CHS Inc.

The CHS engineering rotational program is equipping new engineers with technical skills and developing talent for future engineering and operations roles at CHS. The 24-month program offers hands-on experience at CHS processing facilities and grain terminals. “Each rotation brings new challenges and learning opportunities, shaping our engineering interns into well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the complexities of the processing industry," says Sheila Wheeler, an engineer based at the Mankato Minn., processing facility who manages the program. "Through their experiences, we hope participants see the importance of continuous learning and adaption in the ever-evolving field of engineering."

Shannon Forster, a farmer and cooperative owner, joins the "It Takes a Co-op" podcast to talk about her involvement with the cooperative system and how she sees cooperatives evolving. "I don't think that evolution is going to start in the boardroom," says Forster. "I think that the future of the cooperative system is the future of the American farmer, so I think those conversations need to start at the farm." "As we say [at CHS], 'Creating connections to empower agriculture,' that's something that runs deep," she says. "I've traveled overseas. I've met with CHS partners in different countries. The biggest part is the connection to other farmers." Learn more about Forster and why she finds value in the cooperative system: https://bit.ly/3Y6NW3e.

October is National Co-op Month. In the cooperative system and at CHS, “We are going to come together, we’re going to serve our owners, serve our patrons, provide them with the products and services they need. And at the end of the year when we’ve made money doing that, we’re going to give it back to them,” says Evan Fust, senior director of operations for CHS High Plains based in Yuma, Colo., and CHS United Plains Ag based in Sharon Springs, Kan. Fust describes the role cooperatives play in communities across rural America and why he believes in the cooperative system. #CoopMonth

"It Takes a Co-op" is a new podcast highlighting the value of cooperatives. In the first episode, you’ll hear from Dan Schurr, chair of the CHS Board of Directors Cooperatives are an important part of rural America and vital to the success of the farmers and ranchers who own them, he says. "I think the cooperative system provides an opportunity for a lot of farmers, or others, to be involved in something bigger. And when you get involved with that, you have the opportunity to interact with people like yourself that are passionate about agriculture, passionate about success and the future." Schurr owns and manages a family farm near LeClaire, Iowa, raising corn and soybeans. He also operates a commercial trucking business. Hear more from him about the value he sees in being part of a cooperative: https://bit.ly/3Y6NW3e.

We are proud to share the success of the 2024 CHS Giving Campaign, a two-week event that unites our employees in support of causes they care about. With CHS matching donations dollar-for-dollar, our employees were able to double their impact. The campaign offers a range of activities at our Inver Grove Heights, Minn., headquarters and across several of our local facilities, including employee challenges, charity fairs, a golf scramble and a kickball tournament and gift basket drawing. The activities add a fun and competitive element to our efforts. More than 918 employees participated, raising over $1.65 million through their donations and the CHS match. This total surpasses our goal of $1.35 million by more than $300,000, showing the generosity and commitment of our team. #CHSInc

“When we step outside our comfort zone, it can open the door to so many things,” says Sarah Cummins, senior safety specialist. She volunteers with the Oslo (Minn.) Fire and Rescue department. At CHS, eligible full-time employee receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time per year. Volunteering with a fire department is one of many different ways our employees give back. “I never pictured myself doing these kinds of things,” says Cummins. “Being a rescue volunteer helps me overcome my fears, pushes me to grow, and gives me confidence that I can handle things in life and at work.” Her volunteer training as both a rescuer and emergency medical responder (EMR) strengthens her performance as safety lead at the CHS canola processing plant in Hallock, Minn. “The fire department trains you to remain calm under pressure. They teach you how to safely respond when the unexpected happens," she says. "I can now speak to those things from personal experience when leading safety meetings and emphasize the importance of having a safety mindset to prevent injuries and accidents.”

Cooperatives provide value and create economic opportunities for their owners and are built on principles rooted in collaboration, democracy and social responsibility. As we celebrate National Co-op Month, we're proud to be the largest U.S. farmer-owned cooperative, growing market access for our owners, providing a reliable supply chain for inputs they use on their farms and ranches and strengthening rural communities. #CoopMonth

Interns at CHS contribute to innovative projects, learn from mentors and develop skills to help accelerate their careers. If you're looking for an internship, you may wonder when is the best time to apply. Here's one of our recruiters, Joylin Crosser-Olin, with an answer. Explore internships at CHS: https://lnkd.in/dnjJJsVn

From the Washington mountains to vast Kansas prairies to the rich farmland of Illinois, CHS ag retail business units dot the map, serving more than 450 communities. These locations offer a variety of products and services backed by advice from local experts. Each of the 25 ag retail business units look to the leadership of their senior director of operations. These individuals work closely with their local producer boards, employees and all areas within CHS to bring value to local farmer-owners and customers. Evan Fust is the senior director of operations for CHS High Plains based in Yuma, Colo., and CHS United Plains Ag based in Sharon Springs, Kan. From assisting in the elevator during harvest to representing CHS at community events, he creates connections with farmer-owners, customers and communities every day and is an advocate for the power of cooperatives.

Sergio Carrillo, vice president, internal audit with CHS, was recently honored with the Spouse Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an organization that recognizes the unique needs and sacrifices made by military spouses and the teams that support them. “Carrillo has been incredibly supportive during my service away from home,” says Edward Markfort, chief warrant officer 3 with the U.S. Army Reserves. Carrillo offered flexibility for Markfort's wife, Weilin Markfort, who is on Carrillo's team at CHS, while she cared for their two young children. Weilin Markfort is a senior manager on our internal audit team. In her five years with CHS, her husband has been on active duties three times. Edward Markfort nominated Carrillo for the award. Guard and reserve spouses often share the challenge of military service. We're proud to offer assistance, especially while their loved ones are away from home. The photo below features (left to right) Bob Gagne, from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin, Edward Markfort, Sergio Carrillo, Weilin Markfort, and CHS EVP and General Counsel Brandon Smith.