CONTENTS

FORERUNNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Association of Cooperative Educators ..................................... 4

Cooperative Communicators Association ................................ 5

Credit Union National Association & Affiliates ..................... .6

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies .............7

National Cooperative Bank ...................................................... 7

National Cooperative Business Association ............................. 8

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives ................................ 9

Agricultural Cooperative Development International ......... 11

American Institute of Cooperation ..................................... 11

Farm Credit Council .......................................................... 13

National Live Stock Producers Association ........................... 15

National Milk Producers Federation ...................................... 15

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association .................. .16

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation .... .17

National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives ................ .18

National Telephone Cooperative Association ....................... .19

U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Committee ............19

Cooperative Resources Committee ........................................ 20

Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance .................... .2 1

.

NATIONAL GENERAL FARM ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

American Farm Bureau Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

National Farmers Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

National Grange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FEDERAL AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Agricultural Cooperative Service ........................................... 23

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service ............. .24

i
Cooperative State Research Service ....................................... 25

Extension Service .................................................................. 26

Farm Credit Administration ................................................... 26

National Credit Union Administration ................................... 27

Rural Electrification Administration ...................................... 27

Rural Telephone Bank ............................................................ 28

STATE ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

State Cooperative Councils .................................................... 29

State Associations and Leagues ............................................. 37

Land-Grant Universities ......................................................... 37

State Departments of Agriculture ........................................... 38

OTHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cooperative Information Report 1 , Section 5

Revised 1989

Reviewed and approved for reprinting September 1993

ii
Organizations

Serving

Cooperatives -

Borrowing a page from their own book on member cooperation,

U.S. farmer cooperatives early turned outward and found cooperating

with each other could help meet common needs and resolve mutual

problems. This involvement evolved further into development of specialty

organizations to serve cooperatives.

The earlier organizations encouraged the cooperative way from

conceptual and economic perspectives. Then came organizations to meet

needs for services such as education, information, financing, and research

at national and State levels. Many of these developments are presented

in Agricultural Cooperatives-Pioneer to Modern, Cooperative Information

Report 1, Section 2.

Two general farm organizations, the Grange and Farmers Alliance,

were pioneers in spreading cooperative principles into agricultural areas

of the Nation. The Grange movement started in 1867. When that driving

force in cooperative development waned in the 1870’s, Farmers Alliance

renewed the momentum, particularly through the South in the late 1880’s.

One outgrowth of the Alliance was Farmers Educational and

Cooperative Union of America, launched in Texas in 1902, that later

became National Farmers Union.

Development continued in 1903 at Springfield, IL, where

representatives of farmer cooperatives formed a State association to

promote the interests of farmers’ elevators. Similar associations followed

in other grain-producing States. Then, six of these State associations met

1
at Minneapolis, MN, in June 19 12 and organized National Council of

Farmers Cooperative Associations.

From one early council president’s account comes an illustration

of some motivations and intents prompting organizations that serve

cooperatives:

“All matters of interstate or national importance are handled by

the National Council. Its officers have made several trips to Washington,

DC, to urge, and assist as far as possible, in securing the enactment of

legislation, and preventing the enactment of unfavorable legislation, to

appear before the Interstate Commerce Commission on behalf of the

elevator companies, when necessary; and on several occasions we have

carried our troubles to the Secretary of Agriculture. We opposed, to the

very extent of our power, the efforts of the railroads to advance rates

on grain. Our efforts were successful and this alone has saved the farmers

millions of dollars. ’ ’

This early national council was interested primarily in the welfare

of farmers’ elevators, because associations of grain elevators were the

most important segment of cooperative development at that time. At the

annual convention in Chicago, IL, in March 1920, its name was changed

to Farmers National Grain Dealers Association. This organization was

replaced by an entirely new one, National Federation of Grain

Cooperatives, founded in Washington, DC, in February 1939. The

federation is now a division of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

The Smith-Lever Act, which fostered a county agent plan, was

passed in 1914. It drew three-way support from USDA, State agricultural

extension services, and other contributors such as farmers and agribusiness

firms. Passage of this legislation led to county Farm Bureaus and State

Farm Bureau federations. In 19 19, Farm Bureau representatives from

12 States convened at Ithaca, NY, to form the nationwide American Farm

Bureau Federation.

Meanwhile, two other national organizations of cooperatives were

being formed in 1916-Cooperative League of the United States (now

National Cooperative Business Association) and National Cooperative

Milk Producers Federation (now National Milk Producers Federation).

Both organizations are headquartered in the Washington, DC, area.

In December 1922, a 3-day conference in the Nation’s capital drew

marketing association delegates and visitors from 30 States, Canada, and

Denmark. Active were representatives of cooperatives marketing cotton,

fruits and vegetables, tobacco, dairy products, grain, rice, livestock, and

nuts. Delegates from American Farm Bureau Federation and Farmers

Educational and Cooperative Union of America (National Farmers Union)

2
also were present. A unanimous vote on the last day created National

Council of Farmers’ Cooperative Marketing Associations. The conference

chose an executive committee of 15 to form a new organization. An office

was opened in Washington, DC.

The executive committee outlined the council’s purposes:

l establish contacts among cooperatives,

l supply crop information,

l develop national publicity,

l establish Federal contact for members,

l assist in legislative problems, and

l supply reliable information to farm groups.

The organization held annual conferences in Washington, DC, in

1924, 1925, and 1926. Strong differences of opinion marked the 1926

conference. Some member cooperatives, who had not fared well, expected cooperative commodity marketing to bring prosperity to farmers

despite unfavorable economic conditions. But as experience proved,

cooperation was unable to accomplish the impossible. Financial support

for the program dwindled, and National Council of Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association was dissolved in 1926.

While all these early efforts were not enduring successes, they did

lay groundwork for several types of national organizations serving cooperatives today, including:

national cooperative organizations;

national general farm organizations;

Federal agencies; and

State organizations.

Any stopping point in a list of organizations that provide services

to farmer cooperatives must be arbitrary. Those in this listing have been

considered most often and most closely associated with farmer

cooperatives and their concerns at international, national, and State levels.

3
National Cooperative Organizations

Association of Cooperative Educators

The Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) is a professional

organization of employees of cooperatives whose principal work is

centered in:

l training of people who work for and with cooperatives;

l educational programs for managers, directors, members, and

other key persons employed by and involved with cooperatives; and

l personnel development and enrichment among cooperative

leaders, members, and employees.

ACE members focus maior attention on cooperative education and

training:

l advancing cooperative concepts in the

operations and practices;

light of present cooperative

l effective use of techniques, materials, and presentation methods

to carrying out programs in the above fields; and

l improvement of professional capabilities and knowledge of those

engaged in this effort.

ACE conducts an annual institute that features presentations on

aspects of cooperative education, publication displays, and other data

beamed to the needs of members. It issues a periodic newsletter, ACE

NEWS, as a supplemental source of data about the work of members and

other information related to cooperative education and training. ACE

members in some regions participate in organized discussions on topics

of current interest.

For their investment in annual dues, ACE members receive:

0 quarterly issues of “ACE NEWS,” a newsletter directed at the

interest and needs of members;

0 information about the annual training institute;

4
l names, addresses, and vocational capabilities of other cooperative

educators in North America with whom they may share information, skills,

and techniques;

l information about meetings, seminars, and other programs

conducted for and by ACE members in particular geographical areas; and

l an opportunity to share ideas and programs with other

cooperative educators.

