Type of farming operation:

Grain: Irrigated Corn & Soybeans.

Livestock: Isowean to finish hog operation.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have completed all four phases of Nebraska Coop Council’s Director Certification program. Served as the Board Chairman of Central Valley Ag since its inception in 2003.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

To provide the leadership to help insure that CVA is an industry leader in providing products and service to its members for generations to come.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

First and foremost, I try to live my life on a foundation of faith and family. My wife Gwen and I have been married 33 years and we have been blessed with six wonderful children. I feel that always being honest and truthful and conducting myself with a high degree of integrity are important qualities in daily life and in business. My experience as a CVA director has taught me the importance of negotiation and compromise. I recognize that input from each director is important and valuable in guiding our company. I understand that there will be times when we have to make decisions that are unpopular but are in the best long term interest of CVA and its members. I always have and I always will give my best effort to carry out my fiduciary responsibility as a CVA director.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I believe that farmer-owned cooperatives are a cornerstone of the agriculture economy in Nebraska and the United States.

Farmer – owned cooperatives are owned by their members for the mutual benefit of their members and provide for one member one vote regardless of size.

Agricultural supply and marketing co-ops invest in our most rural counties where few other businesses or individuals are investing.  In many of our rural communities, the coop offers some of the best job opportunities with the possibility of advancement if an employee chooses that career path.

Agricultural supply and marketing coops provide products and services to its members while returning surpluses over costs in the form of patronage refunds, revolving equity and payout of estates.

The cooperative system enables its member-owners as individual producers to collectively reach world markets in the purchase and sale of products that we would not be able to reach on an individual basis.

What is your vision for CVA?

I expect CVA to conduct business with a high degree of integrity and to be a leader in bringing innovative products and services to our members. CVA should provide the best service in the industry to our members while offering competitive prices. I feel we need to continue to place a high priority on equity revolvement and pay estates in a timely manner. I feel CVA needs to continue to be profitable in order to reinvest in assets to meet member needs, but that profitability should come from efficiencies gained within the company rather than increased margins.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Alfalfa and Grass Hay.

Livestock: Beef Cows

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

Having been a director for several years, I’ve served on several committees and in my time as a director have seen many ups and downs in the co-op world. I’ve also tried to better educate myself by attending workshops, regional meetings, and cooperative informational meetings.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I’m excited about how far we have come as a cooperative and would like to do what I can to be part of our future by serving on the board.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I feel that I am able to listen well and research new ideas, understand financials, and not be afraid to explain how I feel about them.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

Cooperatives were formed because farmers wanted a better way to buy and sell what they needed as well as what they sold. Being an owner of that business model had to be exciting for them then. I still think that is very exciting. I feel very fortunate to be part of a cooperative that is profitable, pays patronage, retirements, and estates while adding improvement.

What is your vision for CVA?

While we have accomplished so much with our last merger, there is still so much to do. We need to make sure that what we are and will become is adaptable and conducive to what our farmer customers need to be viable.

Type of farming operation:

Grain:  50/50 Corn – Soybean Rotation.

Livestock: Registered Angus Cow Herd. We hold our annual T-Bone Angus Bull Sale each March in O’Neill, NE.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

Upon graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2009 with a degree in Animal Science, I have been farming and raising cattle with my parents on the family farm. Over the past six years, I have seen some dramatic movements in the value of agricultural goods. This experience along with the 2 and ½ years I have served as an Associate Board of Director will guide my decisions as a Board of Director.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors because I believe in the cooperative system and recognize the importance of a strong local cooperative in the area. CVA has brought a lot of value to our operation through their efficient grain facilities and their agronomy division that has kept pace with the speed of today’s farming.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

Honesty, integrity and enthusiasm for agriculture. I also have first-hand experience in both livestock and grain production through my involvement on our family’s farming operation.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

