Photo by Trist an Westphal Fiscal Period 3.1.25 - 8.31.25.
LETTER TO MEMBER OWNERS
Dear Owners,
As we look back on the past year, we’re reminded of the strength, commitment, and shared purpose that define who we are. Even in the face of challenges, our focus has remained steady—guided by clear goals and a common vision for the future. This annual report is both a reflection of what we’ve accomplished and a blueprint for where we’re headed next.
Throughout 2025, we continued to build on the solid foundation laid in previous years. Our financial health remains strong, supported by a stable balance sheet and healthy working capital. This year, we returned more than $900,000 in deferred equities to our members—a significant milestone that demonstrates both our financial stability and our commitment to long-term member value.
We also advanced key strategic initiatives centered on efficiency, growth, and continuous improvement. Staying relevant in a changing agricultural landscape means adapting quickly and delivering real value to your operations. Our leadership team remains focused on ensuring that Ag Valley Coop is relevant to your operations, performance management, and developing talent within our organization—preparing us for both today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Our relationships with members and local communities continue to be a cornerstone of our success. We’ve made targeted investments in facilities and equipment to strengthen operations and enhance service. The facility upgrades we have made over the past several years, along with the acquisition of the Atlanta facility, demonstrate our commitment to thoughtful, data-driven investments that benefit all stakeholders.
We’re also proud to continue supporting local schools and youth programs. By helping develop the next generation of agricultural leaders, we invest not only in the future of our cooperative but also in the long-term vitality of our rural communities.
This year’s board and management retreat gave us the chance to pause, reflect, and think strategically about our future. Together, we reaffirmed our mission, values, and priorities—and left with a renewed sense of direction and purpose to guide us in the year ahead.
The 2025 fiscal year has been one of progress, resilience, and focus. We’ve faced challenges with determination, celebrated meaningful achievements, and positioned your cooperative for continued success. Our commitment to our members, customers, and employees remains at the core of everything we do.
As we close another successful year, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll keep building tomorrow together.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Jeff Krejdl CEO/General Manager
Tyler Ruf Board President
ABOUT AG VALLEY CO-OP
Ag Valley Co-op is committed to the financial strength and long-term success of its members’ farms and businesses. The organization serves 4,691 members across 15 locations in Nebraska and Kansas and has since 1953. As a member-owned cooperative, members’ success is critical to the success of the business.
With an annual payroll in excess of $16.8 million, Ag Valley Co-op employs 215 individuals in careers across its administrative, grain, feed, fuel and agronomy departments. Competitive wages and a comprehensive benefit package including the Co-op Retirement Plan allow employees to reinvest in the local economies where they live and do business.
Ag Valley Co-op continues to be an active supporter of local agricultural youth groups such as 4-H and FFA, community events and various school programs. During the August 31, fiscal year the cooperative donated more than $75,000 in support for local community fundraisers and benefits. The cooperative also has a scholarship program that awarded $4,000 in scholarships to local high school students last year.
Ag Valley Co-op is one of the largest taxpayers in the counties in which it operates. Last year alone, Ag Valley Co-op paid $890,000 in property taxes, helping local communities and schools.
AG VALLEY CO-OP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ag Valley Co-op board of directors is honored to represent the interests of the community. Elections take place annually and all active members, those that have done business with the cooperative in the previous 12 months, are eligible to submit nominations and vote.
OFFICERS
Tyler Ruf
President; Cambridge, NE
Drew tenBensel
Vice President; Arapahoe, NE
Lavern Banzhaf Secretary; Cambridge, NE
DIRECTORS
Leon Ehrke Orleans, NE
Todd Hartley Maywood, NE
Brian Juenemann Norton, KS
Dennis McConville Indianola, NE
Mark Miller North Platte, NE
Toby Spiehs Big Springs, NE
Doug Snyder McCook, NE
Darren Warner Edison, NE
ASSOCIATES
D.J. Lunkwitz Maxwell, NE
HISTORY OF AG VALLEY CO-OP
Established as Edison Non-Stock Cooperative in Edison, NE
Merged with Oxford Cooperative
Merged with Holbrook Cooperative
Merged with Bartley Cooperative
Purchased the Koch Facility in Arapahoe
Merged with Norton County Co-op
Merged with Holbrook Co-op
Merged with Farmers Cooperative Elevator Association in Big Springs
Purchased Stamford Elevator Company
Purchased Scoular Grain Facility in Atlanta
Purchased Rogers Grain Company in Beaver City, NE
Merged with Hendley Cooperative
Offical Name Change to Ag Valley Co-op
Merged with Lebanon Cooperative Merged with Maywood Cooperative
Merged with Cambridge Co-op
Merged with Farmers Co-op in Eustis
Moved Corporate Headquarters to Arapahoe
Built Jennings, KS, facility
FINANCIALS
Ag Valley continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, achieving positive net savings for the six months ended August 31, 2025. This marks our sixth consecutive fiscal period of positive results, a testament to our disciplined financial management and the strength of our cooperative model. These strong outcomes enable us to further reinforce our balance sheet, ensuring we remain well-positioned to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and deliver exceptional value to our members. Our financial stability empowers us to help members manage input price risk and secure the resources they need when they need them.
