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 and Alfalfa.

Livestock: Feed yard and cow-calf.

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

I’ve been involved in the family business since my youth. I’m involved in my church and other organizations. As a member of the CVA Board, I have completed board officer training and attend as many continuing education meetings as my family and business will allow. I enjoy all aspects of farming, but especially feeding cattle. This experience with livestock trains you that every day is a commitment, bringing new challenges. How you react and grow by turning setbacks into a learning experience, and successes as a new stepping stone of growth, largely determines your future. This correlates into family, faith, and all activities in life and provide the basis for serving on the board.

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

I am interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors, to guide and insure that CVA creates opportunities for profitability and knowledge on our farms. Through the ability to competitively purchase inputs or sell grain, while having an educated team of professionals who can provide top service. Also, to have a management team, who does a quality job guiding this business and revolving our equity, so we as producers can continually experience the full value of our investment in CVA.

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

I enjoy being involved and doing my part in creating a better tomorrow. I have and continue to be active in leadership roles, some of these include; Former Vice Chairman at legacy CVA, Former Pres. Platte Valley Cattlemen, LEAD 23, Vice Pres. Platte County Farm Bureau, Member SLPC Nebraska Farm Bureau, Member of the St. Bonaventure Catholic Church parish council and chair of the stewardship committee. I’ve completed board officer training and attend as many meetings focused on educating board members as I can.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

A cooperative is made up of producers working together for a mutual benefit. My passion in CVA is to take part in creating potential within our communities for people to have opportunities. CVA creates speed and space, but more importantly, it creates service. Service from men and women who not only help us in our business but who also bring life to our main street. As patrons investing in our co-op, we are ultimately reinvesting not only in our chosen way of life but in our community.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision is that CVA will stay on the cutting edge of agriculture.  Especially in the areas of advanced cropping systems, livestock nutrition, agronomy, and marketing. I believe we will continue to improve our speed and space at locations that have this need. CVA will provide expertise and insight when we ask for it and be a leader throughout its trade territory.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

My wife Lynette and I have five children; Madilyn, Emma, Whitney, Olivia and Kyrsten. I am part of a family business, Lazy K Feed Yards Inc. I enjoy watching my girls compete at horse shows, calf shows and any other activities. I take serving on the CVA Board seriously and would appreciate the opportunity to continue doing so. Thank you.

Type of farming operation:

Grain: Corn, Soybeans, Seed Corn

Livestock: 90 head Cow/Calf herd

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

I have served on the board of directors of CVA and legacy companies (UFC, FCBA) for ten years plus getting my start as a director through the associate director program.  Through all of this I have taken the opportunity to further educate myself in the cooperative system as well as educational programs in the agricultural industry.  Also, I have served on other boards as well, and this has helped me to build relationships which I feel have been a benefit in my service on CVA’s Board of Directors.

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

I am a firm believer in the cooperative way of business, and this is doing my part to contribute to the long-term success of the coop. 

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

I am a good listener, and I like to gather as much information as I can in the decision-making process. I try to fully understand all sides of an issue in order to make the best decision possible. 

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

As I stated above, I am a firm believer in the cooperative system. The coop is an integral part of my farming operation. It can provide products and services to my farm that I would not be able to obtain elsewhere the way that I want them. Being member-owned allows those that use the products and services, and also marketing the crops that are produced, to share in the profits of the cooperative.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for CVA is to be the premier cooperative in the region. This is accomplished by having the ability to develop and obtain innovations in production agriculture and by continuing to market grain into new markets. As all markets become increasingly more global, I still feel that the cooperative plays a vital role in connecting individual farmers to a world market. Whether it is for the grain we produce, or the inputs we require to produce more crops and livestock.

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 served nine years on the Board of Directors, first with United Farmers Cooperative and then with CVA. I was chairman of the board for two years and vice-chairman for an additional four years. I have also completed the Nebraska Coop Council’s Director Certification Program.

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

I am interested in serving because I would like to help provide the leadership to keep CVA relevant for the future.

