The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Nominating Committee has released its slate of recommended candidates for the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Board of Directors.
The 2026 Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Nominating Committee, elected by Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ members, has completed the process of evaluating and recommending up to two candidates for each open Board seat. Prior to interviewing with the committee, potential candidates were certified as meeting Director qualifications stated in the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Bylaws, including being active farmers or ranchers and members of Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ or members of a Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ member cooperative.
Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ members will cast their ballots in Director elections held at regional caucuses during the 2026 Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Annual Meeting in early December or via absentee voting prior to the annual meeting. The following candidates will be included on the ballot.
Region 1 (first seat)
Scott Cordes, Roseville, Minn. (incumbent)
Kevin Sharkey, Hanley Falls, Minn.
Region 1 (second seat)
Tony Rossman, Minnesota (incumbent)
Region 2
Courtney Herzog, Rapelje, Mont.
Cortney Wagner, Hardin, Mont. (incumbent)
Region 3
Jon Erickson, Minot, N.D. (incumbent)
Region 5
Les Danielson, Cadott, Wis.
Tracy Jones, Kirkland, Ill. (incumbent)
Region 7
Nate Schulte, Rock Rapids, Iowa
Jake Taylor, Ashland, Mo.
Region 8
C.J. Blew, Castleton, Kan. (incumbent)
Having a voice in the company they own is a key benefit for cooperative owners. Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ owners exercise that benefit as they participate in Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ governance by nominating and electing Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Board members.