A BROADER VIEW
Each year, we rigorously evaluate our expense structure, striving for a lean and flexible operation that mirrors the operations of our members. Our comparative analysis shows that Ag Valley consistently operates as efficiently, or more so, than similar cooperatives. By deploying our resources judiciously, we continue to strengthen our financial foundation and drive sustainable growth.
Ag Valley Co-op takes its fiscal responsibility seriously and is constantly evaluating ways to improve operations, profitability, products and services.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Commodity prices softened during the year leading to some lower sales dollars during the 6-month period. Our operating income, including storage and handling, and application services, remained strong. We strive to offer best-in-class facilities and equipment for your use in managing your farms.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For Six Months Ended August 31, 2025
The cooperative’s balance sheet remains strong, reflecting prudent financial stewardship. Year-end balances are impacted by the seasonal inventory reductions of our new year-end. Our declining long-term debt and strong asset base underscore our commitment to financial health.
BALANCE SHEET: ASSETS
August 31, 2025
Bartley, Nebraska
The liabilities portion of the balance sheet highlights our use of committed partnerships to better serve our customers. Our operating line of credit with CoBank allows us to purchase your grain when you are ready to sell and to secure your spring inputs. Our partnership with the Cooperative Financing Association allows us to offer Ag Valley Financing to better serve your prepay and other input financing needs.
Your membership equity in Ag Valley Co-op stayed steady during the fiscal year. A sign of the health of your co-op during a year full of market headwinds. The Ag Valley Board is actively engaged in evaluating opportunities to enhance member value, including the potential payback of deferred equity. This past year, we were delighted to distribute $1,010,000 back to our members through equity retirements and estate payments, reinforcing our commitment to delivering tangible returns on your business with Ag Valley Co-op.
BALANCE SHEET: LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
August 31, 2025
CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
As we enter the 2025-26 fiscal year, Ag Valley is exceptionally well-positioned to pursue future capital improvements and maintain a robust equity retirement and cash patronage program. Our strong working capital and strategic planning provide a solid foundation for continued progress, ensuring the long-term success of our cooperative and the prosperity of our members.
SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION For Six Months Ended August 31, 2025
4,691
Donation to Donation to Donation to Support to Donation to Support to
2025
$75K
In Local Support
Deuel County Livestock Auction
Eustis - Farnam FFA
Norton FFA
Alma FFA
Frontier County Food Bank
Decatur County Livestock Auction
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
BAILEY HOLTMEIER
Bailey Holtmeier, from Tobias, Nebraska, is a student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln majoring in Animal Science on the Food Systems and Productions pathway, with a minor in Ag Business. She has always had a passion for livestock and nutrition. That interest first took root in high school through an ag class where she discovered a love for calculating rations and understanding the nutritional balance that supports herd health. That spark eventually led her to pursue an internship in feed sales with Ag Valley Co-op, an experience she describes as both rewarding and filled with growth.
This past summer, Bailey served as a Feed Sales Intern, working across Ag Valley’s entire territory. Her willingness to jump in wherever needed made her a standout member of the team. Whether she was helping deliver mineral, moving product, visiting with producers, or assisting at various locations, Bailey approached every task with a strong work ethic.
“I really stepped out of my comfort zone,” Bailey shared. “This internship helped me grow more confident when talking to growers and I become more knowledgeable.”
Bailey worked closely with Feed and Nutrition Specialists Taylor Kauk and Vice President of Feed Kurt Nielsen, whom she speaks very highly of. “My favorite part of the internship was working with the feed department,” Bailey said. “Everyone was so helpful and always willing to answer any questions I had.”
In addition to her successful internship, Bailey was awarded the Tom Hansen Memorial Scholarship, recognizing her outstanding performance and commitment to the cooperative’s values. “The scholarship helps take some of the financial burden off as I finish school, and it motivates me to keep working hard toward graduation,” Bailey explained.
Bailey plans to pursue a career in feed sales after her graduation next December. She says her Ag Valley internship gave her both the confidence and experience to take that next step.
Bailey encourages other students considering an internship with Ag Valley to go for it. “You never know the endless opportunities it will lead to,” she said. “The best part is that the connection doesn’t end when the internship does. My mentors are still in touch, pushing me and supporting me.”
Ag Valley Co-op is proud to recognize Bailey Holtmeier for her hard work and dedication, and we wish her the best as she continues to build her career in agriculture.
The
best part is that the connection doesn’t end when the internship does. My mentors are still in touch,