While serving as an associate director for the past couple of years I have had the opportunity to learn about the cooperative system and see the CEO, management team, and other board of directors guide our cooperative. It is truly amazing the amount of talented and motivated people that we have on our team. Being around this group has increased my interest and given me the desire to give back to our cooperative by serving as a Board of Director.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for CVA is to continue to be a world-class cooperative while meeting and exceeding our producer’s expectations.  Investments into facilities, mergers with other strong cooperatives, and reorganization within the management team have been some strategic steps that CVA has taken over the past couple of years. I believe these steps along with CVA’s dedication to providing innovative solutions for customers will grow our cooperative within our trade area.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I have been married for four years to my wife, Mary. We are expecting our first child this fall. I am also an active member of the Faith Community Church in O’Neill.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Irrigated corn and soybeans

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have served two years as associate director and seven years as director. I also have served on the Advisory Council for Farm Credit Services.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

As our co-op grows, we need to continue to become more efficient from our growth. Always asking, “How does this benefit the farmer owner/customer and its employees?”

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I am confident in my decisions. I pay close attention to issues in our area and make sure voices are heard.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

The cooperative system has enabled farmers to join together and provide modern facilities, excellent services, a safe place for employees to work and revolvement of equity. Moving forward we must continue sharing the value of the cooperative to the young producers, so it is here to serve generations to come.

What is your vision for CVA?

CVA has an exciting future as we have brought some strong individual co-ops together to create a new CVA that will serve our region for generations. Modern facilities, great employees, timely equity retirement and industry leading products will ensure CVA’s story is one that its owners will be proud to share.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I’ve been married to my wife Lynn for 21 years. We have four boys; Myles, Tate, Ty and Trev.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Corn & Soybean

Livestock: Cattle, Hogs

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

From 2012-2015, I have been active as a Board member. I served on the CVA Associate Board for a two-year term and two years on the Board of Directors. During this time, we worked on several key initiatives and projects that have advanced our organization. 

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

For almost 25 years, CVA/local co-ops’ have played an important role in my family’s life. They have been the primary outlet for our grains, source of our feed supply for livestock and our source for improved crop applications. We rely on CVA for our grain and food-related advocacy. I have been pleased to give back to CVA by serving on the board for the past four years and would like to continue this opportunity.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

Passion for agriculture

Experience on CVA Board

Self-motivated and experienced agricultural management

Detail-oriented

Ability to fulfill CVA’s mission statement

Ability to plan and manage projects

Skilled in assessing and directing business activities

Superior leadership qualities and team player

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

My passion is agriculture. Every day I know that I am contributing to help feed the world – and I also love what I do.  Agriculture is an exciting place to be. There are many challenges but there are also endless different opportunities within agriculture, and that is something I hope to share and encourage a new generation to take on the challenge to help feed the world!

What is your vision for CVA?

My hope is that we continue to grow the company by building capacity for new and existing cooperative businesses, and creating more employment for existing cooperative businesses. 

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I farm South of Humphrey, operating wean to finish hog operation, also raising corn and soybeans. I live on the Wemhoff Homestead, which has been in operation since 1866. My wife, Doris, and I have three children; Keisha is attending her first year in college and our sons, Kyle and Taylor, attend St. Francis School.  We are all active members of St. Francis Church where I serve on the Parish Council. 

I have served as an Associate Director on the CVA Board for the past year. I understand the commitment and importance needed to serve as a Board of Director for CVA. With emerging technology and demand for food, I feel like I can represent this area and help the success of CVA in the future.

Type of farming operation:

Grain:  Corn, Soybeans and Alfalfa.

Livestock: Cow calf operation, along with back-grounding some calves.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have completed all four phases of the director training as well as continuing education offered through the co-op council. I am the past vice chairman of CVA Board, and have been the chairman of the CVA Credit Committee. I have been involved with mergers, attended UNL, participated in the Nebraska LEAD Program, attended the Managing for Tomorrow program, and am the current Vice President of the Merrick County Extension Board. All these experiences have developed me into a person who listens to many opinions and then processes the information to make the decisions that best fits the circumstance.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I want to see CVA remain as relevant as possible, keeping up with trends, sensing and acting on opportunities, managing risks, and executing the plans made. We must be prepared for what comes our way either opportunities or obstacles that may hamper our ability to keep moving forward

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I can listen very well to many opinions and statements and sort out the pertinent information to deal with the issue. Work to solve that issue, move on to the next issue so that the next time we are moving in the right direction. We must supply our patrons with the information, products, and services they need to help them become more profitable and stay in the game of modern day agriculture.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

We must remember why the co-op system was created and build on it today. We must also be very aware of the present-day actions that are going on around us. We must also look to the future to see the latest trends and movements. In short remember the past, do our diligence now, and keep an eye on the future.

