Q. What role will CHS and the cooperative system play in this softer ag and energy marketplace? A. There’s no question we’re dealing with challenging economic times on the farm, at the member-cooperative level and throughout the agriculture and energy sectors in which CHS operates. We’re certain to face challenges, choices and changes over the next few years. Times like these always call for keeping a sharp eye out for operational efficiencies and asking if what we’re doing today can be done better tomorrow. But I’m also optimistic. An environment like this plays to our strengths as a cooperative system. We will ﬁnd new ways to work together for mutual success. And we will continue to take the long view to beneﬁt our member-owners today and tomorrow. As I often say, an individual farmer can’t own a petroleum reﬁnery. And one member cooperative probably can’t build an export terminal. But together, we can, we have and we will continue to do these things. participants told us they expect their local cooperative businesses to add value with honest, reliable, knowledgeable teams with whom it’s easy to do business. Those of us who’ve been around the cooperative system awhile have a responsibility to not only meet those expectations, but also to continually cultivate the next generation of co-op leaders. I’m encouraged that many at the CHS New Leaders Forum said they aspire to cooperative board service, although they want to learn more about what it means to be a director. We must work together to deliver that co-op leadership education. If you’re a next-generation producer, step up and get involved when opportunities to learn and serve arise. Your perspective and voice will help ensure that your cooperative will evolve to serve your children and grandchildren. Q. How can we tell the cooperative value story? A. We have a great story and we all need to tell it every day. At member-owner town hall meetings over the past year, many of you told us this must be a priority. This issue of C includes the ﬁrst of a series on cooperative value. CHS is also wrapping up a major study on cooperative economic impact. In my mind, there’s no question we’ll learn that this system’s economic contributions to the vitality of rural America are more signiﬁcant than we realize. Q Q. What would you tell a next-generation farmer or rancher about the beneﬁts of being a cooperative customer and member-owner? A. To me, the equation is simple: People you trust, plus products and services you can count on, combined with a business you own, equals value. Add the opportunity for direct economic returns through patronage and you’ve got a competitive and winning combination. That’s also what 20-and 30-something producers are telling us. I consistently heard those themes as I met recently with groups of next-generation farmers and ranchers. We see the same themes when we survey these groups. There’s no question that they value trusted relationships with a company they own. At the recent CHS New Leaders Forum, The Cooperative Value Equation đƫ.1/0! ƫ(+&#1f;&#1c;(ƫ&#1c; 2%/+./ đƫƫ 1&#1c;(%05ƫ,.+ 1&#1f;0/ƫ&#1c;* ƫ/!.2%&#1f;!/ đƫƫ +%*#ƫ&#1e;1/%*!//ƫ3%0$ƫ&#1c;ƫ&#1f;+),&#1c;*5ƫ5+1ƫ+3* đƫ.!&#1c;0%*#ƫ)+.!ƫ0+#!0$!. đƫƫ &#1f;+*+)%&#1f;ƫ.!01.*/ƫ+*ƫ5+1.ƫ&#1e;1/%*!// Your CHS Connection 7