Leading Cooperatives Partner to Support Disaster Relief Efforts Following Deadly Winter Storms

DENVER (February 22, 2021) — Three of the nation’s leading agriculture cooperatives serving communities across rural America today announced they are partnering to support relief efforts in Texas following devastating winter storms, freezing temperatures and widespread power outages. CHS Inc., CoBank and Land O’Lakes, Inc., will together donate $100,000 to support the American Red Cross and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Freezing temperatures, ice and snow caused millions of people across Texas to lose power and heat. More than 14 million residents also reported disruption to water services, as frozen pipes burst in homes and power failures affected water treatment plants. While power has been restored to many, millions still face water shortages or boil water orders.

“The recent winter storms have caused damage and impacted people across five states, but the havoc experienced in Texas is unprecedented,” said Thomas Halverson, president and CEO of CoBank. “As power and other services begin to be restored, people and communities continue to need support to meet their most basic needs and to begin the recovery process. CoBank is proud to join CHS and Land O’ Lakes to do our part and to offer support to those in need.”

The American Red Cross has partnered with community organizations throughout Texas to operate shelters and warming centers, providing emergency lodging, food and water, or just a place to get out of the cold.

Understanding the impact these storms will have on the state’s cattle industry, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has established an emergency fund that will be used to support the needs of producers across the state.

“The winter storms in Texas have been devastating and many families are struggling to meet daily needs. Especially impacted are farmers and ranchers who worked tirelessly to keep livestock warm, fed and watered while waiting for temperatures to improve and power to be restored,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. “Supporting the American Red Cross and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association emergency fund will help support the rural communities and families most in need as they recover.”

As cooperative organizations, CHS, CoBank and Land O’ Lakes are committed to giving back to the communities they serve. In recent years, the organizations have joined forces to provide aid to communities in need and to multiply the impact of their philanthropic dollars.

“As a nearly 100-year-old, farmer-owned cooperative, we know that we do better when we help our neighbors. Land O’Lakes is privileged to join CHS and CoBank in supporting the vibrant rural communities that continue to feed our country,” said Beth Ford, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

About CHS

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping its farmer-owners, customers and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, seed, crop protection products, grain marketing services, production and agricultural services, animal nutrition products, foods and food ingredients, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries and pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.

About CoBank

CoBank is a $148 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides commercial loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 75,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities.

About Land O’Lakes

Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2019 annual sales of $14 billion, Land O'Lakes is one of the nation's largest cooperatives, ranking 212 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 99 years of operation, Land O'Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands and businesses in agriculture and food production including Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra, LLC. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O'Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minn.