"Your Grower Owned Bean Marketer"
The Birth of A Cooperative…
| 1997 | Dry edible bean producers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska began seeking other markets and discussing the idea of forming a cooperative that would allow them to participate more fully in traditional marketing margins, as well as add value to their beans in the form of further processed products. |
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| 1998 | In January, a steering committee was formed with the assistance of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) Cooperative Development Center. The name Wyo-Braska Cooperative was developed. |
| 1999 | In the spring, a series of grower meetings were held to determine producer interest in the proposed cooperative, willingness to contribute capital, and production information. Survey results were positive, and indicated significant interest in forming the cooperative. Ninety-five of 107 producers surveyed wanted to market beans through the proposed cooperative. |
| 1999 | In September, Wyo-Braska Cooperative was approached by KBC Trading & Processing to sign a delivery agreement at its facilities at Bridgeport and Gering. Over $135,000 in bonuses were paid to Cooperative members. |
| 2000 | In February, Stateline Bean Producers Cooperative, NonStock, was formed. The purpose was to pool commodities for sale at enhanced prices and or purchase/lease facilities for value added activities such as manufacturing or processing. |
| 2000 | In August, Stateline signed a new delivery agreement with KBC Trading & Processing. This agreement produced in excess of $780,000 in bonuses paid the Stateline members. |
| 2001 | In August, Stateline negotiated a purchase agreement for KBC’s facilities in Bridgeport, Gering and Melbeta. A letter of intent was signed on August 24, 2001, providing for the purchase, and renewing the delivery bonus program. At the end of harvest, over $760,000 in bonuses were paid to members of Stateline. |
| 2002 | On May 15, 2002, Stateline and KBC officially closed the purchase transaction of the Bridgeport, Gering and Melbeta facilities. All plant-level personnel decided to remain with the new organization. |
| 2003 | In February, Stateline hires Charlie Witmer as general manager. Charlie previously was the senior trader for KBC Trading & Processing in Omaha. |
| 2003 | In late April, Stateline becomes officially approved by the USDA /KCCO / FSA to bid on government export business. |
| 2003 | Stateline is awarded a major contract from the USDA for export business to Iraq. Stateline performs exceptionally well on the contract, and is one of only a few bidders to receive low damage/lost claims. |
| 2003 | Stateline (as a processor) ends it first fiscal year on July 31 with a small profit, and is able to declare a small dividend to its owners. The dividend will be paid at the November annual meeting. |
| 2004 | Dividend paid to members was $1.40/cwt. |
| 2005 | Stateline participated in the first shipment of Great Northern beans to Cuba since the early 1960’s. |
| 2005 | Dividend paid to members was $3.00/cwt. |