CHS owners vote to shape future with five new board members

On December 5-6, 2024, the cooperative CHS, recognized as the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative and a significant player in global agribusiness, convened its annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During this meeting, CHS membership voted to elect five board members, concluding their terms of service as part of regular governance proceedings. New directors were elected to serve three-year terms following amendments to the CHS Bylaws approved in December 2023, which included adjustments in board representation by removing a seat from Region 1 and adding one for Region 7. Among the newly elected members is Trent Sherven from Ryder, North Dakota, who represents owners in Region 3, where he engages in the production of various crops including barley and soybeans. Chris Edgington, also elected, represents Region 7 and farms corn, soybeans, and cattle near St. Ansgar, Iowa. This election also saw the reelection of existing board members David Kayser and Russ Kehl, who were reaffirmed in their roles, alongside David Beckman, demonstrating a blend of continuity and new leadership amid changing times in agricultural management. The changes within the board not only reflect the cooperative’s governance strategy but also underscore the cooperative’s commitment to adapting its leadership to better serve the diverse interests of its membership. This renewal is particularly essential in the context of evolving challenges in agriculture, where effective leadership is critical for responding to market needs and sustainability concerns. The new and reelected board members bring a wealth of experience from various agricultural sectors and regional perspectives, ensuring broad representation. As the cooperative looks forward, the focus remains on empowering farmers and improving connections in agriculture through strategic initiatives. CHS Inc. reported substantial revenues of approximately $39 billion for the fiscal year 2024, indicating strong performance across its various agricultural businesses. This performance, driven partly by the leadership changes, aims to foster resilience and innovation in agriculture while making a commitment to sustainability and community investment for its stakeholders.