Crystal Valley and New Vision Move Forward with Member Vote Following Merger Study

BREWSTER & MANKATO, Minn. (July 25, 2024) — Crystal Valley and New Vision ag cooperatives are pleased to announce that after a thorough merger study, the Boards of Directors for both organizations have agreed to move forward with a member vote. This vote will determine the potential unification of the two cooperatives. The decision follows an in-depth assessment of the potential benefits and challenges this partnership could offer to our members.

The merger study began in May 2024 and included detailed analyses of the financials, operations, processes, and employee cultures of both companies. Joint Employee Focus Group meetings were conducted in June, followed by New Vision Market Meetings, and Crystal Valley Customer Informational Meetings in July. Additionally, a virtual independent Farmer Focus Group meeting, facilitated by Paulsen Agency from Sioux Falls, took place in mid-July.

More definitive dates regarding producer information and producer meetings will be communicated as they are established.

"We are excited to take the next step towards unification after a thorough and collaborative study,” stated New Vision CEO Matt Ashton, “The potential benefits for our members and employees are substantial, and we believe this partnership will strengthen our ability to serve the member-owners. We look forward to the upcoming member vote and the opportunities ahead.”

"Throughout this process, our focus has been ensuring that the unification would provide meaningful advantages for our members. The numerous discussions and in-depth discoveries have shown promising partnerships between Crystal Valley and New Vision. Gene Meyer, Crystal Valley Board Chair, states, “As we move forward with the member vote, we remain committed to transparent communication and making decisions that will benefit our stakeholders long-term."

If the member vote is favorable, the new business entity will officially form March 1, 2025. Members are encouraged to participate in the voting process and to contact either New Vision or Crystal Valley Board Member with any questions or concerns.

Updates and further information can be found on the Unification Website, and we encourage all members and employees to stay informed and engaged.

July 1, 2024

The New Vision and Crystal Valley boards met on June 19 and agreed to continue the unification study. The next joint board meeting was scheduled for July 23. 

New Vision plans to provide an opportunity for questions at their July market meetings (July 16-18) and will schedule more producer meetings later this summer if the boards decide to proceed. 

Crystal Valley has scheduled informational meetings with board members as follows:

• July 16 – Jackson
• July 17 – Janesville and Lake Crystal

Crystal Valley, New Vision to explore unification

Study committee will explore potential benefits for members, employees

BREWSTER and MANKATO, Minn. (May 30, 2024) - Crystal Valley and New Vision ag cooperatives are exploring a potential unification, the organizations announced today. The Boards of Directors for each cooperative have agreed to engage in a merger study to determine whether partnering would create mutual benefits for employees and members.

Producers today face a complex agriculture landscape, with pressures including insurance costs, market challenges, labor shortages, natural events and regulatory restrictions. Due to these factors and more, both cooperatives have previously explored opportunities to grow and capture better economies of scale.

“We exist to give our members and employees the best possible opportunities to grow their businesses and careers,” said New Vision CEO Matt Ashton. “We are committed to maintaining a strong local presence, strengthening the cooperative model and investing in the future. Crystal Valley shares that commitment, and we look forward to learning more as we explore this opportunity.”

“Both cooperatives have a strong history of serving members and employees, and we are eager to learn more about how each of our capabilities could complement each other,” said Crystal Valley CEO Roger Kienholz. “At this stage, our priorities are to learn more about each organization and to uncover all potential benefits [and challenges] to our stakeholders”

Crystal Valley and New Vision will spend the summer gathering details about operations, processes and employee cultures between the two organizations. There will be meetings between departments as well as joint board meetings. The study will look at issues including:

• Alignment of values, missions, and visions between Crystal Valley and New Vision.

• Strong feed assets by both serving a diverse customer base from six manufacturing facilities.

• Significant grain presence with mutual benefits from increased rail line access for national and global markets.

• Agronomy products and services for fertilizers, seed, and crop protection.

• Energy business including refined fuels, lubricants, and propane.

• Long-term financial and patron equity strategies.

Boards for both cooperatives encourage members and employees to visit the website to submit questions or concerns and to see updates on the study’s progress and to reach out to board members to share insights into the opportunity.

The study is scheduled for completion before harvest 2024, with a potential member vote taking place pre-harvest. If approved, the new business entity would officially form during the winter of 2025.