By SUSAN HAYHURST
Indiana Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growing up on a farm and watching his father purchase his farm inputs from a local cooperative played a memorable role in Chuck Conner accepting his new role as CEO of the country’s largest cooperative industry association.

Conner was recently named the president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing the interests of U.S. agricultural cooperatives. In describing what skills or background he brings to his new position, Conner was quick to cite his family’s farming roots.

“I have a deep history with ag cooperatives. I grew up on a family farm in Benton County, Indiana, and often went with my dad to the local co-op market to purchase supplies for our crops,” he said.
“It was also a stopping point for a cup of coffee with his friends and conversation to hear the latest co-op news.”

In addition to his farm upbringing, he brings nearly three decades of national and state government and ag and trade association experience to his new job. His trade association resume includes serving as president of the Corn Refiners Assoc. from May 1997-October 2001. Conner then served in The White House as special assistant to President George W. Bush from October 2001-May 2005.

His most notable and most recent position was serving as USDA Deputy Secretary since May 2005.

“When I became USDA’s deputy secretary I really wanted to serve farmers and ranchers of this country.

 In the last 29 years I’ve been involved with ag policy and issues, the last six farm bills, brought assistance to the farm credit system and worked with trade associations,” said Conner.

“I’m honored to serve our country’s ag cooperatives in D.C.
This new position is a natural continuation of what I’ve been doing. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Since Congress established the Capper-Volstead Act in 1922 for the purpose of developing co-ops, these institutions were to allow farmers more profitability and accessibility to the ag products they needed.

Some grumble that co-ops and their management are now making far more than the farmers they serve. So, is a co-op still a co-op?
 “Absolutely, a co-op is still a co-op. Each is farmer-owned.
American agriculture has changed a great deal over the years, even during my years in Washington. Co-ops now serve a different kind of agriculture,” Conner reported.

“Though change is not a favorite word of many folks, co-ops have to change just like farmers, to keep up. Co-ops’ top purpose is still to increase the value and choices for farmers and ranchers so they can prosper. The farm credit system is co-op-based, as well. Banks are hard pressed to function, so farm credit institutions have no choice but to keep helping farmers remain stable.”

Just as when he was growing up, Conner understands there are many challenges for today’s ag producers. Markets are volatile, inputs have skyrocketed and farmers’ profitability can be from meager to plentiful. He also acknowledges unprecedented yields and income seen in the last several years.

“We’ve had awfully high net income and yields,” Conner said. “Beyond 2009 the future gives us some pause.”

Conner’s family and home farming community are always ready to share their thoughts and opinions on ag issues with him when he visits.

“When I have the opportunity to go home I hear appreciation of the years they’ve had, but they’re nervous like every other farmer of the increase in input costs. They are afraid of commodity prices dropping further,” he explained.

“The ’08 crops were pretty good in the Midwest even when prices were declining. The NCFC wants to know what members are interested in and how they want to improve and maintain their prosperity. I plan to spend time with cooperative members at the local level and listen to what’s on their minds.”

One of the hot issues expected to surface in localized conversations is how and when cooperatives disburse equity to stakeholders. It’s an issue Conner said both the farmer members and the cooperatives should address respectfully.

“Cooperative equity and disbursement is an important issue to look at, and we know it’s the desire of the producers because of their earlier investments,” he reported. “The NCFC plans to look at ways to further develop the system and capture the equity and investment for the farmers. The active producers should see benefit, but consideration should also continue to be given to those who follow.

“It is also important co-ops retain capital for future equations, while not jeopardizing current and future operations for farmers. The NCFC may take new positions on this issue in the future, but we know local co-ops may also do something on their own. Some co-ops have already been toying with options. It’s currently an open question and one that will be addressed.”

Though farmers face an uncertain future, Conner believes there is reason to be optimistic.

“We have a demand-based product,” he said. “The world population continues to explode and the demand for fruits and vegetables continues to grow. U.S. farmers are still expected to provide food and technology for developing farmers. We still have very, very tight supplies and prices have reacted dramatically. There are still major commodity pricing opportunities out there for our farmers.”

Cooperatives are still about service, Conner explained.

“The NCFC exists to serve the farmers and their cooperatives,” he said. “If we don’t know what they need, we can’t serve them effectively. Local boards need to share with us their issues, and we want to respond. The bottom line is, the cooperatives are here to represent the farmers.”