What is your vision for CVA?

To remain as one of the leading co-op’s in the area, that means supplying our patrons with information, products, and services they need to be as profitable as possible in all aspects of their operations. That also means to be able to help small, medium, as well as the large producers of grain and livestock.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I have served on boards and committees, and I would enjoy continuing to work for all of CVA’s patrons. I have the ability to listen and then decide on issues before us. Thanks for your consideration!

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Irrigated and dryland corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I was an associate board member for CVA for two years and then became a board member and have served for nine years.  After graduation from UNL in 1990 with an Ag Econ degree, I returned to the family farm. I have served on various community boards, church council, and have had many opportunities to work with others and problem solve. I enjoy working with other agricultural producers and enjoy being involved in local activities.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I want to see CVA thrive and sustain our local farmers. I want to see CVA continue to strive to be a supplier and purchaser of choice by providing excellent service and competitive prices. Changes are constant and will no doubt continue to provide challenges as we go forward. Being able to continue to redeem equity, compete in a global marketplace, and provide the services expected by today’s producer will no doubt keep those challenges coming.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I am a good listener and take my time to think about the needs of the patrons when making decisions. The challenges faced by farmers are similar to the ones faced by the co-op. I feel I can help problem solve in our group setting by listening to our local patrons and sharing their voice with the board members.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I want to keep a locally owned company that is owned and represented by its members. There are many options out there for services and products, but I want to see a cooperative that is here to serve and be a supplier of choice from small grains to row crop to livestock. That has it’s challenges – to serve a farmer getting ready to phase out of production agriculture, those looking to expand, and those just getting a start.

What is your vision for CVA?

I would like to see a cooperative that is a leader in services and technology and can be a partner with producers to help them reach their goals in their farming operations. With today’s producers overall ability to fertilize faster, plant faster, harvest faster, feed livestock more efficiently, and do it all with more technology, it will take continual investment. Most importantly, CVA needs to keep great employees moving forward.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

My wife, Sheryl, is a 5th-grade teacher at Logan View. My daughter Elizabeth and son Grant are both attending college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My youngest daughter, Valerie, is a 7th grader at Logan View. I coach summer softball for Logan View Ball Association and youth basketball with my wife. We are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Uehling, NE.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa

Livestock: Cow/Calf Operation

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have served on the board as an associate and now a board member for several years. I am prepared to continue with the current discussions and assist in executing the strategic vision for CVA. My other board experience has been with our local church council. This past board experience has taught me how to work with others on challenges and issues facing the entity.

Second, I started out working for the co-op prior to having the opportunity to farm full-time with my dad. I believe this experience as an employee of the coop gives me a unique perspective to bring to the CVA Board.   

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I want to serve as a CVA Board Member, so that I can help lead our co-op into the future. The co-op is a critical part of the communities and farming operations in our markets. My goal is to ensure that the co-op is here to fulfill our needs now and for those of future generations.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

Trustworthy, forward-thinking, committed, willing to listen and actively participate in conversation to get to the best answers.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I believe there is no better system than the cooperative because it was designed by those who need it. Farmers started the co-op to help them be competitive in the agricultural industry. The cooperative system has done this and far more to help their patrons succeed.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for CVA is to be a viable partner for our patrons. I believe we as a co-op need to be able to change and adapt to the needs and wants of the producers, all while being a great co-op for our employees. I want CVA to continue to be a strong part of our communities while also being a regional and global player in the marketplace.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Corn and Soybean operations, most years a 50/50 rotation. 