Association of Cooperative Educators, 5 lo- 119 Fourth Avenue,

South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7K OE9. Telephone: (306)

244-3600.

Cooperative Communicators Association

The Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) was organized

in 1953 as the Cooperative Editorial Association. The name was changed

in 1985 to better reflect the wider range of communications in which

many cooperative employees are engaged. CCA has members in both

the United States and Canada.

CCA is governed by a nine-member board of directors, three of

whom are elected to 3-year terms each at the annual institute. The board

subsequently picks a slate of officers-president, vice president, and

secretary-treasurer. An executive secretary and newsletter editor are later

appointed by the board. All CCA members are eligible and encouraged

to serve on committees and task forces involved in a wide range of ongoing

activities and special programs.

Eligibility for membership in CCA requires that members have

a direct part in planning and/or producing cooperative communications,

although these may not be their exclusive duties.

Among benefits of CCA membership are:

l keeping abreast of the latest trends throughout the cooperative

communications field;

l associating with other communicators from a wide range of

cooperatives across North America:

l learning tips on editing, layout, writing, photography, and

publication and brochure design, as well as how to better plan, organize,

control, and evaluate communications programs and information

campaigns;

5
l opportunities to compare communication efforts with other peers

through annual writing and photography evaluations and award programs

sponsored by CCA; and

l regional workshops, supported by local communicators, and an

annual institute-both providing opportunities to get together for direct

interaction and education.

Annual dues cover services, such as the newsletter, CCA

Communications Handbook, membership directory, and support for the

annual institute and regional workshops. Cooperative Communicators

Association, Executive Secretary Forrest Bradley, 2263 East Bancroft,

Springfield, MO 65804. Telephone: (417) 882-1493.

Credit Union National Association & Affiliates

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is a confederation of

the 52 credit union leagues (associations) serving every State, District

of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. More than 90 percent of credit unions

in the United States are affiliated with CUNA through membership in

their leagues.

CUNA, chartered in 1934, is headquartered in Madison, WI, and

maintains a governmental affairs office in Washington, DC. In cooperation

with the State leagues, CUNA provides national leadership, liaison with

Congress and the various Federal agencies, newsletters and magazines,

market and demographic research, economic analysis, public relations,

education, training, and other services to credit unions.

United with CUNA through a combined management and

leadership structure is CUNA Service Group, Inc. (CSG) the association’s

financial services affiliate. CSG develops and markets consumer financial

services to credit unions on a national level. CSG’s programs enable credit

unions to provide members with like credit cards, ATM access, share

drafts, money orders, IRAs, travelers checks, etc., at reasonable cost.

Another CUNA affiliate, U.S. Central Credit Union in Overland

Park, KS, provides investment, liquidity, and correspondent financial

services to credit unions through a network of State or regional

‘ ‘corporate’ ’ credit unions-essentially credit unions for credit unions.

U.S. Central credit union is one of the largest and strongest financial

institutions in the Nation, with billions of dollars in deposits and assets.

Credit Union National Association, Inc., 57 10 Mineral Point Road,

Madison, WI 53705. Telephone: (608) 23 l-4000.

6
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC)

is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Established in 1895, it represents

many of the hundreds of mutual insurance companies providing rural

America with fire, crop, hail, auto, and other insurance coverage. Mutuals

dot the Nation. Often, they are only large enough to serve residents in

a single township or county.

NAMIC retains counsel as part of its input on national legislation

affecting the industry. Other services to member companies include a

wide range of insurance programs for employees, directors, and officers

of mutuals; a retirement program; investment counseling; assistance with

tax return preparation; and numerous schools and seminars to train

member company personnel.

NAMIC publishes a national trade magazine, The Mutual Insurance

Bulletin, and several other newsletters and regularly prepares digests for

members.

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, P.O. Box

68700, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Telephone: (3 17) 8755250.

National Cooperative Bank

The National Cooperative Bank (NCB) was chartered in 1978 as

the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. The bank has been operating

under its present name since November 1984. Today NCB is a private,

cooperatively owned financial institution providing banking services

exclusively to cooperative businesses.

NCB helps urban and rural cooperatives in several ways:

l it provides loans to eligible cooperatives at market interest rates;

to

l the self-help fund gives special financial help at low

cooperatives unable to qualify for regular loans; and

interest rates

l its office of technical assistance offers cooperative staffs and

members expert training in management, financial planning, and member

services.

Cooperatives may be eligible for financial or technical assistance if:

l chartered or operated as a cooperative on a service-at-cost basis;

7
l run by members on a one-member, one-vote basis;

l membership is available to all persons without discrimination;

l net margins not reinvested in the business are returned to

members according to patronage.

NCB has regional offices in Chicago 11; New York, NY;

Minneapolis, MN; Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; and Anchorage, AK.

National Cooperative Bank, 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW,

Washington, DC, 20009. Telephone: (202) 7454600.

National Cooperative Business Association

The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) was

P 1

rounaed in 1916 as the Cooperative League of the USA. It is a national

membership and trade association representing the cooperative business

community and focusing on the unique and mutual needs of the various

industries. Members include cooperatives for farm supply, agricultural

marketing, insurance, banking, housing, health care, consumer goods

and services, students, credit unions, workers, fisheries plus rural electric

and telephone associations.

NCBA’s program supports development, expansion,

interconnection, and advancement of cooperative businesses in the United

States through a variety of education, information, and training programs.

It represents the cooperative business community in Washington, DC,

before Congress and Federal agencies.

It prepares and provides technical assistance to cooperative

businesses in the developing world, represents U.S. cooperatives to the

world cooperative community through membership and active

participation in the International Cooperative Alliance, promotes and

develops international commerce, and other business interconnections

by and among the world’s cooperative businesses.

Among related entities are: National Cooperative Business

Foundation, a nonprofit foundation supporting cooperative business

education and development in the U.S. and around the world; National

Cooperative Business Political Action Committee, a political action

committee supporting the cooperative form of business enterprise;

National Cooperative Business Institute, an institution of higher education

providing research, lectures, classes, and field work for cooperative

business executives and leaders; National Cooperative Business Services

8
Group for consulting and business services to cooperatives; Cooperative

Business International, an international services company promoting

commercial opportunities for cooperative businesses; Cooperative Hall

of Fame and Historical Society, to honor those who have contributed

to cooperatives; and display artifacts, books, and documents relating to

the history of U.S. cooperative business development.

NCBA was active in founding Cooperatives for American Relief

Everywhere (CARE) and the National Cooperative Bank (NCB). NCBA’s

International Division implements long-term programs focusing on

agribusiness development and cooperative education and training.

NCBA has joined Land 0’ Lakes, Inc., in a worldwide dairy

development project and has developed an insurance program for Latin

America.

NCBA explores new program opportunities in cooperative business

trade development, health care services, aquaculture, and utilization’ of

Public Law 480 commodities.

NCBA is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has satellite

offices in Davis, CA; New Delhi, India; and Klaten, Indonesia.

National Cooperative Business Association, 1401 New York Ave.,

NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 638-6222.

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) is a national

association of cooperative businesses owned and controlled by farmers.

NCFC members market food or fiber, provide credit services, or purchase

production supplies for farmers. Most members are federated associations

serving as central agencies for numerous local cooperatives. Thus, through

affiliations, NCFC represents about 90 percent of the Nation’s annual

business volume of farmer cooperatives. State councils of cooperatives

also are NCFC members, helping to form another link of unity as

cooperatives carry out legislative and regulatory activities.

