Ursa Farmers Cooperative

05/06/2026

We are proud to recognize and congratulate our 2026 UFC Foundation scholarship recipients. These students have demonstrated dedication, strong character and a commitment to their future, and we are honored to support them as they take this next step.

Please join us in celebrating Abigail Hildebrand, Kyle Cornwell, Cadie Barry, Dane Blessing, Cole Wray and Darren Koenig.

Congratulations to each of you on this well-earned achievement! Your Ursa Farmers Cooperative team is proud to invest in your future and is cheering you on for all that lies ahead.

05/05/2026

Spring is a busy season, and markets can change fast. Don’t leave your hard work unprotected!
🔒 Lock in a floor price with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) through Ursa Farmers Coop.
🐄 Ride the highs AND guard against the lows this season.
🤝 Your success is our success. Your local UFC insurance specialists, Peggy, Susie and Tanner, are here to help you protect your future.
Spring is the perfect time to put a safety net in place. Reach out to your team at Ursa Farmers Coop. We’ll guide you through LRP so you can focus on a strong season ahead.

05/01/2026

Meet Parker Schaffnit, one of the students selected for the UFC Foundation’s From Riverbanks to Riverboats: Empowering Youth Through Industry Education trip!

Parker, a student at Unity High School, has grown up immersed in agriculture on his family’s Shorthorn cattle farm. From daily chores to hands-on responsibilities, farm life has been second nature for him. Some of his earliest and most meaningful memories come from riding along with his dad, grandpas and uncle while hauling grain, staying connected to both the farm and the family legacy behind it. Alongside his farm work, Parker has been an active member of several programs, including FFA and 4-H.

On this trip, Parker is most excited to learn what happens to grain after it is harvested and delivered and to better understand each step of the process along the way.

Looking ahead, he hopes this experience will open his eyes to unique career opportunities within agribusiness as he continues exploring where agriculture may take him in the future.

04/30/2026

Midwest weather can change quickly, especially during the growing season. Having the right coverage in place helps protect the work you’ve already put in.

Reach out to Peggy, Susie or Tanner to walk through your options and choose coverage that fits your operation!

04/28/2026

Spring markets can turn quickly. Don’t get caught off guard this busy season!
🔒 Secure a floor price with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) through Ursa Farmers Coop.
🐄 Keep your herd and your bottom line protected as you tackle spring work.
🤝 Local support you can count on. Peggy, Susie and Tanner are here to help you plan ahead and stay ready.
It’s your livelihood. Get in touch with Ursa Farmers Coop and get the support you need to keep your operation running strong and with confidence.

04/24/2026

Meet Emily Wray, one of the students selected for the UFC Foundation's From Riverbanks to Riverboats: Empowering Youth Through Industry Education trip!

Emily, a student at Unity High School, is actively involved in agriculture both in and out of the classroom. Her passion for agriculture started early. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the industry, Emily was surrounded by it every day, which naturally sparked her interest and has grown into a genuine appreciation for the opportunities agriculture provides.

On this trip, Emily is especially looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of what happens after grain is delivered to the elevator. She’s eager to learn more about where it goes next and how the Mississippi River plays a role in the logistics of moving grain. For her, it’s about seeing the full picture and how everything connects from delivery to distribution.

Looking ahead, Emily hopes this experience will give her a well-rounded perspective of the agricultural industry, from production all the way through distribution. She’s excited to see these processes firsthand and better understand how different roles and systems work together as she continues to explore future opportunities in agriculture.

04/23/2026

Ursa Farmers Cooperative is proud to share an opportunity from CoBank with you!

Applications are now open for the No Barriers 2026 program, which supports individuals with disabilities and caregivers through transformational experiences focused on building confidence, leadership and connection.

Through CoBank’s partnership, eligible participants may receive scholarships for expeditions and access to an online community designed to provide ongoing support.

If you know someone who could benefit from this program, we encourage you to pass this along.

Learn more and apply using the link below!

https://bit.ly/4caY2a7

04/23/2026

Don’t forget to order your 2026 Ursa Farmers Cooperative fair shirt. The deadline is quickly approaching on May 3.

Order yours today using the link below!

https://store.landmarxwear.com/sites/ufcfarmer/categories

04/17/2026

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of one of our own, Chad Lightfoot. Chad was a dedicated employee, and his passion for UFC and our patrons shined bright. We are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers.

View Chad Lightfoot's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/17/2026

Spring is in full swing, and the Bowen Elevator is here to support you every step of the way!

Led by Tim Nelson, our Location Supervisor, the Bowen team ensures every load, every grower and every question is handled with care. From planting season prep to harvest, we’re proud to grow alongside our community, season after season.

Contact the Bowen Elevator at (217) 842-5231 to see how we can support your operation this year.

04/16/2026

Weather in the Midwest is unpredictable, but your risk management doesn't have to be!
🌱 Hail insurance through Ursa Farmers Cooperative offers coverage for hail, with optional wind and extra harvest protections.
🌾 Coverage can be taken out any time before July 1, and it must be bound before damage occurs.
🌽 Your local insurance specialists, Peggy, Susie and Tanner, are ready to help you review your options.
Contact Ursa Farmers Cooperative today to discuss your options and get coverage in place before the season is in full swing.