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

Being honest and having integrity are values that I strive for every day. I have good communication skills, a passion for agriculture and am committed to being the best board member possible.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I believe that the cooperative system is as important as it has ever been. Co-ops were created when individual farmers collectively pooled their products together to get better opportunities and pricing. Today, it is about what we can do, how we can do it, and how fast we can get it done. Our goal at CVA is to bring more value to your operation each and every day. You the stockholder, own this company and that can never be taken away. Supporting your local coop is an investment for yourself.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for the future of CVA is to ensure this company has the ability to meet the needs and expectations of our stockholders. This includes strong earnings, continued investment in assets, and equity redemption. The most important job a board member has is to enhance and protect stockholder equity.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

I have been married for 36 years to my wife, Connie. I have four children; Ryan Moon, Scott Moon, Christa Ruth and Glenn Moon. My wife and I also have five grandchildren.

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 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 and Soybeans

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

I grew up on a Row Crop Farm located south of Stromsburg, Nebraska. From there, I graduated with an AAS Degree in Agribusiness Management from Southeast Community College in Beatrice, NE. I then pursued a career with Archer Daniels Midland and was employed with ADM from 2000-2009. During this tenure, I held various management positions at Rail and River Terminals throughout the Midwest. I was a location manager at their Grain facility in Marshall, MN. I was also given the opportunity to oversee their concrete silo construction project located in Rogers, ND. In addition, at their Mankato, MN regional office, I managed their Canadian currency position, truck dispatch, truck soymeal sales, soy hull truck and rail positions and also procured soybeans. I also held a director of procurement position for the Nebraska region at the ADM- Lincoln, NE office. From there, I pursued a career at Poet Nutrition which is located in Sioux Falls, SD.  I held the position of Sr. Export Trade Merchandiser. I was in charge of trading all Dried Distillers Grains exports to places such as Mexico, Morocco, and Asian Countries via container shipments and unit trains. Three years ago my family and I were given the opportunity to farm and relocate back near our hometown. We currently farm 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans in Polk County Nebraska. I am also a Series III licensed broker and own and operate a feed and commodities risk management company for livestock and grain producers throughout the Midwest.

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 feel that due to the background and knowledge in the Agricultural Grain and Agronomy Industry I would be able to serve the needs of our patrons and continue to make Central Valley Ag a successful cooperative. The strength and position CVA has today in the industry shows to be a quality leader in the Midwest, and I look forward to working with a successful team at CVA.

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

The qualities I possess that would add to the Board of Directors would be that I am honest, resourceful, and have day-to-day involvement in the Agricultural Industry beyond the farm. Whether it’s Ag policy, safety, efficiencies, or anything the Board is involved in I would be able to make quality decisions for our cooperative.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

The definition of a cooperative produces merit for every member in its system. CVA is an excellent cooperative system that strives to succeed in service and competitive values in our communities throughout the Midwest. The cooperative system has been successful for decades and the strength CVA’s system today brings value back to our patrons each and every day. That’s the type of cooperatives we need so producers can make their farms even more productive.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for CVA is to continue to evolve and adapt to handle the ever-changing agricultural industry and to have an advantage over the competitive business nature we see. We also need to prepare for the future and be structured to handle what’s to come down the road. We must create an environment so that the employees of CVA are encouraged to be proactive leaders now and in the future. Which, in turn, brings our patrons success.

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: 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, 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:  Corn, Soybeans and Alfalfa.

Livestock: Cow calf

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

I have served as an associate of the West Point co-op, in addition to serving as a board member of Northeast Co-op, Farmers Union Non-stock Cooperative Transport Association, and I am currently serving on the CVA Board of Directors. I have also served as president of my local sports booster club.

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

I would like to help mold the vision of CVA.

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

I believe my knowledge of agriculture gives me insight into the inputs and off-take needs of the producers.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

I believe that we in ag need to stick together. The power of many outweighs the power of one. Returning part of the profit back to the patron is what it is all about.

What is your vision for CVA?

