Cooperative Grain and Supply was incorporated on May 1, 1966 as a result of 4 coops merging together:  Farmers cooperative Equity Union (founded in 1918) of Hillsboro, Farmers Cooperative Supply of Hillsboro, Farmers Cooperative Grain & Mercantile Company of Lehigh (founded in 1919), and the Farmers Cooperative Association of Marion (founded in 1959).  Major additions since 1966 include the Coop in Canton in 1978, Canada Grain in 1991, and in 1999, the Ampride stations in Hillsboro and Marion.

Over the years, CG&S has made many changes.  The storage capacity has grown from 1,267,225 in 1966 to the present capacity of 2,170,000 bushels. 

In addition, CG&S has formed alliances with surrounding local cooperatives.  CG&S is participating in 3 major limited liability companies.  Team Marketing Alliance, LLC, Countryside Feed LLC, and Reliance Energy Partners, LLC.

Team Marketing Alliance, LLC (TMA) is a grain-marketing alliance with 4 other local cooperatives:  Mid-Kansas Cooperative Association in Moundridge, Farmers Grain Coop of Walton, Farmers Coop Elevator Co. of Halstead, and Farmers Coop Elevator Co. of Nickerson.  TMA markets the grain for all 5 local coops.  For more information, you may go to TMA’s web page at www.tmagrain.com.

Countryside Feed LLC is the feed production LLC for 4 area local coops:  CG&S of Hillsboro, Farmers Grain Coop of Walton, North Central Kansas Coop Assn. of Hope, and Andale Farmers Coop Co. of Andale.  Farmland Industry is also a partner in the LLC.  Countryside Feed built a state-of-the-art feedmill in fall of 1999 in the Hillsboro Industrial Park.  For more information, you may go to Countryside Feed’s webpage at www.countrysidefeed.com.

Reliance Energy Partners, LLC (REP) is the propane company that consolidated the LP business for 5 partners:  CG&S of Hillsboro, Farmers Grain Coop of Walton, Mid-Kansas Coop Assn. of Moundridge, Farmers Coop Elevator Co. of Halstead, and Reinert Propane of Inman.  Formed on August 1, 2000,  REP’s headquarters are in Peabody, KS.  For more information, you may go to REP’s web page at www.relianceenergypartners.com.

The first board of directors elected in 1966 were Adolf Bartel, Elmer Delk, Larry Jost, A.S. Klassen, Ernest Suderman, Chester Unruh, and Milton Schlotthauer.  In addition, CG&S has had 6 managers:  Pete Willems 1966-68; Wendell Haley 1968-69; Elemer Friesen 1969; Bert Regier 1970-76; Galen Rapp 1976-85; and Lyman Adams, Jr. 1986-present. 

© 2001 CGSMC.