March 15, 2011

CHS and Hamilton Farm Bureau explore business partnership

CHS Inc., Fortune 100 energy, grains and foods company, and Hamilton Farm Bureau(HFB), a US$140-million cooperative headquartered in Hamilton, Mich., have signed a letter of understanding to explore a formal business partnership.

If approved, the two companies will join forces to enhance agricultural services to producers and consumers within the western Michigan trade territory now served by HFB.

A proposed business agreement is currently being discussed at HFB member meetings and will be voted upon by its 170 Class A stockholders in April. 

According to Bob Fenton, HFB president and CEO, "Combining our resources with those of CHS offers Michigan farmers all the purchasing and marketing advantages of a global company.   Our farmers will become owners of one of the most successful agribusinesses in North America. It will be exciting to see the CHS profits generated in Michigan returned to Michigan farmers to enhance their farm operations."

"The business opportunity is a strategic move for both companies," explained John McEnroe, Senior Vice President, CHS Country Operations division. "It aligns well with the CHS commitment to return value to member-owners."

Hamilton Farm Bureau (www.hfb.com) was built on the principle of providing quality products and expert services to the communities it serves. For the past 80 years, it has done that and more, growing into a vital resource for agricultural producers, consumers and builders in Michigan.