In 1929, at the annual meeting of American Institute of

Cooperation, cooperative leaders created a new organization known as

National Chamber of Agricultural Cooperatives. The name was later

changed to National Cooperative Council but in 1940 became NCFC .

In 1939, several regional grain-marketing cooperatives organized

the National Federation of Grain Cooperatives. It became a division of

the council in 1973. Farm Credit Council was formed in 1983 as an

affiliate to serve the legislative interests of the cooperative Farm Credit

System. Agricultural Cooperative Development International (ACDI)

9
affiliated with NCFC in 1984, and the American Institute of Cooperation

(AK) became an affiliate in 1985. These organizations serve the overseas

development and educational needs of farmer cooperatives.

NCFC objectives are to:

l promote actively and persistently the interest of farmer

cooperatives;

l impress on various Government and other agencies of the

importance and potential of cooperatives in agriculture;

l provide an avenue through which cooperatives may be advised

quickly of developments significant to them; and

l serve as a forum to promote better understanding.

NCFC strives to meet these objectives by representing farmer

cooperatives before Congress and Federal agencies. Representation is

based on council policy developed by voting delegates at NCFC’s annual

meeting.

NCFC officials serve as members of U.S. delegations to various

international agricultural gatherings and on a variety of domestic advisory

commissions, boards, and committees established by Government and

private agencies to develop policies and regulations affecting agriculture

and agricultural cooperatives.

NCFC also conducts an annual information fair, attracting more

than 300 entries in some 30 classes of competition. The fair recognizes

superior member-association publications, advertisements, sales

promotion materials, audiovisual presentations, and other communication

efforts.

NCFC regularly publishes two newsletters. Washington Councilor,

a weekly, is available to member-association personnel. Washington

Cooperator, a bimonthly, is distributed to members, the media,

Government officials, agricultural community leaders, and other interested

people. It reports on programs and activities of NCFC and its three

affiliates. The council also issues periodic bulletins and news releases

covering specific issues of current interest.

NCFC conducts an annual public affairs workshop to improve and

expand the Government relations and political action expertise of personnel

from member cooperatives.

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, 50 F Street, NW, Suite

900, Washington, DC 20001’. Telephone: (202) 628-6676.

10
Agricultural Cooperative Development International

Agricultural Cooperative Development International (ACDI) in

Washington, DC, is a nonprofit, educational, technical, and management

assistance organization created by the leading agricultural cooperatives

and farmer organizations of the United States. Its purpose is to respond

to the needs of agricultural cooperatives, Farm Credit System, and

supporting governmental agencies in developing countries by providing

assistance in training, planning, operations, organization, and member

involvement.

ACDI is affiliated with the National Council of Farmer

Cooperatives in Washington, DC. Its membership includes major U.S.

agricultural purchasing, marketing, and manufacturing cooperatives; farm

credit banks; and national farmer associations.

The broad base of farmer-owned agribusinesses gives it a ready

response for meeting project needs. Members also respond to technical

queries from overseas, provide orientation and training to developing

country personnel, and contribute financially to ACDI’s work. These

contributions supplement grants from Agency for International

Development (AID) that enables ACDI to initiate project identification

and development, conduct training workshops, sponsor cooperative visits,

and carry out separately financed projects.

ACDI maintains contact with a number of developing-country

cooperatives, agricultural banks, government agencies, and donor

organizations such as AID. ACDI invites requests to consult with these

organizations on cooperative development and farm credit objectives,

problems, and strategies. Response to requests usually involves contacts

or visits by a senior management or project officer at no direct cost to

the requesting organization.

Agricultural Cooperative Development International, 50 F Street,

NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001.

American Institute of Cooperation

As a national cooperative education association, American Institute

of Cooperation (AIC) has served the Nation’s agricultural cooperatives

and their farmer-members since 1925. Its goal is to promote better

understanding of the cooperative way of doing business. To meet its goals,

AIC:

l conducts educational workshops, conferences, seminars, and

institutes;

11
l produces and distributes educational materials;

and

l provides special educational services to member cooperatives;

l maintains liaison with other national cooperative, agricultural,

educational organizations.

Educational programs are designed to help cooperative members

understand their cooperative better; enable cooperative managers and

employees to operate their business more effectively; and teach

policymakers, educators, opinion leaders, and interested citizens about

the role cooperatives play in the marketplace.

The highlight of AK’s educational activities is the annual National

Institute on Cooperative Education (NICE). The summer institute is

actually several meetings interwoven with a weeklong educational

conference. In addition to a general program, special-interest seminars

and workshops are conducted for youth, young farmer couples, university

staff, new cooperative employees, extension agents, vocational agriculture

teachers, and others.

Nearly 1,500 people attend the institute each year. Sessions focus

on the progress cooperatives are making and challenges they face. In

past years, topics have addressed both internal and external influences

on agricultural cooperative development and growth.

AIC sponsors annual professional development seminars or

workshops in several subject areas. They include workshops in personnel

and human resources management and cooperative relations, and a

leadership training seminar for regional cooperative directors.

The institute produces and distributes a wide range of educational

resource materials for the general public, cooperative members and

employees, and elementary, junior high, and high school classes. For

the general public, offerings range from such topics as “Cooperatives:

What They Are” to ‘ ‘Cooperatives and Taxation. ’ ’

For cooperative members and employees, AIC’s materials help

give a better understanding of how the cooperative system operates. AIC

has three series of publications for classroom use. Each is for a different

educational level, ranging from the upper primary grades to high school

students. The publications discuss business structure in America and point

out the unique role of cooperatives. Films and slide programs are a vital

part of many educational programs.

Each year, AIC publishes a yearbook, American Cooperation,

which includes the Journal of Agricultural Cooperation, giving a

12
comprehensive view of cooperative issues and operations. It highlights

presentations made at the annual institute, carries major features on other

topics of interest, and provides statistical information on many types of

cooperatives.

Through the annual research awards program, AIC makes awards

for graduate and undergraduate research on agricultural cooperatives.

Staff members provide consulting services and help develop

educational programs on cooperatives and are frequent speakers at

cooperative annual meetings and seminars.

AIC’s educational programs are accredited by the Council for

Noncollegiate Continuing Education, Richmond, VA.

American Institute of Cooperation, Suite 900, 50 F Street, NW,

Washington DC, 20001. Telephone: (202) 347- 1080.

Farm Credit Council

The Farm Credit Council (FCC), based in Washington, DC, is

a federated trade association representing

Credit System banks and associations

the

as

nationwide network of Farm

well as other cooperative

agricultural lenders before Congress and Government agencies. Council

membership is composed of 12 district Farm Credit Councils along with

the Central Bank for Cooperatives.

In turn, membership of the district councils comes from the 37

Farm Credit Banks, some 387 Production Credit Associations and Federal

Land Bank Associations, other cooperative farm lenders and about

650,000 individual stockholders of these institutions.

The cooperative banks and associations in the Farm Credit System

are owned by the member-borrowers, who with farmer-directors on boards

set policy for the System.

About a third of all agricultural loans in the Nation are made

through the Farm Credit System.

Farm credit leaders recognized the need for a voice in Washington

as well as mechanism for grass roots position development. They

established the Farm Credit Council in 1983. Subsequently, the decision

was made to affiliate the council with the National Council of Farmer

Cooperatives, of which Farm Credit System banks are members. The

Council was charged with providing an effective voice with the Congress

and Government agencies on Farm Credit issues.