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have been involved in farming my whole life, but along with that I also taught school and coached for 32 years in York, NE.  After taking an early retirement, I was asked if I would remain on staff and coach, which I still do today. I also have been on various boards and committees through the years, serving 15 years on our church council. I have learned being a board member of any board, you learn how things are run throughout the organization. After being elected to the UFC board and going through the merge to the new CVA, it has been a very positive and educational experience for me. The first two years of being a new board member, I completed the “ Director Certification Program “ which is a 4 part series. This program was an excellent series that helps directors fully understand our ever-changing responsibilities as directors.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I feel that most of our current directors want to stay on the board of CVA. To me, it is a very exciting time to be part of the new CVA and the challenges we will face in the future.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I feel that to be a good director one has to have good listening skills both at the board meetings and to the patrons and employees of our cooperative. One has to be able to read and understand financial statements for the decision-making process and finally a good director needs to continually seek out training programs to enhance their skills. With all of the qualities stated and the current experience of being a director, I feel I have those qualities to be a director.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

The cooperative principles have been around for many generations. Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members and patrons. Anyone in agriculture may join a cooperative and use it services, but are still not obligated to buy from that cooperative. Business has to be earned. Our patrons all have an equal vote, regardless of their volume of business, on the direction of the cooperative. Patronage refunds, returned to members are in proportion to their use of the cooperative. These are all reasons we all need to keep in mind why cooperatives work.

What is your vision for CVA?

To remain the strong cooperative, we have yet build for the future.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Seed corn, corn, soybeans and hay.   

Livestock: Show cattle and cow herd.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.

I have been on the cooperative board for 10 years. 1 year with Utica, 2 years with Shelby and 7 years with UFC and CVA. I went to cooperative council training to help me understand the co-op system better. I also like to talk and listen to people and will speak up for all patrons large and small.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?

I’m proud of the cooperative. I want to make CVA the best place to do business, service, technology, facilities and employees to be top notch! This will help us keep our cooperative and the communities it serves strong.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?

I’m a good listener, and I will communicate with others. I believe in honesty and accountability. I have been through the good times and the bad.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I believe we have the best cooperative in the country and also the best employees. I want this to continue long into the future.

What is your vision for CVA?

I want to keep CVA’s bottom line strong, so we are able to retire age equity and rotate our 10 year equity like we planned to.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I have a wife, three children, a daughter-in-law and a new grandson. I have been a part of the community for 40 years. I enjoy farming and taking care of livestock with my two sons Trevor and Curtis. I’m willing to take the time to be a board member.

Type of farming operation:
Grain: Corn, soybeans and seed corn.

Share the experiences you have had that will prepare you for serving on the CVA Board of Directors.
I have been a past director on both the Ulysses Cooperative and United Farmer’s Cooperative Boards. I was past President of Surprise Public School and also spent six years in the United States Army.

Why are you interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors?
As the cooperative grows, I know farmers may feel that it is becoming corporate and like they have less of an impact upon decisions being made. I would like the opportunity to join the board and make sure their voices are adequately heard. The board is what makes CVA farmer-owned and helps bring concerns of the local customers to the forefront.

What qualities do you possess that would add value to the CVA Board of Directors?
I believe that I can bring a positive perspective to the board by having an open mind to other member’s ideas. I will also bring my own ideas to the board, as well as any other issues and concerns local farmers feel that are important to move CVA in the right direction. Talk about your passion for the cooperative system. I think the co-op is a wonderful business platform and am very proud to be a part of what I feel is one of the best cooperatives in the country. But I believe there are changes that can be made to make this platform even more successful.

What is your vision for CVA?
My vision for CVA is not necessarily to grow the company in size geographically, but to successfully increase the satisfaction of current members. Also to reach out to customers and inquire about why they are no longer doing as much business, or maybe none at all, and what CVA can do to regain their business.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:
I grew up about 3 miles west of Ulysses, NE helping my parents on the farm. I graduated from Seward High School in 1981 and shortly after, I joined the United States Army until 1985. I then returned home to make the transition of taking over the family farm and have been farming ever since. I now live 1 mile east of Surprise, NE with my wife, Linda, whom I’ve been married to for 31 years. We have two sons, Devin and Kirk. Devin is currently doing what I did approximately 33 years ago - take over the family farm. Kirk is a registered nurse in Omaha at the Nebraska Medical Center.