FEATURES
Making the Grade
Off-grade potatoes have a home, thanks to Keystone plant
By Dan Campbell
Fruits of Their Labor
Co-op winegrowing takes root in North Carolina
By Bruce Pleasant
Voice of experience: co-ops are resilient
By Scott Yates
Trade, Farm Bill challenges
eyed at dairy conference
By Dan Campbell
Foreign Affairs
Co-op leaders share strategies for pursuing global markets
By Stephen Thompson
Largest 100 ag co-ops
post strong margins in ‘04
By David Chesnick
An Art & Science
Revised co-op curriculum gets test drive in Madison
By Jane Livingston
DEPARTMENTS
COMMENTARY
LEGAL CORNER
VALUE-ADDED CORNER
MANAGEMENT TIP
NEWSLINE
INSIDE RURAL DEVELOPMENT
On the Cover:
A vine laden with Chardonnay grapes awaits harvest. See page
9 for a look at how wine grape growing is making a comeback in
North Carolina. Photo contributed by Rodney Lough, a prize-winning
photographer who specializes in outdoor photography.
See more of his work at: www.theloughroad.com.
Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture
Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary, USDA Rural Development
Jacj Gleason, Acing Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Programs
Roberta D. Purcell, Deputy Administrator, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Programs
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 $23 per year. Postmaster: send address change to: Rural Cooperatives, USDA/RBS, Stop 3255, Wash., DC 20250-3255.
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