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The article focuses on how cooperative (co-op) acquisitions, mergers, consolidations, and conversions have changes the agriculture co-op sector between 2000 and 2013. Topics discussed include the trend of converting agricultural co-op into investor-owned firms (IOFs) in early 2000, the $13.9 billion sales of cooperatives that merged or consolidated with co-ops, and the growth of co-op was triggered by the growth of agriculture in the country.

The article offers information on several cooperatives in the U.S. that accomplished more than 100 years in business despite of the intense competition in the capitalistic economy of the country. Cooperatives that were mentioned include the fruit and vegetable provider Sunkist Growers Inc. founded in 1893, the fruit supplier Fruit Growers Supply Co. founded in 1907, and the dairy products provider Calhoun Cooperative Creamery Co. found in 1896.

Focuses on the adoption of technological revolution in agronomy practices of the local cooperatives in the United States. Application of fertilizer equipment using global positioning system and information; Regional differences in applying the technology; Growth in crop protectant sales.

The article discusses the survey conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative Programs regarding the new equity redemption practices of cooperatives in 2008. It states that there is a reduced use of patrons' estates redemption in 2008 due to the change in ownership form of family farms. It notes that to maintain investment proportionality among current users, most cooperatives used equity redemption.

Presents the result of the 2001 survey on individual state membership, sales and marketing data of farmer cooperatives based from the data collected every other year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Presentation of the highlights of the breakdown by sale of individual products for the leading cooperative states from 1999 to 2001; Minnesota's leadership in number of cooperative headquarters; Superiority of Kentucky in the number of farmers with cooperative membership.

Reports on developments that are of importance to cooperative societies and farm marketing in the U.S., as of June 2003. Issues confronting the cooperative societies and their intent to increase share in farm merketing; Information on positive developments related to the promotion of cooperative societies.

Focuses on cooperatives selling farm supplies in the United States. Impact of mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies on the number of farm supply cooperatives; Provision of statewide or multiple-state operations by local cooperatives; Pressure brought by the vertical integration and globalization of the agricultural markets.

Presents an excerpt from `Petroleum Cooperatives 1993' on the role of agricultural cooperatives in the petroleum industry in the United States. Legislative and regulatory concerns; Effect of the decrease in the number of farms; Decline of the rural transportation system. INSET: Regional co-ops increase gas market share..

The article reports on the ability of agriculture cooperatives to garner additional sales of about $14 billion from other non-cooperative business ventures in 2007 in the U.S. The author explains that these other businesses of cooperatives reached more than $7.5 billion in assets. According to a survey by the Cooperative Programs staff of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, other ownership structures used by cooperatives include limited liability companies (LLC).