About Cooperatives

What is a Cooperative?

A cooperative is an organization or a business that is owned and ran by members who use its products and services.

Members have a say in how the business operates.

Members participate in in electing a board of directors and have a voice in major decisions.

Cooperatives prioritize community well-being and sustainable practices.

Stan Hinkley as the current owner is set up as an LLC, Limited Liability Corporation.

That LLC will transition to a true Wisconsin Cooperative as a steering committee guides us through the legal process.

Dan and Sandy Lothe made the first pledge.

Stan and Jeri Hinkley made the second pledge.

UW professor, Courney Brenner, Director of the Wisconsin cooperative Movement made the third pledge.

(And she also gave Stan and his class an A grade on the term paper last spring when Stan completed his college education after 52 years of missing class - from college jock to college graduate in 52 years)!

The 7 Cooperative Principles:

Voluntary and open membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of the membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic member control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in making policies and decisions.

3. Member economic participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

4. Autonomy and independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members.

5. Education, training and information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.

6. Cooperation among cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities, through policies approved by their members.

To pledge, just write two paragraphs on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper stating that you want to do so, sign and date it.

Send it to us by email, or drop it off at the farm to Tammy Seibert, General Manager.

Tammy and her husband, Kevin moved from their house in Pine Grove, PA when they received the news that Stan had bought the farm. They LOVE Wisconsin already and lead a team of about 25 wonderful, wonderful people.

Come out and say hi to any or all of us. We would love to see you!!

God is so good.