When the cooperative formed in 2016, our bylaws established that the board would be comprised of five voting members. You might be thinking - well, there's way more than five when you account for the husband and wife from each farm family - but they only count as 1 voting entity! Let's just say, it makes for some interesting conversation when a motion is brought to the table - and even more interesting on the drive home after the meeting :)
In addition, although most often the vote passes or fails unanimously - there are instances when there is an absolute tie. Not to mention, since we are such a small cooperative, the farmers are also board members - which can make decision making personal at times. We finally agreed that it would make sense to seek a fifth board member that could act as the tie breaker. We also wanted someone that was not a producer for the co-op, so that their vote would be for what was best for the cooperative from a business standpoint.
While we had discussed several potentials, we decided to first ask Brown County OSU Extension Agent, James Morris, to which he willingly accepted. We are very excited to have James join our board - he is a very positive, diligent addition to our team, and we appreciate his time and efforts to help us grow the cooperative here in Southern Ohio.
James' Story
"I was actively involved in 4-H and FFA growing up. While attending Morehead State, I was a member of Morehead State Collegiate FFA Chapter.
I have helped my fiancé, Megan, on her family farm for the last ten years where we raise beef cattle, corn, soybeans and hay.
I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business and Agronomy from Morehead State University in 2018. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working in Brown County as an Extension Educator for The Ohio State University.
I have always had a strong passion for agriculture and take great pride in serving as a resource for the farmers of Brown County."