The structure for developing positions on legislative issues is

provided by the district councils, and the process begins with the farmerdirectors of the member organizations. Their views are presented directly

and through legislative advisory committees for adoption by district council

13
boards. Once approved by the district board, these positions are advanced

to the resolutions committee at the Farm Credit Council annual meeting.

Resolutions approved by the national delegates become the Council’s

national positions on governmental issues.

Resolutions approved at the annual meeting are turned over to the

council’s 13-member board for implementation. Since January 1985, a

common board has served both the Farm Credit Corporation of America,

the system’s central standards-setting institution, and The Farm Credit

Council. Under the direction of the board, the Farm Credit Council

president coordinates and directs the daily affairs of the council, carried

out through its Washington-based staff.

Council funding comes from dues assessed to its member

organizations.

The council’s mission is to enhance the political effectiveness of

the membership and their member institutions. In doing so, the council

will:

l Serve the membership as its Washington representative before

governmental bodies and the general public, as appropriate, on issues

of significance and concern to the membership consistent with council

positions and resolutions;

l Provide leadership to, and coordination among, the district Farm

Credit Councils to enhance their organizational effectiveness overall ;

l Strive to inform members of pending and proposed legislative

and regulatory developments concerning significant issues;

l Serve as facilitator for consensus among members on

governmental issues of present or potential concern.

The council centers its attention on legislative and governmental

issues that affect agricultural credit. The council monitors legislation in

many House and Senate committees and subcommittees and acts to

influence the outcome of legislation introduced for the benefit of

cooperative agricultural lenders and their farmer-members. The council

staff maintains close liaison with Government agencies, such as the U. S .

Department of Agriculture, and with Farm Credit System standing

committees. As a regular part of its operation, the council serves as a

conduit of information from Washington to its membership. The council

also serves to inform Congress and Government agencies on the views

of its members.

The Farm Credit Council, 50 F Street, NW, Suite 900,

Washington, DC 20001. Telephone: (202) 393-3744.

14
Regional livestock-marketing cooperatives are members of the

National Live Stock Producers Association (NLSPA), a federation with

headquarters in Denver, CO.

NLSPA does no marketing but provides a wide variety of services

to member associations marketing cattle, calves, hogs, sheep, goats, and

horses in nearly 150 markets across the Nation. These associations use

a number of marketing systems, including terminals, auctions, country

. selling, order buying, carcass merit programs, contracting, electronic

marketing, and commodity trading. Services NLSPA provides to member

associations include assisting in development of new market outlets,

interpreting Federal and State regulations and programs, helping design

new facilities, conducting conferences for sales personnel of member

associations, and advising on many details of operations and personnel

management. The organization carries on educational work, provides legal

assistance, represents members in legislative matters, and performs public

relations services.

Through National Feeder and Finance Corporation, a wholly owned

subsidiary of NLSPA, the association offers credit service to producer

members in cooperation with member marketing associations. Another

affiliate of NLSPA, National Producers Service Company, is organized

to offer futures trading and forward pricing contracts as an additional

marketing tool for producers and credit corporation borrowers.

National Live Stock Producers Association, 307 Livestock

Exchange Building, Denver, CO 802 16. Telephone: (303) 296- 1077.

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) represents dairy

marketing cooperatives throughout the United States.

NMPF was organized in 1916 and is the “granddad” of commodity

organizations. Soon after formation, NMPF formalized and focused efforts

of several dairy leaders to secure passage of legislation to be known as

the Capper-Volstead Act, the “Magna Charta” of farmer cooperatives.

NMPF continues to provide the forum for dairy-farmer involvement in

the formation of national public policy.

The federation is headquartered in Arlington, VA, and provides

dairy farmers and their cooperatives an organization to develop policy

positions and long-range objectives. These positions are represented to

Congress, executive agencies, and regulatory bodies affecting the dairy

industry. NMPF tries to maintain and improve the economic well-being

15
of dairy farmers and their cooperatives and to assure consumers an

adequate supply of wholesome milk and dairy products.

A majority of NMPF’s voting delegates, board of directors, and

executive committee members are active dairy farmers.

Federation activities focus on legislative and regulatory actions

concerning Federal milk marketing orders, the dairy price support

program, product standards and quality programs, international trade,

child nutrition programs, animal health, and food safety.

Numerous information services of the Federation are designed to

help interpret the dairy industry to Government leaders, the media, and

various public audiences, plus keep dairy farmers informed of Federal

actions affecting them. A weekly newsletter, News for Dairy Co-ops,

reports on congressional and regulatory developments and Federal

administrative action. An annual booklet, Dairy Producer Highlights,

contains a wide variety of data about milk production, purchases,

utilization, and related statistics. The Legislative Ietter and Economics

Report are monthly newsletters for NMPF directors and key memberassociation personnel.

National Milk Producers Federation, 1840 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, VA 22301. Telephone: (703) 243-6111.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA),

headquartered in Washington, DC, represents most of the Nation’s rural

electric and generating and transmission cooperatives and statewide

associations of rural electric cooperatives.

Organized in 1942, NRECA provides members with a voice in

national legislative and regulatory matters, numerous management

services, director and employee training programs, public relations and

advertising activities, insurance programs, and research effort.

Membership dues and revenue from some of these services provide

NRECA’s financial support.

Each year, NRECA conducts dozens of conferences, seminars,

and workshops throughout the Nation. Individual sessions held in various

regions deal with member services, data processing, affirmative action,

legal matters, director training, right-of-way activities, insurance

programs, and research efforts. Membership dues and revenue from some

of these services provide NRECA’s retail rate structure and other activities

requested by member systems.

NRECA maintains liaison with Congress and various executive

and regulatory agencies on generation, transmission, and utilization of

16
electric power and environmental matters.

An extensive insurance program for employees, directors, and

officers of member systems affords an opportunity to obtain group life,

long-term disability, medical, travel, and liability insurance and retirement

benefits.

NRECA prepares and distributes several publications. Rural

Electrification, a monthly magazine, covers a wide range of subjects

important to systems management staffs, officers and directors, and others

working with rural systems. Rural Electric Newsletter, a weekly bulletin,

is a roundup of legislative, regulatory, and political news on rural

electrification. Management Quarterly magazine offers managers in-depth

articles by recognized management authorities from inside and outside

rural electrics. Other publications are developed as necessary to deal with

timely issues. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 1800

Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone: (202)

857-9500.

National Rural Utilities

Cooperative Finance Corporation

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC)

was established in 1969. Its creation was recommended by a study group

of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) after

it became apparent USDA’s Rural Electrification Administration (REA)

was unable to meet the demand for growth capital of the Nation’s rural

electric system.

CFC now is a full-service financing organization serving the rural

electric program as directed by incorporators. Primary

non-profit cooperative is to provide member systems with

source of loan funds to supplement REA loans.

It offers financial services designed for the Nation ‘s rural electric

function of the

an independent

distribution and power supply cooperatives.

CFC is owned by the members it serves-cooperatives meeting

the electrical power needs of more than 20 million retail electric power

consumers across the Nation. CFC has 968 members-822 distribution

systems, 65 power supply systems, 73 statewide and regional associations,

7 associate members, and NRECA.

CFC has a 22-member board of directors elected from 11 districts

covering 46 States. It has 125 full-time employees, mostly at its

headquarters in Washington, DC, plus 10 area representatives.

