U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today highlighted the presence of two Michigan agricultural cooperatives in the USDA’s annual list of the nation’s top 100 agricultural cooperatives by business volume.
“Michigan’s biodiversity and strong agricultural sector are driving economic growth in rural areas,” said Turner. “USDA is proud to support farmer-owned local cooperatives.”
The Michigan Milk Producers Association, headquartered in Novi, saw revenue increase from $854 million in 2013 to $957 million in 2013, moving them up the list from 39th to 34th place.
Michigan Sugar Company, headquartered in Bay City, saw its revenues increase from $595 million in 2012 to $611 million in 2013 and held steady at 62nd place.
Like the nation’s ag co-op sector as a whole, the top 100 cooperatives also enjoyed a third consecutive year of record sales. The Sept.-Oct. issue of USDA’s “Rural Cooperatives” magazine includes the top 100 list and an article that examines some of the financial trends it reveals.
USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Under the Obama Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $6.5 billion in Michigan projects.