The president of one South Dakota farm organization that works with cooperatives says he’s been hearing many concerns from members of co-ops that are looking at merging. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke is also a member of both North Central Farmers Elevator and South Dakota Wheat Growers who announced this week their letter of intent to look at combining forces.

Sombke says he’s also worried about the possible merger eliminating competition by combining the two largest co-ops in the state.

Sombke says however, there is a positive aspect to the possible merger.

The two boards are expected to hold a vote of their membership in June on the letter of intent to merge.