Patronage dividends are possible because of our strong balance sheet performance and our cooperative history. As a local cooperative, we are responsive to the needs of our member-owners, who are represented by the farmers who serve on our board of directors. One of the beauties of the cooperative system is that members purchase farm inputs and market their grain through the co-op, and part of the profits generated by these activities are then returned to our member owners in the form of patronage. On an annual basis, the board of directors meet to declare patronage and determine what allocation years to retire. For our customers to receive patronage, there are a few qualifications. A minimum patronage amount of $100 must be earned in order to receive a patronage distribution check. As mentioned above, patronage is earned on the purchase of farm inputs and marketing of grain. Our patronage rates are determined by our independent audit team and our accounting staff assists with the distribution of checks at our annual meeting.

Member owners who do at least $5,000 worth of business with Maple River Coop per calendar year obtain voting rights at the annual meeting. This membership criteria updates on an annual basis and members are notified of voting rights via written correspondence in advance of the annual meeting. 

Since our 10 year anniversary in 2014, we’ve paid out patronage earnings of just under $10 million. Our success over the past fifteen years and the ability to continually pay out these dividends to our member owners is because of the strong relationships we have formed with our loyal patrons. With their continued support, we can continue to finance our growing company and capitalize on other opportunities to enhance our future.