There are examples of successful new generation producer cooperatives operating in other commodities. Equity shareholders in the company have seen continuous stock appreciation and they are paid market price for the wheat they grow and deliver to the plant. The plant was originally designed to grind 3 million bushels of durum wheat. It now grinds 12 million bushels to produce 450 million pounds of pasta annually. The pasta is sold in foodservice and ingredient channels as well at retail under Dakota Growers' own brand and as private labeled brands.
Relationships exist when suppliers and buyers define and meet mutual expectations.
Success comes to those who exceed those expectations. These relationships are based on the trust that you will deliver on time, every time, as agreed. Trust turns relationships into sustainable commitments able to withstand economic setbacks and marketplace interruptions. Trust is the key asset to being successful in a relationship-based business environment and studies show trustworthiness is an asset that is naturally attributed to farmers. If hog producers can be trusted to deliver quality, consistent product to customers and markets whose needs are currently not being met, they have a solid foundation to build on.