The member-owners of North Central Farmers Elevator and Wheat Growers have each voted to approve the unification of the two cooperatives. The North Central Farmers Elevator members voted for the proposed unification 911-657. The Wheat Growers members also voted for the proposed unification,1598-954. Wheat Growers Board President Hal Clemensen says they were pleased with the outcome.

The same vote failed nearly two and a half years ago, but Clemenson says members had time to think about what was best for both entities and that made the difference this time around.

Clemenson says there are many synergies and efficiencies that will be realized with the merger, including nearly $64 million in cost savings over the next five years. He says that will bring additional value to members of both coops.

With this vote, the new cooperative is expected to begin operations effective Feb. 1, 2018. Until the effective date, each cooperative will continue to operate independently from the other. The focus of the two cooperatives now turns to planning integration efforts, including developing a name for the new cooperative.