By the end of fiscal 1986, CFC had nearly $3 billion in total loans

outstanding. It has conducted many studies on behalf of the rural electric

17
industry, most recently with NRECA through the National Rural

Telecommunications Council to develop a blueprint approach to rural

electric’s role in telecommunications.

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, 1115

30th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007. Telephone: (202) 337-6700.

National Society of Accountants

for Cooperatives

The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC)

is a professional society of more than 2,000 accountants, bankers, and

others actively involved in the financial planning and management of

cooperative businesses. NSAC strives to enhance the professional

performance of its members in their service to cooperatives by providing

information, education, and training on issues affecting cooperative

management, accounting, taxation, and finance. NSAC acts as a technical

representative for cooperatives in formulating accounting principles and

auditing standards.

Since its formation in 1936, NSAC has sponsored an annual

meeting or technical session and a tax seminar. The annual meeting

provides a forum for addresses by, and discussions with, recognized

experts in accounting, taxation, finance, management, and Government.

Their presentations concern subjects of significant interest to the entire

cooperative community. The tax seminar features concurrent sessions

for varying interests and experience levels. Each of NSAC’S 13 chapters

sponsor an annual technical session and tax seminar. All the programs

offer continuing professional education credits to participants as do the

NSAC Audit and Accounting (A&A) Seminars.

The A&A Seminars presented at the chapter-level were developed

by NSAC members. The basic course targets accountants and accounting

employees of cooperatives and public accounting firms who have limited

experience in the field. The advanced course was designed for the

experienced cooperative accountant.

NSAC publishes a quarterly magazine, The Cooperative

Accountant. The professional journal furnishes members with timely and

useful information on subjects pertaining to accounting, tax, and

miscellaneous financial and economic topics about cooperatives and their

patrons.

NSAC is dedicated to ongoing research, seeking solutions to

problems unique to cooperatives. Many studies have been published as

Professional Pronouncements of the NSAC. Copies are available from

the NSAC office.

18
NSAC goals and policies are established by a national board of

directors, which meets twice a year. Its five-member executive committee

is authorized to act on its behalf between meetings. NSAC’s professional

staff implements the board’s plans and activities.

National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives, 6320 Augusta

Drive, Suite 802-C Springfield, VA 22150. Telephone: (703) 569-3088.

National Telephone Cooperative Association

National Telephone Cooperative Association (NTCA), ‘ ‘the voice

of rural telephony, ’ ’ serves more than 450 small, rural cooperative and

commercial telephone systems.

Since 1954, NTCA has represented its members’ interests with

Federal regulatory and legal agencies in Washington, DC. NTCA also

joins other telecommunications associations on joint initiatives and shared

concerns.

NTCA offers member services, such as its annual meeting, annual

legislative conference, and extensive educational development through

dozens of seminars and workshops for employees and directors.

It publishes Washington Report, a weekly roundup of late-breaking

legislative and regulatory news; Rural Telecommunications Journal, a

quarterly magazine with in-depth coverage of industry trends and

happenings; and an annual survey of compensation and benefits for

employees in the independent telephone industry.

NTCA’s Services Management Corporation provides member

systems’ employees and directors with a wide array of benefit plans

including medical, savings, and retirement. A cooperative insurance

company, National Telcom Corporation, provides insurance for members ’

equipment and plant.

National Telephone Cooperative Association, 2626 Pennsylvania

Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037. Telephone: (202) 298-2300.

U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Committee

The U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Committee (OCDC)

provides advice and counsel on behalf of U. S. cooperatives to U.S. and

international development agencies, the executive branch, the U.S.

Congress and the public on cooperative development abroad, principally

in developing countries. Created in 196 1, OCDC is a private

nongovernmental committee composed of senior U.S. cooperative leaders

and sponsored by seven cooperative development organizations active

in providing technical assistance overseas.

19
Cooperative Resources Committee

The Cooperative Resources Committee (CRC) is composed of a

coalition of representatives of U . S . cooperative development organizations

working in developing countries. Its principal activities are the

coordination of overseas programs and the undertaking of joint activities,

such as country assessments of cooperative sectors.

U.S. cooperative development members of CRC are:

Agricultural Cooperative Development International (ACDI)

Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE)

Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF)

Cooperativa de Seguros de Vida de Puerto Rico

Cooperativa de Seguros Multiples de Puerto Rico

CUNA Mutual Insurance Group

League Insurance Companies

Mutual Service Insurance

Nationwide Insurance

The Credit Union National Association/World Council of Credit

Unions (WOCCU)

l Land O’Lakes (LOL)

l National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA)

l National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)

l Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA)

l U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Committee, 1800 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone:

(202) 857-9689.

20
Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance

Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA),

headquartered in Washington, DC, is a private non-profit organization

that furnishes short-term volunteer technical assistance to cooperative

and farm organizations in the developing world at their request. It was

formed in 1970. VOCA’s activities are a part of the people-to-people

dimension of the foreign assistance program of the United States.

Member organizations of VOCA with board representation are:

Agricultural Cooperative Development International

American Institute of

Cooperative Housing

National Cooperative

National Cooperative

Cooperation

Foundation

Bank

Business Association

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

World Council of Credit Unions

VOCA receives applications for assistance from cooperative and

farm or commodity organizations and Government agencies responsible

for agricultural economic development. If VOCA accepts an application,

it recruits the candidates best qualified by training and experience to

provide the requested assistance and then asks them to volunteer their

services. If they accept, VOCA provides all travel and advances funds

to cover lodging, meals, clothing care, and miscellaneous expenses. If

it is advisable for a spouse to accompany a volunteer, VOCA also covers

this expense. The organization requesting help must provide an interpreter,

if necessary, and provide a place to work and some in-country travel

expenses.

VOCA’s member organizations provide basic funding, but the

organization receives most of its funds from the Agency for International

Development (AID). However, VOCA’s most important resource is the

services provided by its skilled men and women. The typical volunteer

is a recent retiree of a U.S. cooperative organization or skilled person

such as a farmer, veterinarian, or plant pathologist who has had broad

21
experience in the agricultural field. Volunteers work in all facets of

cooperative operation and development.

In evaluations of VOCA’s work made by AID in 1981 and 1986,

AID found VOCA’s work important, highly cost effective, and

contributing materially to stronger cooperative business organizations and

to higher income and improved quality of life of people in rural areas.

Volunteers in Cooperative Overseas Assistance Suite 900, 50 F

Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Telephone: (202) 628-0066.

National General Farm Organizations

Early contributions of general farm organizations to cooperative

development are described in Agricultural Cooperatives-Pioneer to

Modern, Cooperative Information Report 1, Section 2. Their support and

encouragement of cooperatives has continued to the present. Extent of

their involvement in cooperatives has varied widely. However, all general

farm organizations are united in support and encouragement of

cooperatives, despite differences in philosophy.

American Farm Bureau Federation

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has helped organize

many county and statewide farm supply, bargaining, and marketing

cooperatives and mutual insurance companies. It supports and helps protect

their interests.

American Agricultural Marketing Association @AMA) is an AFBF

arm dealing with bargaining association matters. AAMA serves as the

national coordinating and information agency for State Farm Bureau

marketing associations affiliated with AAMA. The associations provide

marketing services for producers of vegetables and fruits for processing,

fowl, and livestock.

