FEATURES

On the front line
Field representatives are the eyes and ears of a co-op
By Catherine Merlo

Wisconsin co-op offers fresh approach
to produce auctions
By Pamela J. Karg

Agribusiness, co-ops awarded $28 million
in USDA grants


Boosting the giant
USDA assistance effort helping Nigerian producers
By J. Haskell, G. Ely & J. Jobe

Afrincan ag co-ops leading fight
against HIV/AIDS

By Susan G. Schram

Meeting the test
8,200 service calls in 24 hours tests mettle of
Adams Electric Co-op
By Steve Thompson

Co-op leaders focus on strategies for success
By Kimberly Zeuli

How business culture drives
economic behavior in co-ops

By Julie A. Hogeland

Farmer co-op sales, income fall in 2002
By Eldon Eversull


DEPARTMENTS

COMMENTARY
VALUE-ADDED CORNER
FOCUS ON…
MANAGEMENT TIP
NEWSLINE



On the Cover:
The goal of the Badgerland Produce Co-op Auction in Montello, Wis., is to
sell produce at a fair price for both farmers and buyers. Article on page 8.
Photos by Pamela J. Karg



Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture
Gilbert Gonzales, Acting Under Secretary, USDA Rural Development
John Rosso, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service
James Haskell, Acting Deputy Administrator, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Dan Campbell, Editor
Vision Integrated Marketing/KOTA, Design

Have a cooperative-related question?
Call (202) 720-6483, or
Fax (202) 720-4641, Information Director

RURAL COOPERATIVES (1088-8845) is published bimonthly by Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 0705, Washington, DC. 20250-0705 The Secretary of Agriculture has determined that publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of public business required by law of the Department. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and additional mailing offices. Copies may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402, at $21 per year. Postmaster: send address change to: Rural Cooperatives, USDA/RBS, Stop 3255, Wash., DC 20250-3255.

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