Agfinity is a business that has operated as a co-op from the beginning, and though its staple on the Colorado economy is robust and well-known, the origins of Agfinity started as a small farming endeavor. Learn more in today’s post.
The Co-Op’s Beginning
It all began in Eaton, Colorado in the early 1900s. Eaton was a rich agricultural area that was famous for producing Neshannock potatoes. Even with a thriving potato crop, farmers were still struggling to make ends meet, mainly as a result of dealers receiving half of the profit just for storing the crop. Farmers were doing all the labor and risking crop failure for only half the profits.
Eaton farmers rallied together, adopted rules and guidelines, and put in $100 each to start the co-op. They found warehouse space and within a year began to make a good profit by joining forces! In 1915, the Potato Growers Cooperative was officially formed.
Member Growth, the Great Depression, and Onward
Within a decade there were over 500 members and the cooperative was only growing and expanding. From grain elevators to lumber yards, it was quickly becoming more than a potato business. The Cooperative weathered the Great Depression by decreasing salaries and placing a temporary hold on dividends. They made it through this tough period and by 1936 they built a new warehouse, and sales reached $1 million!
By the 1950s, sales were strong, but the Co-Op had a few tough years. The long-time president J.M. Collins passed away, and the co-op manager of 25 years, Al Epler, retired. Once again, the Cooperative carried on and stabilized by the 1960’s. In 1962 the feed division was developed, and to this day, continues to be one of the most successful divisions. Following in 1967, the Cooperative changed its name to reflect their growth. The Cooperative was now officially AgLand, Inc.
Cooperative Evolution
From potatoes to beans and now to feed, the Co-Op was evolving. A new retail service and fueling locations were added to serve the agriculture community and better reflect the Cooperative’s greater vision. The 1980’s were another particularly tough period because beef was considered to be a luxury that impacted feed sales, and the bean market was impacted by imports from Mexico, yet petroleum was up. During this time, non-farm sales increased by 50 percent (thanks to tire, battery, and accessory sales) which allowed for the construction of a new convenience store and lumber yard.
A Merger
Business diversification has always been front and center for the Cooperative and it was especially top of mind during the early 2000s. In 2012, Agfinity was formed through the unification of Agland Inc. and American Pride Co-Op. From market-driven and customer-centered offerings in agricultural, commercial, and retail, Agfinity has been able to stay steady, continue to grow, and develop as a company.
Pleased to Serve
The Cooperative has remained committed to agriculture since 1905 and has evolved to serve the vast Colorado agriculture and energy industries. As the Co-Op enters its second century, the enduring highlight of our history is that when farmers come together to support each other, everyone benefits.
Learn more about membership benefits today!
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