AFBF’s publications and meetings also provide information on

problems related to cooperatives and their members. In some areas,

directors of county and State Farm Bureaus also serve on boards of county

and statewide cooperatives.

American Farm Bureau Federation and American Agricultural

Marketing Association, 225 Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Telephone: (3 12) 3994700.

22
National Farmers Union (NFU) has sponsored many local and

regional cooperatives for marketing grain, livestock, and other products;

purchasing farm supplies; and supplying insurance. Local, county, and

State Farmers Unions and the national organization are strong supporters

of these cooperatives.

National Farmers Union, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington,

DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 554-1600.

National Grange

National, State, and local Granges support the cooperative

movement and encourage members to be active in local cooperatives.

Many States and one region operate cooperative insurance companies.

Several States have organized local food and supply purchasing programs

and are investigating&her cooperative services for members. Grange

may once more be a part of the name of smaller cooperatives serving

the needs of their communities.

National Grange, 1616 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Telephone: (202) 628-3507.

Federal Agencies

Federa1 Government agencies are another source of nationa

assistance for farmer cooperatives. Some agencies devote the

l-level

ir full

attention to assisting cooperatives; others become directly involved with

cooperatives through certain phases of their operations.

Agricultural Cooperative Service

Agricultural Cooperative Service (ACS), an agency of USDA, is

authorized by the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 to help develop

sound and efficient cooperatives. ACS devotes its total effort to preserving

and improving the heart of American agriculture, the family farm. It offers

experience and knowledge to improve effectiveness and performance of

farmers’ cooperative business in several ways.

Research is conducted to acquire and maintain the base of information necessary for the agency to provide farmers with relevant and

23
expert assistance on their cooperatives. Studies of functional cooperative aspects concentrate on economic, financial, legal, managerial, member, policy, social, and structural activities. Concerted effort is made

to ensure research fulfills current and emerging cooperatives’ requirements.

Technical Assistance is provided in response to requests concerning specific problems. Requests may come directly from a few farmers

wanting to organize a cooperative or from farmers’ elected board of directors of a cooperative or federation of cooperatives. Assistance is given

on business organization, operating efficiency, member control and

responsibilities, merger, feasibility of building a cooperative processing

or manufacturing plant, and others.

History and Statistics are collected and detect growth trends and

changes in structure and operations. Data help identify and support

research and technical assistance activities.

Education and Information are considered a distinct mission. ACS

is assigned responsibility “to promote the knowledge of cooperative principles and practices and to cooperate, in promoting such knowledge, with

educational and marketing agencies, cooperative associations, and

others. . . .” Research reports and educational publications are disseminated, covering basic principles of cooperation, key organizational and

management elements, and findings of research and technical assistance

studies. A monthly magazine, Farmer Cooperatives, reports cooperative achievement, leaders’ thinking, highlights of agency research, technical assistance, and educational activities.

Agricultural Cooperative Service, U. S . Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96576, SW, Washington, DC 20090-6576. Telephone:

(202) 653-6976.

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) is the

USDA agency responsible for administering farm commodity, conservation, and emergency programs. The programs help stabilize and protect farm income and prices, while assuring consumers of an adequate,

dependable food supply.

A variety of measures are used to achieve the program goals: commodity loans and price support payments to farmers; commodity purchases from farmers and processors; acreage reduction, cropland set-aside,

and other means of production adjustments; conservation cost-sharing;

and emergency assistance.

ASCS commodity programs are financed through the Commodi24
ty Credit Corporation (CCC), a government-owned corporation with operating personnel provided by ASCS. The agency administers CCC

stabilization programs for wheat, corn, cotton, seed cotton, soybeans,

peanuts, rice, tobacco, milk, wool, mohair, barley, oats, sugarbeets, grain

sorghum, rye, and honey.

The CCC Charter Act authorizes it to support commodity prices

through loans, purchases, and payments and gives the Secretary of

Agriculture authority to use cooperatives to implement the price support

program. The Act also authorizes acquisition, storage, and disposal of

domestic agricultural commodities. Where possible, CCC uses customary

private-trade channels, such as cooperatives, grower organizations, commercial banks, warehouses, and exporters. Nearly a quarter of CCC’s

long-term agreements for grain and cotton warehousing are made with

cooperatives.

Loans for most commodities are made directly to farmers on the

unprocessed commodity through ASCS county offices. However, price

support loans and purchases can be made available through county offices

to cooperative marketing associations on behalf of their producer members. Thus, producers eligible for price support programs can market

commodities through their cooperative. This enables the cooperatives

to use the price support programs to obtain price protection and lower

interest financing.

Cooperatives meeting standards of membership and equity can be

approved by CCC to participate in cotton, rice, wheat, soybeans, honey,

and feed-grain support programs. For those commodities, 50 cooperatives in 15 States have been approved.

ASCS has additional close relationships with cooperatives in programs for other commodities. Programs for peanuts and tobacco are carried out through loans to producer associations. They, in turn, make

program benefits available to producers. Milk prices are stabilized through

purchases of processed dairy products, bulk containers of butter, cheese,

and nonfat dry milk. Producer cooperatives own many of the processing

facilities converting milk to the processed products the Government buys.

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U . S. Department of Agriculture, Rm. 3608-S P.O. Box 2415, Washington, DC

20013. Telephone: (202) 447-3467.

Cooperative State Research Service

Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) is the science and education agency through which Federal research funding and planning are

accomplished on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in cooper25
ation with agricultural experiment stations, approved school

the 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University

.S of forestry,

colleges of

veterinary medicine, and other eligible institutions in the various States

and territories.

These institutions allocate funds to finance additional research on

farmer cooperatives.

Cooperative State Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 324-A, Administration Building, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 447-4423.

USDA’s Extension Service (ES) is part of a Federal, State, and

county partnership known as Cooperative Extension Service. The Federal Extension Service is USDA’s educational arm, with offices in most

of the 3,138 counties in the Nation. State specialists assist farmers in

forming cooperatives and participate in State and national meetings for

cooperative leaders.

County Extension agents provide information and advice on major

agricultural production and marketing, particularly stressing profitability instead of maximum yields as sound financial management.

Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 340-A, Administration Building, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202)

447-3377.

Farmer marketing, purchasing, or service cooperatives have a

source for credit and credit-oriented services through the cooperatively

owned Farm Credit System.

Farm Credit Administration (FCA), the regulatory agency of the

system, is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. FCA’s primary functions are the regulation, examination, and supervision of the farm credit institutions and their service

organizations. Even though it is a Federal agency, FCA is not financed

by the Government but by the banks and associations of the system. The

entire Farm Credit System, which obtains its loan funds through the sale

of securities, became self-sustaining in 1968 when all initial Government

seed capital was retired.

Three components of the system operate from 12 districts across

the Nation. At the district level are Federal Land Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and Banks for Cooperatives.

26
Federal Land Banks make long-term loans through Federal Land

Bank Associations. Loans are secured by first mortgages on the borrower’s

real estate. Maturities range from 5 to 40 years in amounts up to 85 percent of the value of the property taken as security and 97 percent if guaranteed by a State or Federal agency.

Federal Intermediate Credit Banks provide short- and intermediateterm loans to Production Credit Associations (PCA) and other financing

institutions serving agricultural producers. Most PCA loans are for

production or operating purposes and mature within 1 year. However,

farm and rural home loans may have terms up to 10 years. Loans to

producers or harvesters of aquatic products may be made for up to 15

years.

