A qualitative assessment of farmer director skills in agricultural cooperatives

Agricultural cooperatives in the United States are larger and more complex than ever before. Due to this growth, farmer directors need up-skill maximize member benefits. Director education is generally considered a successful strategy for improving financial strategic performance, yet little research has examined skills U.S. agricultural cooperative need. This identified – and, notably, behaviors necessary ensure operational success. Interviews focus groups were conducted with leaders. Results consistent across these three suggest that must possess following behaviors: financial/business, governance, board leadership, industry knowledge planning. educating on may benefit all members of an cooperative.