Thursday, February 6
12:30 Check in
1:00 Welcome & Introductions
1:15 The Bank Perspective – Key Co-op Financial Metrics
Brett Lauppe, Regional Vice President | Renee Avilla, Credit Director | CoBank
Participants will gain insights into the critical financial metrics that banks use to evaluate cooperative businesses. Designed for co-op managers, board members, and financial staff, the session will cover essential indicators of financial health, including liquidity, leverage, profitability, and solvency. Experts will explain how these metrics inform lending decisions and influence financing options. Participants will also learn strategies to enhance financial performance and align with banking expectations, ensuring cooperative sustainability and growth.
2:00 Break
2:20 Multidimensional Governance & Developing your Co-op Leadership Toolbox
Dr. John L. Park, Professor and Extension Specialist |Texas A&M University Co-op
Co-op leadership is multi-dimensional. In this interactive session, Dr. John Park will help co-op directors reframe their thinking about effective co-op governance to include the self, the board, and the organization. Directors will complete a self-assessment to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, leaving the session with goals for improving their co-op leadership skills.
4:00 Key Advocacy and Policy Updates for California
Tricia Geringer, Vice President of Government Affairs | Agricultural Council of California
This talk will highlight recent legislative developments, regulatory challenges, and strategic initiatives aimed at supporting California’s agricultural industry.
5pm Adjourn
5:30 Reception at Il Fornaio restaurant
6:00 Banquet Dinner at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana
6:40 Evening presentation - Navigating Post-Election Tax Strategies: Maximizing Credits, Incentives, and Tax Planning
Robby Walker, CPA, Agribusiness, Food, and Beverage | CliftonLarsonAllen
This presentation will explore the latest post-election tax strategies, focusing on maximizing available credits and incentives. Additionally, we will delve into business and individual tax planning techniques, including effective gift and estate planning to optimize your financial future.
Friday, February 7
7:30 Check-in & Breakfast
8:15 A look at yesterday’s talks & introduction to Case Studies
Our annual spotlight on cooperative case studies will be led by speakers from within the following cooperatives, facilitated by Professor Michael Boland from the University of Minnesota. Case studies
provide valuable insights by offering real-world examples that illuminate successful strategies, challenges, and best practices, facilitating informed decision-making, offering nuanced understanding of complex situations, and fostering learning within the cooperative community.
8:30 What is going on in PNW / Canadian Specialty Crop cooperatives? The Story of the BS Tree Fruit Cooperative
Michael Boland, Professor of Agricultural Economics | University of Minnesota
Professor Boland will give an update on what has been happening in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) NW specialty crop industry and their cooperatives in light of the BS Tree Fruit Cooperative bankruptcy. Cooperatives have been an important part of the specialty crop industry. Cooperatives in canning and frozen vegetables, canning pears, hazelnuts, fruit packing, and similar industries have exited or leaving these industries. An inventory of these cooperatives in the PNW region will be described and discussed.
9:15 Cherry Central Cooperative, a federated marketing cooperative
Melanie LaPerriere, President CEO | Cherry Central Cooperative
Melanie LaPerriere will discuss how this federated marketing cooperative model supports growers in navigating today’s agricultural marketplace. We’ll explore how Cherry Central unites its member cooperatives to address market challenges, from evolving consumer demands to global competition. Attendees will learn about the cooperative’s strategies for sustainable production, innovative marketing, and value-added processing that empower its members. Cherry Central has apple, tart cherry, blueberry, and cranberry growers spanning from Eastern Washington to Idaho, Utah, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
10:00 Break
10:25 Blue Diamond Growers and current issues in the almond industry
Laura Gerhard, Vice President, Ingredients and International Branded
Discover how Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s largest almond processing and marketing cooperative, is pioneering advancements in the almond industry. This workshop presents a case study on Blue Diamond’s approaches to sustainability, market expansion, and product innovation in response to global demand and environmental challenges. Learn how the cooperative leverages research, technology, and member collaboration to create value for its growers and promote almonds worldwide.
11:15 California Canning Peach Association and current developments in the canning peach industry
Rich Hudgins, President and CEO | California Canning Peach Association
Learn about the dynamic developments shaping today’s canning peach industry. We will examine how the association addresses pressing challenges such as shifting consumer preferences, labor shortages, and international competition. Gain insights into the Association’s strategic approaches to sustainability, market adaptation, and advocacy for local growers. California Canning Peach Association is a grower owned marketing and bargaining cooperative which represents an overwhelming majority of production in California.
12:00 Lessons Learned & Summary
Michael Boland, Professor of Agricultural Economics | University of Minnesota
In this wrap-up, we’ll distill key insights from our case studies focusing on what drives cooperative success—from effective governance and member engagement to financial sustainability and resilience. Close out the day with actionable takeaways to strengthen your cooperation and navigate future challenges.
12:30 Adjourn