District Banks for Cooperatives make loans directly to eligible

cooperatives. Eligibility may include any association of farmers, ranchers, producers, or harvesters of aquatic products, or any federation of

these associations, all operated on a cooperative basis. These associations may be involved in storing, packing, processing, or marketing farm

or aquatic products, and/or in purchasing, testing, grading, processing,

furnishing, or distributing farm or aquatic supplies.

Farm Credit Administration, 150 1 Farm Credit Drive, McLean,

VA 22102-5090. Telephone: (703) 883-4000.

National Credit Union Administration

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the Federal financial regulatory agency responsible for chartering, supervising, and insuring member accounts at the Nation’s nearly 10,000 Federal credit

unions. The Agency also insures member accounts in about 5,000 Statechartered credit unions. NCUA is supported by the credit unions it regulates and insures and receives no Federal money.

National Credit Union Administration, 1776 G Street, NW,

Washington, DC 20456. Telephone: (202) 357-1000.

Rural Electrification Administration

Rural Electrification Administration (REA), an agency of USDA,

makes loans to rural electric and telephone systems. In 1936, the Rural

Electrification Act provided statutory authority to establish REA as a lending agency for developing a rural electrification program. A 1949 amendment authorized REA to make loans to improve and extend telephone

service in rural areas, and a 1973 amendment gave authority to guarantee loans made by other lenders.

27
REA also provides technical assistance in engineering, accounting , and management improvement.

Today, the 990 electric utility borrowers and 1,004 telephone utility

borrowers serve 18.3 million people in 2,600 of the Nation’s 3,138 counties. Almost 100 percent of farms now have electricity and 96 percent

have modern telephone service. REA-financed electric systems serve 11

percent of the Nation’s consumers and operate nearly half the distribution lines.

Generation and transmission cooperatives funded by the agency

generate about 38 percent of the power required by rural electric distribution cooperatives. A growing number of these systems are beginning

to share the cost of constructing large-scale projects with neighboring

utilities. The combined efforts are helping ensure adequate supplies of

power for rural and urban people alike.

About 90 percent of subscribers of REA-financed telephone systems enjoy one-party service, and 95 percent of all new telephone lines

are placed underground.

Rural Electrification Administration, U . S . Department of Agriculture, 4053 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202)

382-9540.

Rural Telephone Bank

Rural Telephone Bank, an agency of the U.S. Government, was

established in 197 1 to provide supplemental financing for telephone systems. The bank’s management is vested in a governor (administrator of

the Rural Electrification Administration) and a six-member board of directors elected by the bank’s stockholders-three from among directors,

managers, and employees of cooperative stockholders and three from

among managers, directors, and employees of noncooperative stockholders.

Bank loans are made for the same purposes as those made by REA

but bear interest at a rate consistent with the bank’s cost of money. In

addition, purchasing stock in the bank is a condition for obtaining a loan.

The bank is operated by REA and other U.S. Department of Agriculture

employees at no cost to the bank.

The bank is patterned after the Farm Credit System. It is capitalized in part by the U.S. Government through purchases of stock in amounts

not exceeding $30 million annually until purchases equal $60 million.

The Government’s investment must be retired as soon as practicable after September 30, 1995. Once all Government stocks are retired, the telephone bank will cease to be a USDA agency but will continue as an

28
instrumentality of the United States.

As of December 3 1, 1986, the bank had made loans for $2.2 billion to 470 commercial telephone companies and 12 1 cooperatives.

Rural Telephone Bank, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4053

South Building, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 382-9540.

State Organizations

State Cooperative Councils

Farmer cooperatives gain certain advantages from coordinating

efforts in statewide organizations to solve mutual problems and increase

the benefits of agricultural cooperation. These organizations also provide

a point of contact for official, public, and private agencies dealing with

agriculture.

The first steps toward organizing State councils of farmer

cooperatives were taken more than 50 years ago in California, Oregon,

and Wisconsin. Agricultural Legislative Committee of California was

formed in 1919 and in 1933 became the Agricultural Council of California.

Agricultural Cooperative Council of Oregon was organized in 19 12, and

the one in Wisconsin was organized in 1926.

Cooperatives in 40 States were operating some type of statewide

organization in 1987. Most bear the term ‘ ‘council, ” ‘ ‘association, ’ ’

‘ ‘federation, ’ ’ ‘ ‘committee, ’ ’ or ‘ ‘institute’ ’ in their titles.

State cooperative councils sponsor programs of varying scope.

Several have one or more full-time employees. Others conduct their

programs with a part-time secretary, often a State agricultural Extension

Service specialist assigned to work with cooperatives, or a retired

cooperative employee.

State councils differ considerably in methods of financing activities.

Some carry on broad programs, have large budgets, issue newletters and

other publications, and maintain year-round staffs. Others have limited

budgets but maintain close working relationships with Extension Service,

educational agencies, or farm organizations on which they depend for

assistance.

Early State cooperative councils were concerned largely with

legislative problems. But as cooperatives increased in numbers and

importance, leaders saw the need for developing better working

relationships among themselves, other national cooperatives, educational

institutions, general farm organizations, and legislative and political

bodies. Thus, State councils have enlarged their memberships, provided

29
more adequate budgets, and expanded their programs. The more important objectives of State councils and associations are to:

l promote and foster the welfare of cooperatives;

l assist and encourage organization of cooperatives;

l gather and disseminate information;

l sponsor and support constructive legislation and oppose unfavorable measures; and

l assist cooperatives in promoting educational programs.

These educational activities may include youth programs for

Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H Clubs, Young Farmer, Young

Farm Couples, college students and adult programs, giving attention to

director training, employee training, and public education.

Most State councils limit membership to farmer cooperatives.

Some limit membership to statewide or federated cooperatives. Others

only have local members. Most have provisions for associate or advisory members.

To keep in touch with each other on national issues, most councils have become members of the National Council of Farmer

Cooperatives, the American Institute of Cooperation, or the National

Cooperative Business Association.

In a few States, county councils have been set up to promote

various interests of cooperatives in counties.

State secretaries have formed an informal organization called

National Conference of State Council Secretaries to exchange ideas

and update information useful to council personnel.

Alabama Council of Farmer Cooperatives

P.O. Box 2648 Extension Hall

Auburn University

Auburn, AL 36849

N. Ray Huddleston, Secretary

Telephone: (205) 826-4962

Arkansas State Committee on Cooperatives

P.O. Box 391

Little Rock, AR 72203

Ed Jordan, Secretary

Telephone: (501) 373-257 1

30
Agricultural Council of California

P.O. Box 1712

Sacramento, CA 95808

Leland H. Ruth, President

Telephone: (9 16) 443-4887

Colorado Cooperative Council, Inc.

5500 South Quebec Street, Suite 112

Englewood, CO 80111

Gerald Mueller, Executive Director

Telephone: (303) 740-4340

Delaware Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Cooperative Extension Service

University of Delaware

Newark, DE 19711-1303

Carl German, Secretary

Telephone: (302) 45 1-25 11

Florida Council of Farmer Cooperatives

P.O. Box 730

Gainesville, FL 32602

Bobby R. Bennett, President

Telephone: (904) 374-1586

Georgia Council of Farmer Cooperatives

635 Forest Road

Athens, GA 30605

Julian A. Raburn, Secretary

Telephone: (404) 548-2855

Idaho Cooperative Council, Inc.

