People

When Wes Luther started working at his local co-op — pumping gas and servicing cars at Farmers Ranchers Cooperative in Ainsworth, Neb. — little did he know he’d stay on for a half-century of service, almost to the day.

In late 1965, at just over 17 years old, out of high school and fresh from National Guard basic training, Luther found a job helping a local construction company on a dry fertilizer storage building for Farmers Ranchers. His boss encouraged him to find a permanent job with the co-op. By January 1, 1966, he was with the co-op full-time.

“I figured this was just a short-term job until the next one came around,” Luther says with a smile. “And here I am today.”

His first jobs at the co-op were doing everything from loading feed bags off the dock to selling fuel. “There were only seven of us, so we all did everything. My main job was servicing cars, but in the springtime, I might be spreading fertilizer.”

Through the years, Luther learned the business, filling in where needed and helping customers. In the mid-80s, he became the department head for the co-op’s new propane business.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Wes for the last 12 years,” says Kent Taylor, CEO of Farmers Ranchers Cooperative. “It is certainly a different era in the cooperative system than when Wes started. The demands of our fast-paced world have brought much change. However, as I’ve observed Wes, several lessons still apply today. He worked hard to support the co-op across all divisions. And he got along with fellow employees long before ‘teamwork’ was the buzzword it is in today’s business world.

“Another lesson I learned from Wes was to not be afraid to try new responsibilities,” Taylor explains. “Wes accepted new roles many times at our company. That is a good lesson to us all, as change brings growth to co-ops and individuals.”

Luther plans to spend some more time on the golf course and may raise some calves. He also will travel with his wife to visit their children and their families in eastern Nebraska.

“The co-op has been an excellent place to work. I’ve loved it,” Wes says. “At times I’ve wondered why I’m even thinking of quitting, but it’s time to do some of the things that I’ve needed to do over the past 20 years that I didn’t get done.”