CVA needs to create value for the producer whether it be the best products that we need for our operations or expanding the marketplace from which they are sold.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

My wife, Tami, and I have three children; Derek (22), Karlie (20) and Leah (17). We belong to St Mary’s Church in West Point. We have an operation that involves my family as well as a brother, Kurt, and his family and a brother, Glen.

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 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:  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: 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, soybean and potato rotation on our irrigated acres and small grain and forage on dryland acres.

Livestock: Cow calf herd, background the calves to sell to feed lots. 

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

I graduated from University of Nebraska – Lincoln with and an Ag degree in 1996 and went to work for a small family-owned company in Auburn, Nebraska. My career there and after led me through management positions and a lot of interactions at the board level. Throughout my career I have worked with state, national and international companies developing within me a vision of the broader economic landscape. This coupled with my two years serving as an Associate Board member for CVA, during the UFC merger, have given me a unique perspective on a boards responsibilities. These experiences have helped me in decision-making in my operation. I believe this will make me a valuable voice as a CVA director.

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

I am quite interested in serving on the CVA board of directors because I have seen its importance for the individual farmers. The vision that the current board has demonstrated, for example with the construction of the facilities like the Royal Hub, has strengthened the local market for every producer. In addition, new technology brought to producers through the cooperative educates us allowing us to make better crop management decisions. Such vision is critical to the continued success of the cooperative for its patrons. I believe that my business experience can be a valuable voice in both envisioning the needs of the future and bringing this vision to reality.

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

The first quality that comes to mind for me is my passion, most especially for agriculture. To that, I bring a problem-solving capability that grew out of my education and work experience. I find joy in tackling challenges with a tenacity that borders on perfectionism. Once I find a workable way to do a task, I am driven to streamline it to the point of greatest efficiency. I strive to finish a job by doing it right the first time. These qualities work well not only on the farm but in the business arena, as well.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

The cooperative system that I am committed to is one which holds to the principle that every decision made must add value for the patrons. This is what sets a co-op apart from a profit type business and why I am committed to a healthy future for CVA. If we are not adding value for the patrons in any given situation, then we need to take a step back and evaluate why. We have to remember value can be measured in several ways such as time, efficiency, opportunity as well as dollars.  The neat thing about the co-op is the patrons are the network that drives the direction of the business. Myself being a 4th generation cooperative patron, I want CVA to succeed so that the next generation’s coop is still relevant and brings value to their operations.

What is your vision for CVA?

My vision for CVA grows from the local needs I have heard and seen implemented. We need to be cutting edge in technologies like advanced cropping, crop marketing, and feed nutrition to allow our patrons to do more with less. For example, we should continue to invest in speed and space at facilities where it makes sense. If we aren’t relevant to our patrons, we will not exist in the future as our sole purpose is to do what is right for the patrons.

Type of farming operation:

Grain:  Corn, Soybeans

Livestock: Custom Feedlot. Feed Cattle for other people.

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

Currently, serve as church board chairman at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wausa.

Serve as chairman on the Lincoln Township Board.

Graduated from Northeast Community College in 1998 with a degree in Farm Management.

Graduated from the Nebraska Lead Program (Class ‘16).

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

We as patrons and stockholders of CVA all own part of the company, with that, comes the responsibility of seeing that the company is run in a manner that we agree with. I have served on the board for five years and have learned a lot. I want to make sure the farmer/producer always comes first.

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

I like to embrace new technology. I like to be on the cutting edge of new things. I feel that I am open to listening and learning about new ideas and technology.

Talk about your passion for the cooperative system.

We as producers need to work together to grow agriculture. Through the cooperative system, we have the ability to work together as one and to be able to buy and sell unlike we could as individuals. We as owners of CVA should be proud of what our company has accomplished in the past 12 years.

What is your vision for CVA?

To always keep the producer as #1. If decisions made do not benefit the producer then we should not do it. Keep the excellent service we have and strive to make it even better. Always be open to new opportunities. To grow the balance sheet to be able to take on those opportunities but only if it benefits the producer.

Provide any additional information you would like to share here:

Married for 15 years to my wife Janie. I have three kids Elizabeth (14), Joe (11) and Holly (9).