New Co-op Publications From USDA
Strategic Planning in Farmer Co-ops
Research Report 184
By James J. Wadsworth
This report examines cooperatives' use of strategic planning, the various technical aspects of it, and the degree of director involvement in strategic planning. It also analyzes their financial position and certain aspects of financial change.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
Cooperative Feasibility Study Guide
Service Report 58
James Matson
Steps for conducting a feasibility study, how to evaluate a study and how to implement a completed study are outlined. Tips on selecting and working with consultants also are provided.
Price: domestic-$5; foreign-$5.50
Cost of Balancing Milk Supplies:
Northeast Regional Market
Research Report 188
K. Charles Ling
The seasonal nature of milk production and fluid consumption necessitates maintaining seasonal and operating reserves to ensure fluid demand is satisfied. This report looks at actual milk volume and use in the Northeast market to estimate the costs incurred by those manufacturing plants in balancing reserve milk supplies.
Price: domestic-$5; foreign-$5.50
Structural Changes in the Dairy Co-op
Sector, 1992-2000
Research Report 187
Carolyn Liebrand
Dairy cooperative numbers between 1992 and 2000 showed a net decline of 52. This report shows that more than 80 dairy co-ops went out of business, or dairy was reduced to a minor part of the business. Thirty-two new cooperatives were formed, some by consolidating existing co-ops. Some dairy co-ops became vertically integrated while others focused only on bargaining.
Price: domestic-$5; foreign-$5.50
Local Co-ops in the Identity-Preserved
Grain Industry
Research Report 181
By Julia A. Hogeland
This study reports on how 230 local grain co-ops in the Mid-west have responded to the transition to identity-preserved grain marketing. Results showed overall commitment to identity-preserved grain was determined in large part by a co-op's openness to innovation.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
The Impact of New-Generation Co-ops
on Their Communities
Research Report 177
By David Trechter et al.
Findings are reported from a study of five cooperatives and their local communities in the Upper Midwest. The authors, five university professors, look at the new-generation cooperative movement. The report is aimed to help those involved in establishing co-ops and those working in the field of community development.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
Crop Protectant Operations of Local Farm Supply and
Marketing Cooperatives
By E. Eldon Eversull
Research Report 183
The 1999 crop protectant sales and services of 383 local cooperatives are examined and compared with sales trends for the past nine years. The study focuses on regional differences as well as differences among cooperatives based on size and type.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
Cooperatives: What They Are and the Role of Members,
Directors, Managers and Employees
Cooperative Information Report 11
By James Wadsworth
This is an educational guide for teaching basic information about cooperatives. It examines business principles and structural characteristics of cooperatives and responsibilities and roles of members, directors, managers and employees.
Price: Free
The NFO: A Farm Belt Rebel
A History of the National Farmers Organization
By Don Muhm
The National Farmers Organization was born in the tough economic times following the Korean War. It directed a series of controversial food market boycotts in its attempts to obtain collective bargaining for American agriculture. This book recounts the history of the NFO and its "sparkplug" leader, Oren Staley.
Price: hardbound $20; softbound $16
Assessing Performance Needs of Cooperative
Boards of Directors
Co-op Information Report 58
By James J. Wadsworth
This report helps directors assess individual abilities and areas for improvement, how well the board performs, how it can be improved and productivity and effectiveness of board meetings. Assessments help spot weaknesses or areas needing improvement.
Price: Free
Analysis of Financial Statements:
Local Farm Supply, Marketing Co-ops
Research Report 182
Beverly L. Rotan
Financial statements of local cooperatives are examined for 1999, 1998 and for the decade 1990-1999. Trends for major balance sheet and income statement, as we II as financial ratios, are presented for four cooperative sizes and types. The information gives managers and directors a basis for comparing the performance of their local cooperatives.
Price: $4.50; foreign $5.00
Grain Co-op Mergers, Acquisitions, 1993-97
Research Report 180
By Anthony Crooks
Operational and financial characteristics of cooperatives that were merged or consolidated during 1993-97 are examined. The report frames these and surviving cooperatives in the context of economic restructuring in the ag industry. Lessons learned provide insights into the challenges that lie ahead for grain cooperatives hoping to thrive.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
Cooperative Employee Compensation, 1999
Research Report 189
Beverly L. Rotan
Salaries and fringe benefits offered to mid to upper-level employees of cooperatives are the focus of this study. It shows that financial performance of the cooperative was the basis for bonuses, setting salaries and evaluating employees.
Price: domestic-$5; foreign-$5.50
Financial Management, Co-op Ratio Analysis
Research Report 175
David S. Chesnick
Differences in financial management and goals that exist between investor-oriented firms and cooperatives are examined. This report reviews what bankers look for when appraising potential borrowers. A summary of financial ratios used to analyze businesses is included.
Price: $5; foreign $5.50
