The Rural Connection
Answering the call to bring Internet access, cellular service and more to rural America
Catherine Merlo

On the Cover: Kenny Thompson, technician for Hardy Telecommunications, braves icy winter weather to keep service going for rural customers in West Virginia. Across the nation, rural telecommunications cooperatives are striving to ensure that rural customers have the same access to new communications technology as do residents of urban areas. USDA Photo by Ken Hammond

Opening Comments by Randall Torgerson, Deputy Administrator Cooperative Service

Co-ops Break Supply Sales Record
Survey shows co-ops'share of farm supplies sales reached a new high in 1997, while their share of farm marketings fell
Charles A. Kraenzle

Financial Position of Nation's Largest Co-ops Stronger Despite Lower Sales
David S. Chesnick

Proactive Approach to Financial Health Pays Off for Nation's Major Ag Co-ops
David S. Chesnick

USDA Loans Help Co-ops Grow
USDA's Business & Industry Guaranteed loans are boosting co-op operations, rejuvenating rural communities
Catherine Merlo

Supply Co-ops' Income Rebounds
Despite lower grain prices, farm-supply co-ops report increased savings, service income and patronage refunds
Beverly L. Rotan

NEWSLINE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A CLOSER LOOK AT...

Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture

Jill Long Thompson, Under Secretary, Rural Development

Dayton J. Watkins, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Randall Torgerson, Deputy Administrator, RBS Cooperative Services

Catherine Merlo, Editor

Peter Manzelli, Design

RURAL COOPERATIVES (1088-8845) is published bimonthly by Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. 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. Copies may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402, at $3.00 domestic, $3.75 foreign; or by annual subscription at $11.00 domestic, $13.75 foreign. Postmaster: send address change to: Rural Cooperatives, USDA/RBS, Stop 3255, Wash., DC 20250-3255. order form

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