Two well-known agricultural cooperatives in the Upper Midwest have signed an intent to merge. The board of directors for East Central/Select Sires, based in Waupun, Wis., and NorthStar Cooperative, Lansing, Mich., reached a unanimous decision to work toward unifying the two business entities under the name CentralStar Cooperative Inc.

Currently, NorthStar Cooperative serves dairy and beef producers in northern Wisconsin, Michigan and north of U.S. Highway 50 in Indiana. East Central/Select Sires serves dairy and beef producers in southern Wisconsin. There is no overlapping territory between the two cooperatives, so once the merger is confirmed, service will continue as usual for patron-members.

The goal is to combine the cooperatives, creating even greater value for members and customers. This includes taking advantage of economies of scale where it makes sense; expanding resources and services available to customers, such as Dairy Herd Improvement services and diagnostic testing; and removing the current business line in Wisconsin.

“The board is really excited about this potential merger,” says Paul Trierweiler, president of NorthStar’s board of directors. “Collaborating in strategic alliances is one element of NorthStar’s vision, which guides us into discussions like this one. The dairy and beef industries are changing rapidly, and the board believes becoming one cooperative creates a lot of opportunities to better serve all members and customers.”

“Employees will see advantages, as well,” adds Steve Abel, president of, East Central/Select Sires’ board of directors. “By combining employee numbers from both cooperatives, we can use economies of scale in areas such as benefits, insurance and technology. There will be more opportunity for career development, and with expanded services, employees will benefit from providing more value to customers.”

NorthStar Cooperative and East Central/Select Sires will follow their governing documents and conduct a vote of the common stockowners (NorthStar Cooperative) and delegates (East Central/Select Sires) to approve the merger. Voting will occur in early 2019.

Upon a positive vote, merging business operations will begin May 1. CentralStar Cooperative will focus on enhancing producer profitability through integrated services, providing Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive AI technician service; genetic consultation; reproduction services; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd management products; research and development; and more. All current business locations will remain open for the foreseeable future.

For more information, visit NorthStar Cooperative and East Central/Select Sires.

Source: East Central/Select Sires