Farmward Cooperative and Ag Plus Cooperative Announce Official Unification

Cooperative Unification

Press Release

January 7, 2026

Farmward and Ag Plus Cooperatives Announce Unification

Morgan, MN — Farmward Cooperative and Ag Plus Cooperative are excited to announce that Ag Plus members have overwhelmingly approved the proposed unification of the two organizations. By joining forces, they will combine resources, expertise, and community presence to deliver even greater value to patrons across southwest Minnesota. This unification strengthens both cooperatives while expanding their talent, capabilities, and physical footprint, ensuring they can support local agriculture today and for generations to come.

The unified cooperative will maintain its headquarters in Morgan, Minnesota. Both companies will operate independently until March 1, during which time we will be focused on integrating the two organizations. John Husk will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Farmward Cooperative, while Ag Plus CEO Josh Hilbrands will assume the role of Senior Vice President of Operations (effective March 1, 2026), ensuring continuity of leadership and operational expertise across all locations.

“This unification with Ag Plus Cooperative represents an important step forward in our mission to advance farming for generations. Together, we can provide greater operational support, while remaining rooted in the values and connections that make our local communities thrive. Our focus will continue to be on helping growers succeed, supporting families, towns, and ensuring that the cooperative remains a trusted partner across the communities we serve” said Dave Kadlec, Farmward Cooperative Board President.

The unification integrates Farmward’s operational capabilities with Ag Plus’s strong patron relationships and community presence, positioning both cooperatives to operate from greater strength. By combining teams, facilities, and expertise, the unified cooperative will be able to deliver enhanced agronomy and energy services, broaden geographic coverage, and provide greater consistency and value for member-owners.

Patrons can expect seamless service during the integration, with little disruption to daily operations. Ag Plus locations and staff will now operate under the Farmward umbrella, bringing together a larger team dedicated to supporting growers’ needs.

"Protecting and growing member equity has always been our top priority," said Ag Plus Board Chair, Eddie De Langhe. "By joining with Farmward, we are combining the strengths of both cooperatives to better serve growers, expand services, and remain a trusted partner in our communities for generations to come."

Key benefits of the unification include:

Strengthened agronomy and energy services: Combining technical expertise and operational resources, the cooperative is better positioned to support agronomic success and expanded energy needs.

Expanded geographic reach: Growers across southwest Minnesota will gain access to additional locations and services.

Greater consistency and value for member-owners: Standardized practices, coordinated operations, and combined purchasing power deliver tangible benefits.

A larger foundation for the next generation: The unification ensures that cooperative services remain strong and sustainable for future farmers and community members.

The cooperative is committed to maintaining the strong community relationships that both organizations have cultivated over decades. Local engagement, member support, and personalized service remain top priorities as the organizations integrate.
Patrons and community partners are encouraged to visit farmward.net for ongoing updates and information regarding the unification.

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About Farmward
Farmward Cooperative is a diversified and progressive farm supply and grain marketing cooperative headquartered in Morgan, Minnesota with outlet locations in Clements, Comfrey, Danube, Morton, Olivia, Renville, Sacred Heart, Springfield, Wabasso, and Wood Lake. They offer a full range of agricultural products and services, including grain handling and marketing, crop protection, crop nutrients, seed, precision ag, bulk feed delivery, and bulk delivery of energy products, including refined fuels, propane, and lubricants. Farmward also provides producer financing, leasing, crop insurance, and property & casualty insurance through their subsidiary companies, AgQuest Financial and Northland Capital.

About Ag Plus Cooperative
Ag Plus Cooperative is a farmer-owned cooperative serving southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with a long-standing commitment to supporting local growers, businesses, and communities. Ag Plus is headquartered in Marshall, Minnesota, with locations in Canby, Ghent, Ivanhoe/Hendricks (West Branch), Marshall, Minneota, and Slayton. Ag Plus operates across multiple divisions including agronomy, energy, convenience stores, and automotive shops, providing integrated solutions that help members and customers operate efficiently and plan for the future.

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