The Farmers Co-operative Company of Bradgate had its start in 1911 as a stock company. In 1912, the Gilmore Grain and Elevator Company was organized. Several years after the 1922 Capper-Volstead Act, both companies reorganized into true co-operatives. Each operated independently for many years acquiring additional property and storage from private companies and individuals. In 1958 Farmers Co-operative Company of Bradgate purchased The Charlton Grain Elevator in Rolfe and just a few years later, in 1961, a second private grain company was purchased.
In 1969, these two co-operatives overwhelmingly approved a merger to form one co-op known as The Farmers Co-operative Company of Bradgate. That farmer-owned company grew and served the needs of its members and provided leadership and direction to the communities involved. About the same time, The Cement Plant in Gilmore City was acquired. The photo above was taken on July 14th, 1924 at the Gilmore City Cement Plant.
In 1991 the Rutland Elevator Company was added to the mix and the company name was changed from Farmers Cooperative Company of Bradgate to Pro Cooperative with the introduction of a new company logo. In 1996, Pocahontas, Havelock, and Plover merged with Pro Cooperative and two years later, in 1998, Farmers Cooperative in Manson merged with Pro Cooperative as well.
On January 1, 2009, Pro Cooperative joined forces with Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company as a combined cooperative, which added five locations; Ruthven, Graettinger, Terril, Wallingford and Milford’s Soy Solutions. Mid-year 2009 corporate headquarters was moved to Pocahontas, IA, to the center of the trade territory. To expand the feed business, the feed mill and grain elevator facility was built and produced its first load of feed in Ayrshire, IA in November of 2013. In 2016, Pro Cooperative updated its logo to renew its commitment to serving its communities, members and employees. Most recently, in March 2017, Pro Cooperative acquired Houseman Oil Company in Estherville. The purpose of merging companies together is to build one strong organization as well as strive to uphold Pro Cooperative’s core values; Trust, Service, Fun & Safety.
Today, Pro Cooperative continues to grow and is now serving 12 counties in northwest and north central Iowa. We are investing in our communities, our people, and our facilities. All of the success of Pro Cooperative is possible because of you – the patron. We thank you for your business, and we look forward to growing with you in the future.
