? Adopting the Cooperative Business Model at the Farm Level. 2025. T.M. Schmit (PI), & N. Tommell (co-I), Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, 01.01.26 – 12.31.26. $23,423. UNDER REVIEW</li> <li>Schmit, T. Advancing Local Food and Producer Viability through Cooperative Purchasing Utilizing Technological Innovation, Local Food Promotion Program, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, 09.30.25 – 09.29.28. $496,724. UNDER REVIEW</li> <li>Schmit, T. Extracurricular Cooperative Industry Education and Networking Opportunities for Students. 2025. T.M. Schmit and N. Tommell. Stanley W. Warren Endom Development and Innovation Fund, Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University, 07.01.25 – 06.30.26, $8,235.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Factors affecting farmer participation in cooperatives and related farm profitability effects. 2025. T.M. Schmit. Cooperative Leadership Fund, Northeast Cooperative Council, 09.01.25 – 05.31.26, $12,320.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cooperative Extension Education & Outreach. 2024. T.M. Schmit (PI) & N. Tommell (co-I), Northeast Cooperative Council, 07.01.24 – 06.30.27, $119,807.</li> <li>Schmit, T. The economic contributions of agriculture, forest products, and commercial fishing in the Northeast US. T.M. Schmit (PI). Farm Credit East, ACA, 04.01.24–09.30.24, $27,600.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cooperative Industry Education and Networking. T.M. Schmit and R.M. Severson. 2024. Curriculum Development and Innovation Fund, Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University, 07.01.24 – 06.30.25, $9,865.</li> <li>Schmit, T. A New Dawn for Shepherds: Grazing Sheep under Utility-Scale Solar Arrays. T.M. Schmit (PI), R.M. Severson (co-I), N. Tommell (co-I). USDA, AMS, Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, 09.30.21 – 09.29.25 . $250,000.</li> </ul>     Activities (Programs and Program Administration) <ul> <li>Briggeman, B.C., CEO Roundtable for Farmer Cooperatives, April 2025. Worked with Michael Boland on the agenda.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., CFO Roundtable for Farmer Cooperatives, May 2025. Worked with Michael Boland on the agenda.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., K-State Symposium on Cooperative Issues, August 2025.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. “Build Better Boards”. Podcast co-host and content developer. N = 300 followers and over 8,000 all-time plays.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). University of Missouri.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L. Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL) Summer Institute. May 2025. N = 67.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. L., Park, J., Lewis, C., and Moreland, J. Reviewing CACDD Foundations Modules and Creating Teaching/Facilitators Notes. 2025.</li> <li>K. L. Engel Workshop: Producer Governance of Marketing Brands. Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). June 2025. N = 23.</li> <li>K. L. Cooperative Advantage Series: Cooperative Fundamentals for Employees. Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). N = 57.</li> <li>Olson, F.E. & K. Schweiss, Cooperative Leadership Training: Capstone Level “Effective Equity Management”: February 18 – 19, 2025; Jamestown, ND. N = 40 {Limit}.</li> <li>Park, J. Board and Executive Committee Meeting, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, September 2024</li> <li>Park, J. Report, Producers Cooperative Annual Meeting, October 2024</li> <li>Park, J. Leadership Training, Farmers Cooperative Compress, October 2024</li> <li>Park, J. South Texas Cooperative Leadership Conference, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, November 2024</li> <li>Park, J. Roundtable, Texas Farm Store Summit, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J. Consultation, Pesticide Cooperative Potential, March 2025</li> <li>Park, J. Board and Executive Committee Meeting, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, March 2025</li> <li>Park, J. Consultation, Honey Bee Cooperatives, April 2025</li> <li>Park, J. CEO Roundtable, Managers Conference, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, July 2025</li> <li>Park, J. Attracting New Business Roundtable, Managers Conference, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, July 2025</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University. N. Tommell, Executive Director; T.M. Schmit, Faculty Director.