CHS cooperative members will be voting on a possible by law change at their upcoming December 4 annual meeting. The revised definition would loosen the requirement that 100 percent of all coop voting members be agricultural producers. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne is concerned that changing that membership definition would allow non farmer groups and consumer cooperatives to earn patronage and have voting rights.

Watne is also concerned CHS priorities could change if more urban influence is allowed.

Watne says his group is weighing in on this issue because they were asked to, although they have no vote on the decision.

Minneapolis based CHS is the nation’s largest farmer cooperative.