ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — River Country Cooperative, a diversified ag retailer based in South St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S., and CHS Inc. said on April 14 that they have completed their study of a formal business merger between the two and will move the process forward, pending further due diligence. The proposed business agreement will be voted upon by River Country Cooperative's membership this summer.

"The business is solid today, but our customers' needs are changing and we want to grow our size and scale to meet those needs," said Myron Tank, chairman of the board, River Country Cooperative. "We looked at a number of different ways to do that and determined CHS would be the best partner to align with for the future." 

"Our commitment is always to our owners and customers around how we can help them grow and succeed," said John McEnroe, executive vice-president, CHS Country Operations. "The business opportunity that allows us to expand our resources within our core territory is certainly a strong benefit to our owners."

In business since 1935, River Country Cooperative is a full-service supplier, providing fuel, fertilizer, grain and feed products and services to customers from 14 locations in east-central Minnesota.