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Northeast Cooperative Council. N. Tommell, Executive Secretary and Treasurer.</li> <li>Schweiss, K., Employee Training Program: August 13 - 14, 2025; Bowman, ND. N = 7.</li> </ul>     Activities (University Instruction) <ul> <li>Briggeman, B.C., AGEC 470 Cooperative Management. Kansas State University.</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C., discussed creating a cooperative management class with Jody Herchenbach (at University of Nebraska system) and Kristi Schweiss (at North Dakota State University).</li> <li>Dalton, D.W., AAEC 3984 Cooperatives and their Impact on the Human Condition, Virginia Tech, N=55 students, Fall 2025</li> <li>Olson, F.E. & K. Schweiss, AGEC/BUSN 474/674 Cooperatives, North Dakota State University, Spring 2025. Olson, F.E. & K. Schweiss, AGEC 474 Cooperatives, Dickinson State University (Online Synchronous), Spring 2025.</li> <li>Park, J. AGEC 413 Agricultural Cooperatives, 60 students, Fall 2025.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Cooperative Business Management (AEM 3260/5260), Cornell University. Jan – May 2025. Core Instruction 15 students.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Student Cooperative Consulting Group: Ecos Cooperative, Feb – May 2025, 5 students.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Student Cooperative Consulting Group: Alianza Agricola Farm Worker Cooperative, Feb – May 2025, 5 students.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Student Cooperative Consulting Group: Westfield Maid Cooperative, Feb – May 2025, 5 students.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Teams (AEM 4415/5415). 2025. Establishing Best Practices for East African Cooperatives. 4 students.</li> </ul>   Activities (Service) <ul> <li>Jacobs, K. NCBA CLUSA’s Cooperative Economics Council, Member.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. Nationwide’s Board Council, Member.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. National Council of Farmer Cooperative Director Education Conference Advisory group, Member.</li> <li>Jacobs, K. USDA NIFA Grant Review panel, Member. December 2024.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li>Cooperative Journal Review: <ul> <li>Jacobs, K. European Review of Agricultural Economics, 2025. N = 2.</li> <li>Schmit, T. Journal of Cooperative Organization and Management, February 2025.</li> </ul> </li> <li>AAEA Track Session: Section 1991 and Agricultural Cooperatives New Rol in Pooling and Distributing Tax Deductions. 7-28-25, Denver Colorado <ul> <li>NCERA-210 Participants: Brian Briggeman, Kansas State University, Keri Jacobs, University of Missouri, Phil Kenkel, Oklahoma State University, William Sector, University of Georgia</li> </ul> </li> <li>Research on correlation of county grain production in Oklahoma and Kansas <ul> <li>Participants: Brian Briggeman, Kansas State University; Phil Kenkel, Oklahoma State University</li> </ul> </li> <li>Journal of Cooperatives <ul> <li>Participants, Phil Kenkel, Oklahoma State University, editor, Brian Briggeman, Kansas State University, Keri Jacobs, University of Missouri, Todd Scmidt, Cornell University and William Sector, University of Georgia, reviews</li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Publications

<ul> <li>Beeler, Ashley, Dayton M. Lambert, Phil Kenkel, and B. Wade Brorsen (2025), “The Effect of a Cooperative Grain Alliance on Wheat Basis” Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, September 2025</li> <li>Bhuyan, S., Karantininis, K. & Kinikli, F., 2025. “An Assessment of the Organizational Effectiveness of Farmer Cooperatives: Cases from Greece, Sweden, and Turkey,” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMA) (under review).</li> <li>Briggeman, B.C. and G. Mashange. “Impact of Section 199A(g) on Local Grain Marketing and Farm Supply Cooperatives.” ACCC Fact Sheet Series, November 2024.</li> <li>Grashuis, J.; Franken, J. R. V. “Why are there fewer and fewer cooperatives in the agricultural sector? A survival analysis within a competing risk framework.” Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics (2025), Vol. 96 (1), p. 5-21. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apce.12493">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apce.12493</a></li> <li>Herchenbach, J., B.C. Briggeman and J. Bergtold. “Valuing Trust: An Application to Agricultural Lending.” Agricultural Finance Review, forthcoming.