1741 Gibson Way

Meridian, ID 83642

Richard C. Waitley, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (208) 888-2141
Illinois Cooperative Coordinating Committee

c/o Cooperative Extension Service

University of Illinois

116 Mumford Hall

1301 West Gregory Drive

Urbana, IL 61801

Peter Bloome, Chairman

Telephone: (217) 333-9025

Indiana Cooperative Education Committee

c/o Indiana Farm Bureau Cooperative Association, Inc.

120 East Market Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Phillip K. Kreegar, Chairman

Telephone: (3 17) 631-8361 Ext. 1156

Iowa Institute of Cooperation

2515 Elwood Dr.

Suite 104

Ames, IA 50010

Larry Kalem, Executive Director

Telephone: (5 15) 292-2667

Kansas Cooperative Council

700 Kansas Avenue, Suite 615

Topeka, KS 66603

Joseph A. Lieber, Executive Vice President

Telephone: (9 13) 233-4085

Kentucky Council of Cooperatives

Department of Agricultural Economics

University of Kentucky

500 Agricultural Science Building-South

Lexington, KY 40546-0215

Dr. Lionel Williamson, President

Telephone: (606) 257-1637

32
Louisiana Council of Farmer Cooperatives

2288 Gourrier Lane

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Arnold Baham, Secretary-Treasurer

Telephone: (504) 388-3293

Maine Cooperative Council

c/o Farm Credit of Aroostook, ACR

26 Rice Street

Presque Isle, ME 04769

Gary Sirois, President

Telephone: (207) 764-763 1

Maryland Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Inc.

7004 24th Avenue

Hyattsville, MD 20783

Robert J. Belter, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (30 1) 422-8033

Michigan Association of Agriculture

3655 Forest Rd.

Lansing, MI 48910

Ron Lovejoy, Executive Director

Telephone: (517) 336-9133

Minnesota Association of Cooperatives

380 Hanover Building

480 Cedar Street

St. Paul, MN 55101

Allen Gerber, Executive Director

Telephone: (6 12) 228-02 13

Missouri Institute of Cooperatives

c/o MFA, Inc.

615 Locust

Columbia, MO 65201

Robert Ferguson, President

Telephone: (3 14) 874-5 111

33
Mississippi Council of Farmer Cooperatives (AAL)

1505 Laurelwood Drive

Clinton, MS 39056

L.L. Monroe, Secretary-Treasurer

Telephone: (601) 924-0645

Montana Council of Cooperatives

PO. Box 367

Helena, MT 59624

Elroy Letcher, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (406) 442-2 120

Nebraska Cooperative Council

3 14 Lincoln Benefit Life Building

Lincoln, NE 68508-1901

Robert C. Anderson, President

Telephone: (402) 475-6555

New Jersey Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Inc.

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

John Fitz Plaza

Health-Agriculture Building CN330

Trenton, NJ 08625

Donald Persing, Secretary-Treasurer

Telephone: (609) 984-4385

New York State Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Inc.

c/o Dairylea Cooperative, Inc.

831 James Street

Syracuse, NY 13203

Helen Fountain, Secretary

Telephone: (315) 476-9101 Ext. 406

Cooperative Council of North Carolina

PO. Box 10426

Raleigh, NC 27605

Carlyle Teague, Executive Vice President and SecretaryTreasurer

Telephone: (9 19) 834-5544

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North Dakota Association of Cooperatives

4023 North State Street

Bismarck, ND 58501

Dave Rustabake

Telephone: (701) 255-4435

Ohio Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Inc.

5250 Williamsburg Circle

Hilliard, OH 43026

Thomas J. McNutt, Executive Director

Telephone: (614) 876-4636

Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council

233 East 10th Plaza

Edmond, OK 73034

Milford Jenkins, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (405) 624-608 1

Agricultural Cooperative Council of Oregon

1270 Chemeketa Street N.E.

Salem, OR 97301

John H. McCulley, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (503) 370-70 19

Pennsylvania Association of Farmer Cooperatives

P.O. Box 299

State College, PA 16804

Carol Buckhout, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (814) 231-3010

Cooperative League of Puerto Rico

Box 707 GPO

San Juan, PR 00936-0707

Felix J. Cristia Martinez, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (809) 764-2727

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South Carolina Farmer Cooperative Council

878 Woodruff Rd.

Greenville, SC 29607

Jack T. Black, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (803) 288-3 158

South Dakota Association of Cooperatives

P.O. Box 102

Huron, SD 57350

J.D. Lynd, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (605) 352-9492

Tennessee Council of Cooperatives

P.O. Box 609

Pikeville, TN 37367

Robert C. Clemons, President

Telephone: (615) 447-2121

Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council

P.O. Box 9527

Austin, TX 78766

Billy L. Conner, Executive Vice President

Telephone: (5 12) 454-3569

Utah Council of Farmer Cooperatives

c/o Norbest, Inc.

P.O. Box 1000

Midvale, UT 84047

John Hall, President

Telephone: (801) 566-5656

Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Inc.

c/o Southern States Cooperative, Inc.

P.O. Box 26234

Richmond, VA 23260

R.V. Rice, Executive Secretary and Treasurer

Telephone: (804) 281-1452

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Washington State Council of Farmer Cooperatives

2401 Bristol Court

Olympia, WA 98502-6003

Dr. Karl A. Kottman, Executive Director

Telephone: (206) 357-4616

Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives

30 W. Mifflin Street, Suite 401

Madison, WI 53703-2570

Rodney J. Nilsestuen, Executive Secretary

Telephone: (608) 258-440

State Associations and Leagues

In several States, local farm mutual insurance companies are

members of State associations. Information is provided through circular letters and annual meetings on current developments and issues

affecting local companies.

Rural credit unions are members of State credit union leagues,

which provide all types of credit unions with a variety of educational

and legislative services.

Land-Grant Universities

Departments of agricultural economics and rural sociology in

many land-grant universities teach courses on marketing and agribusiness with sections on farmer cooperatives. Some have a specialized

course on cooperatives. Also, these departments--often with help from

supplemental Federal funds--conduct studies of cooperative activities.

Several land-grant universities have special programs such as chairs or

centers to emphasize cooperative activities.

State and county cooperative Extension services conduct educational activities with cooperatives in various ways. State specialists

help with seminars and conferences of directors and managers on current problems, cooperative principles, and policies and present research

findings. They advise farmers interested in forming cooperatives and

directors and managers of cooperatives considering merger, new services and new lines of products, or the impact of environmental safety

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and health regulations. County Extension agents also counsel farmers

and cooperatives on local problems and member relations.

State Departments of Agriculture

The division of markets or other divisions in most State departments

of agriculture help farmers seeking to organize cooperatives.

In many States, agricultural cooperatives must register and file

annual reports with the State department of agriculture.

Others

Among others serving cooperatives on a national basis are:

Farm Credit Leasing Services Corporation (FCL) leases equipment to the agricultural industry. As part of the Farm Credit System, it

provides service to agricultural producers, cooperatives, rural electrics,

telephone organizations, and Farm Credit System entities.

Farm Credit Leasing Services Corporation, 10 Second Street,

NE, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Telephone: (800) 328-8863.

Formed in late 1985, National Rural Telecommunications

Cooperative (NRTC) established a national plan in which rural electric

systems provide television receiver-only systems in or near communities they serve. The cooperative makes available packages of scrambled

television programming for home dish owners and communications for

rural business.

National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, P.0. Box

9994, Washington, DC 20016. Telephone: (202) 944-2539.

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