Where there were two large cooperatives in the southern half of Indiana, now there is one. Spokespersons believe the merger results in a more streamlined, efficient co-op that can serve customers even better.

Premier Ag and White River Cooperative Inc. became Premier Cos. on Sept. 1.

The new co-op, based in Seymour, Ind., cuts a wide swath for southern farmers and others who need a reliable supplier of products, including energy products.

Harold Cooper, chief executive officer for Premier Cos., says the new co-op is proud to remain locally owned, and the goal is to regularly return earnings to member-owners.

New divisions in Premier Cos. start with Premier Ag, offering integrated agronomic and ag services. This division includes the Truterra network, the sustainability arm of Land O’Lakes Co-op; plus SwineLink, which provides management to family-owned pork facilities; and grain marketing services, through which the co-op buys grain from customers.

The other major division of Premier Cos. is Premier Energy. One focus is on delivering propane to thousands of customers in the marketing area for both ag and residential use. The other primary focus is on delivering CountryMark fuels to farms and businesses. Fuel delivered by Premier Energy powers school buses throughout the region.

Learn more at premierag.com.