WEBINAR I - The Basics of Cooperation: Getting Started with Cooperative Principles
Dr. Keri Jacobs from ISU Extension & Outreach will walk you through the basics of cooperative development in Iowa, including cooperative principles and an overview of the nuts and bolts of cooperative business formation, governance, and financing. Following Keri's presentation, LaVon Griffieon of Griffieon Family Farm will lead a discussion with participants relating her experience as as a producer and former board member for the Iowa Food Cooperative.
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WEBINAR II - Cooperative Opportunities and Challenges: How to Make Your Cooperative a Success
Bill Stevenson from Rocky Mountain Farmers Union will share his expertise and practical experience with building and maintaining successful cooperatives, including an overview of the common challenges in cooperative business development. RMFU has a long history of working with successful farmer-owned cooperatives, and Bill is their resident expert with great practical wisdom to share. Following Bill's presentation, Tom Frantzen of Frantzen family farm will lead a discussion with participants relating his experience as a member of farmer-owned Organic Prairie Cooperative.
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IN-PERSON WORKSHOP - How Cooperation Works: Real Lessons of Cooperative Success Stories
The in-person workshop will be offered twice in two different locations. Participants are encouraged to attend the one that works best for them:
The in-person workshop will provide participants with real world stories of building a successful farmer-owned cooperative from the ground up - from initial discussions to full-scale operation. Sarah Lloyd from Wisconsin Farmers Union will share her experience working to develop the farmer-owned Wisconsin Food Hub. John Flory from the Latino Economic Development Center in Minnesota will also be there to share his organization's experience building food cooperatives. Following these presentations, Sarah, John, and IFU staff will help lead a discussion and listening session with participants, so we can hear your questions and ideas for farmer-owned cooperative business development in Iowa.
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Questions? Contact IFU Membership Coordinator Deborah Bunka ([email protected]; 515-451-8492).
This learning series is offered with the generous support of the CHS Foundation.