Central Commodity FS and Gateway FS are merging this year.  Stakeholders across both entities voted in favor of the merger on March 13.  It will take effect on August 1, which is the turn of the fiscal year for what will become the one farm supply cooperative.

Mark Bauman has served as the general manager at Central Commodity FS and is also doing so for Gateway FS until the merger takes effect.  He says initial discussions on a merger began last November after key departures from the organizations. 

Bauman says the merger will help expand their reach with the many services they provide, while minimizing additional operating costs. 

In the meantime, both organizations will be busy working with member farmers as part of planting season, in the capacities in which they currently operate. 

More information on Central Commodity FS is available at fscooperatives.com/centralcommodityfs.  More information on Gateway FS is available at fscooperatives.com/gatewayfs.

Mark Bauman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our special live broadcast from the Christian County Farm Bureau for National Ag Day.