</li> <li>Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Shanoyan, A., Low, S., Miller, B. (2024). A Skills Gap Analysis of Farmer Directors of U.S. Farmer Cooperatives. Agribusiness: An International Journal. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21997">https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21997</a></li> <li>Jacobs, K. L., Berner, C. “The Role of Right Mix and Board Development Practices in Governance Outcomes.” CGRI Research Brief. University of Wisconsin, Center for Cooperatives, December 2024.</li> <li>Kenkel, Phil, Agricultural Cooperatives, 1st Edition, Congella Academic Publishing, 2025 (18 Chapters)</li> <li>Kenkel,P. “Farmers Cooperative Association Casestudy” created for cooperative education project sponsored by Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) and CHS, 9-23-2025</li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Why are Cooperatives Prominent in U.S. Agriculture” Southern Ag Today, 3-14-2025 <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/14/why-are-cooperatives-prominent-in-u-s-agriculture/">https://southernagtoday.org/2025/03/14/why-are-cooperatives-prominent-in-u-s-agriculture/</a></li> <li>Kenkel, P. “Understanding the Section 199A Tax Deduction” Southern Ag Today 6-6-2025 <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2025/06/06/understanding-the-section-199a-tax-deduction/">https://southernagtoday.org/2025/06/06/understanding-the-section-199a-tax-deduction/</a></li> <li>Kenkel, P. R B. Holcomb, M. Carvalho, and R. Radmehr,  “Cost-Effective Strategies for Feral Swine Control: Exploring Trapping Equipment Cooperatives” Human–Wildlife Interactions, Vol. 18 Issue 3, 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Manager Evaluations”, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Cooperative Management Letter, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Asking Questions”, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Cooperative Management Letter, January 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Evaluating the Cooperative Manager” Southern Ag Today, January 31, 2025</li> <li>Park, J.L. “Members Are the Key to Cooperative Success” Southern Ag Today, April, 2025</li> <li>Santillana, S. and T.M. Schmit. 2025. Estimating the association of social capital and participation in cooperatives and influence cooperative membership on farm profitability. Working Paper, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.</li> <li>Santillana, S., S. Li, T.M. Schmit, N. Tommell, & R.M. Severson. 2025. Financial feasibility of solar sheep grazing service cooperatives. Working Paper, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. and C. Laughton. 2024. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.farmcrediteast.com/resources/Industry-Trends-and-Outlooks/Reports/2410KEP_NorthEastEconomicEngine__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AkQr9Dx7ISoMSAjWamC1V62nOBt4ZaLL8iekPx2UDv8tB2KAN9fPtsLYrkJsEc4Q0UkKnN3AIPZZb2kt2mbT$">The Northeast Economic Engine: Agriculture, Forest Products, Commercial Fishing and Food Manufacturing</a>. Knowledge Exchange Partner, Volume 19, Issue 10. Farm Credit East. October.</li> <li>Schmit, T.M. 2024. Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program Report. In 2023 Annual Report of the Northeast Cooperative Council. March.</li> <li>Severson, R.M. O.G. Dunn-Hindle, & T.M. Schmit, T.M. 2024. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/dyson.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/EB_2024-08-VD.pdf__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AkQr9Dx7ISoMSAjWamC1V62nOBt4ZaLL8iekPx2UDv8tB2KAN9fPtsLYrkJsEc4Q0UkKnN3AIPZZb6MndiGf$">Worker Cooperatives: A Solution to Small Business Ownership Succession. The Owner’s Decision to Sell & The Employees’ Decision to Buy</a>. EB 2024-08, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University.Schmit, T.</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

NCERA-210 has had a significant impact on both the scholarship related to agricultural cooperatives and the management of agricultural cooperatives. Several courses are taught at the undergraduate level across several Universities, with some courses coming available in the next year or so through collaborations with members of this group. Counting all publications the group has generated no less than 20 pieces of scholarly literature, and over 80 presentations aimed at improving the performance of cooperatives.