Cooperatives: A Tried and True Part of Agriculture

Local cooperatives have certainly changed over the years, but the desire of producers to have access to the products and services they need to continue to do what they love remains.
A Farmer-Owned Cooperative
Local cooperatives have certainly changed over the years, but the desire of producers to have access to the products and services they need to continue to do what they love remains.
Today’s farmers can do so much more even with fewer resources which is a great testament to our advances in machinery and technology over the last 100 years.
The co-op built a new chemical facility because of increasing business and new environmental laws concerning secondary containment. By the 75th Annual Meeting, the co-op had total sales of $11,633,000 with local savings of $203,650 and total savings of $356,650.
Farmers don’t have to be hangry this harvest season thanks to TRC and Iowa Corn! Join us for a free meal in October!
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 2020: With the current rate of COVID-19 cases rising in Iowa, ALL customers and employees are required to wear masks upon entry to ANY Two Rivers Cooperative facility until further notice. Dear Two Rivers
Each year we continue the tradition of supporting our youngest customers livestock projects. It is an honor to watch these kids learn and grow into knowledgeable and accomplished stockmen and women. Congratulations to all on another successful year!
Fill out the form on this page to sign up for both of Two Rivers Cooperative’s e-newsletters, The Tributary and The Soil Report.
Congratulations to Dustie and Curvin Wentz on the arrival of their first daughter, Aurora Rein Wentz! …
This year was one of the best planting seasons we’ve had in several years. Most of the corn and soybeans in the Pella and Otley area were in the ground by the first of May. We had some cold weather and actually saw some frost damage…
Predictable has never been a word used to describe the ag markets. The many factors affecting supply and demand change daily, especially in 2020 navigating what we hope will be a once-in-a-lifetime event…
Perseverance is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as persistence in doing something regardless of difficulty and/or delay in achieving success. This word really resonates with us now, given the past 12 months of volatile trade markets…
There has been quite a bit of volatility in the oil market recently, and we have seen that it pays to contract any needs you may have, sooner rather than later. These markets are moving all of the time, and prices are subject to change at any moment.
This year has definitely not gone to plan. For Two Rivers Cooperative that meant some of our 100th Anniversary activities were unfortunately put on hold as we adapted to new guidelines. As of now, our Customer Appreciation Day is scheduled…
Fill out the form on this page to sign up for both of Two Rivers Cooperative’s e-newsletters, The Tributary and The Soil Report.
By Ashley Warren, Ruminant Production Specialist – As with anything in life, there are things we can control and things we cannot. However, when it comes to best management practices and doing what is most suitable for our land and livestock – we are in control. As grazing and haying season is right around the bend, it is a good time to think about what we can do to get the most out of our ground, and in turn, maximize land profitability and gains on our calves. Aldo Leopold, a prolific conservationist and foremost expert on land ethics in the 1930’s, said it best, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Read More…
Brian Maxwell, Seed Sales Specialist – With so many varieties of hybrid seed at a grower’s fingertips, selecting the right one is easier said than done. Keep these hybrid selection tips in mind when considering what’s right for you! Soil Types: Maximum performance depends immensely on making sure your seed fits with the acres where it is planted. Which means understanding how a hybrid or variety performs with the soil on your farm is critical. Most seed products are developed through vigorous research to determine how they will respond to different soil types. We will ask you several questions concerning the fields you plan to plant for this reason. Read More…
Carson Duggar, Agronomy Sales & Seed Specialist – Gypsum has been used as a fertilizer since Benjamin Franklin first applied raw gypsum on his crop fields more than 200 years ago. Today, farmers use gypsum to improve soil tilth, water infiltration and nitrogen uptake, just like Franklin did then. In recent years, it’s had a resurgence with new research highlighting its many benefits. Read More…
With the continuing spread of COVID-19, Two Rivers Cooperative has determined the best course of action to prevent spread and keep our employees healthy. We have implemented the following: Limit unnecessary travel. Read More…
Brent Van Kooten, Agronomy Sales – Last year, ISU pathologists started mapping the distribution of tar spot throughout Iowa. Signs of the disease were observed in 75 counties across the state, though none were found to be severe enough to cause loss. Experts are concerned, however, about how quickly tar spot spread across the state. It will be a disease to keep an eye out for this year. Tar spot is a disease in corn caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, which produces small, raised, round to irregular-shaped black spots on the upper and lower leaf surfaces. These can occur singularly or in clusters with more severe infections, and cannot be scraped or wiped off the leaf. Read More…
Jay Van Woerkom, Agronomy Sales Manager – Soybeans may be considered corn’s less-popular little brother, but – with proper management – we can bump up soybean yields just as we have been able to do with corn. According to research, the latest technology and diligent care will deliver the greatest yield and return on investment. These concepts really aren’t secrets; they just haven’t been universally implemented. There are six main factors to consider when you want your bin busting with soybeans come this fall. Read More…
As we look ahead to the spraying season, remember, if you plan to purchase dicamba, you must have a restricted-use pesticide license. All producers will be required to sign a waiver of liability before purchasing or spraying any dicamba product. If you intend to have Two Rivers apply your dicamba product for you, don’t forget to provide your planting dates! One of our agronomists will scout the field before application. Two Rivers reserves the right to refuse service on any field considered to be in a highly sensitive area and may implement a $350 clean out fee for each application. The custom rate for dicamba will be $15 per acre. Call the office at 641-628-4167
Founded in 1920, Two Rivers Cooperative has seen agricultural production advance by leaps and bounds. But it’s hard to tell how far an industry has come until you know where it started. Combing through the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for Marion County farm reports from 1925 compared to the 2017 Census of Agriculture report shows just how different things were down on the farm. Read More…
Please join us for our annual Customer Appreciation Day that is set for September 13, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Pella location. Bring your family and enjoy food, beverages and an evening of fellowship. We value our customers and
Two Rivers Cooperative has been recognized for their partnership with the Marion County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator, Jeff Anderson tells KNIA/KRLS News that Two Rivers received an award for their contributions to the local
Construction is moving right along on our Tracy location project. With the addition of two grain bins, the growing location will now have 500,000 bushel additional storage capacity and is on track to be completed before harvest 2017. Follow the
We are now offering extended price contracts for this fall. These contracts will be ideal for producers who need additional cash flow. Please contact Shay or Justin for further details or if you wish to participate in this program. Overview
The USDA released its much anticipated June 30 stocks and planted acreage report and the results led to drastically different reactions. Corn closed 14 cents lower while soybeans closed 40 cents higher. Corn planted acreage came in at 94.148 million
Sign up BEFORE February 19, 2016 to take part in our Merchant’s Plus Program. The Two Rivers Cooperative Grain Department is implementing a new program by FCStone. Merchant’s Plus is a program that helps both the elevator originate bushels and
Thank you to all of our members who attended the Two Rivers Cooperative 2015 Annual Meeting.
Harvest is in full swing now and I want to take this opportunity to pass along a few reminders to you. Hours of operation change daily at each of our four locations. Please give us a call to confirm closing