Merger Update
Aug 26, 2025
To Our Valued Customer,
With the merger of UFC and CRC taking effect on September 1, 2025, Central United Cooperative is officially underway.
There will be a four-day system blackout period from September 2–5, during which both UFC and CRC OFFICE locations will not conduct business as usual. During this time, we will be converting systems and transferring data. All field operations will continue as normal but business offices will be limited on certain transactions. Please contact your local office with questions and plan accordingly.
As we move forward, we are pleased to introduce you to the leadership team and board of directors who will be guiding the cooperative.
Leadership Team
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to build a strong future as Central United Cooperative.
Sincerely,
Nathan Gieseke
With the merger of UFC and CRC taking effect on September 1, 2025, Central United Cooperative is officially underway.
There will be a four-day system blackout period from September 2–5, during which both UFC and CRC OFFICE locations will not conduct business as usual. During this time, we will be converting systems and transferring data. All field operations will continue as normal but business offices will be limited on certain transactions. Please contact your local office with questions and plan accordingly.
As we move forward, we are pleased to introduce you to the leadership team and board of directors who will be guiding the cooperative.
Leadership Team
- Nathan Gieseke – CEO
- Jonathan Olmscheid – CFO
- Jason Tews – Grain & Feed
- Steve Gorder – Energy
- Chad Wilson – Ag Services Center
- Butch Altmann – Agronomy
- Becky Koeberl – Human Resources
- Dan Filzen – IT
- Brian Meyer – BCA & Internal Shops
- Jeff Manderscheid – Board Chairman
- Larry Dean – Vice Chairman
- Jon Meyer – Secretary
- Tyler Stehr – Executive Member
- Jason Boll
- Brian Broderius
- Todd Kettner
- Bruce Kuelbs
- Steve Lax
- Kevin Lindeman
- Ryan Mackenthun
- Kurt Martens
- Ryan Ponwith
- Ron Wendinger
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to build a strong future as Central United Cooperative.
Sincerely,
Nathan Gieseke
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will my account sales manager change?
You will most likely continue working with your existing account manager. If any changes are made, we’ll reach out to you directly with updated information.
Will products or services change?
No. You will continue to have access to the same products, services, and expertise you rely on, with additional opportunities in the future as we combine resources.
Will my account numbers or login credentials change?
Your account numbers and online login credentials may change in the future. If updates are needed, we’ll send you clear instructions and new login information. Grower 360 users (CRC Online portal) will be emailed instructions on how to set up their online account. In the meantime, you’ll continue receiving your regular statements, and those using the UFC Customer Portal should keep using it.
Will my Central United Cooperative monthly statement look different?
If you previously received statements from Central Region Cooperative, your new statement will look different. For those who received UFC statements, the format will look very similar.
How will billing or payment processes be affected?
Your statements will now feature the Central United Cooperative name and logo, payments will be due on the 25th of the following month. Beginning in late September, online payments will be available through the Central United Customer Portal.
Please note: between September 1–22, there will be a brief blackout period while we migrate account data. During this time, customer portal access (Grower 360 & UFC Customer Portal) and account information will be limited. If you have questions, please call your local office for assistance on your account.
What will happen to existing locations and facilities?
All existing locations will remain open and continue to serve members as they do today. Location hours will remain the same as they are today.
Where will the main office be located?
The main office will be located at:
705 E 4th Street
PO Box 461
Winthrop, MN 55396
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact your account sales manager directly, call your local office or our main office at 507.232.1000.
What will happen to cooperative ownership and patronage?
The cooperative will remain member-owned. Patronage programs will continue as they do today, with any future changes communicated in advance and approved by the board of directors. Patronage for FY2025 will be determined by the legacy cooperatives’ boards of directors following year-end audits.