SCG History

The inspiration that guided the first Board of Directors and patrons to organize a marketing cooperative was an outgrowth of the widespread pricing unfairness by private grain firms and the inability to influence the market in their area. The local cooperative was the first step in organized resistance and unification of agricultural producers to control a small segment of the market place. It is difficult for most to visualize this situation that occurred over 65 years ago. The cooperative spirit spread very rapidly and has changed the course of farmer grain marketing for over half a century.

Stonington Cooperative Grain Company was formed in 1935 with a membership of approximately 150 patrons. There are currently over 1,000 patrons. The founding Board of Directors was comprised of seven (7) area producers. The Board was increased to nine (9) directors in 1973 in order to fairly represent SCG’s expanding trade territory.

When the cooperative was formed, Stonington was the only facility. The Blue Mound facility was obtained in 1973 from Bert Wise Grain Company and Sharpsburg was purchased from Livergood Grain Company in 1985. The current storage capacity at Stonington is 6,008,000 bushels, Blue Mound 1,760,000 bushels and Sharpsburg 1,498,000 for a total of 9,266,00 bushels of functional storage. SCG has come a long way since 1935 when the capacity was 80,000 bushels.

The growth of SCG is a testament of success. Aggressive management, progressive directors and members who support growth have achieved the accomplishments. Each may have different reasons for initiating change but the overall goals of the organization are basic: provide the best possible facilities and services for all members with the premise that each will benefit greater by being an active participant. The cooperative concept allows such by pooling resources of many and enables the investors to benefit directly from profits derived.