October 27, 2026
The boards of directors of Country Partners Cooperative and Legacy Cooperative each voted unanimously on October 27 to submit a proposed plan of merger to their respective memberships for approval.
The decision follows months of a joint unification study evaluating the potential benefits and long-term impacts of combining the cooperatives. Based on the findings, both boards believe the proposed merger offers an opportunity to strengthen the cooperative business and create long-term value for both memberships.
“Country Partners’ roots date back to 1904, and the cooperative we are today was built through many successful mergers,” said Bill Dodds, chairman of the Country Partners Cooperative Board of Directors. “I am excited about this opportunity to build on that history and create lasting value for the member-owners of both cooperatives.”
“This merger will strengthen our cooperative and the services our members depend on,” said Douglas Olsen, chairman of the Legacy Cooperative Board of Directors. “We believe it positions us to serve our member-owners for generations to come.”
Informational meetings will be held in November to review the proposed merger and answer members’ questions. Meeting dates and locations will be shared directly with members. Ballots will arrive by mail at the end of November.
The merger is subject to approval by the memberships of both cooperatives. If approved, unification will take effect March 1, 2027.