Publications
Publications
- January 2008 (Revised February 2008)
- HBS Case Collection
South Dakota Wheat Growers
By: David E. Bell and Mary L. Shelman
Abstract
As a farmer-owned cooperative, South Dakota Wheat Growers (SDWG) serves the needs of its 3,600 active farmer-members by supplying farm inputs and organizing the marketing and transportation of grain produced in the co-op's service territory. For almost 80 years, the majority of grain was shipped out of the area by rail to markets in the East and the Pacific Northwest. However, the recent expansion in ethanol production is changing the pattern of grain flow along with stimulating the local farm economy. SDWG's management and producer board must decide how to continue to meet the needs of their producer-owners under the new conditions.
Keywords
Cooperative Ownership; Plant-Based Agribusiness; Production; Rail Transportation; Marketing Strategy; Expansion; Economic Growth; Global Strategy; Growth and Development Strategy; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; South Dakota
Citation
Bell, David E., and Mary L. Shelman. "South Dakota Wheat Growers." Harvard Business School Case 508-034, January 2008. (Revised February 2008.)