Welcome To The Aurora Family
Unlock a world of exclusive benefits by becoming a member of our agricultural cooperative. As a member, you gain access to special discounts, personalized offers, and a host of tailored resources designed to elevate your experience. Join our community of like-minded individuals, and reap the rewards of being a valued member of our agricultural family.
Transparency
FAQ’s
Do I need to be a member of Aurora Cooperative to purchase products/services?
No, you do not need to be a member to make purchases from Aurora Cooperative. We sell products/services to both members and nonmembers.
Go to Resources to complete the required credit application.
Why should I become a member of Aurora Cooperative?
Participating members are eligible to earn patronage and Section 199 Tax Credits. Patronage distribution and Section 199 Tax Credits are calculated based on the amount of business a member does with Aurora Cooperative in the current fiscal year. The more business you do with Aurora Cooperative, the more you are eligible to earn.
How do I become a member of Aurora Cooperative?
To become a member of Aurora Cooperative, you must have a completed credit application and patronage consent form on file. Please click [here](link to application) to complete the credit application process. Once the application process is complete, potential new members are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.
When can I expect to receive my patronage redemption?
Patronage is obtained in two forms: cash patronage and deferred equity. Cash patronage is paid the year it is earned. Deferred equity is earmarked to the owner’s equity account to be paid out at a later date.
The Board of Directors annually reviews the earnings of the cooperative to determine the amount of money available for patronage distribution.
For more information regarding patronage and/or Section 199 Tax Credits, please contact a member services representative at (402) 694-2106 or memberservices@auroracoop.com.
What is the difference between a member and stockholder?
Member: a member is a customer who has: 1) submitted an Account Application, 2) submitted a Patronage Consent Form, and 3) has been approved by the Board of Directors to be a Member. Members are eligible to earn patronage in Aurora Cooperative based on the amount of business done with Aurora Cooperative during a fiscal year.
Stockholder: a stockholder meets all of the eligibility requirements above for a Member but must also meet purchase/sale thresholds determined by the Board of Directors.
The main difference between a Member and a Stockholder is Stockholders are eligible to vote on matters brought to them by the Board of Directors.
How do I become a stockholder?
If you are an agricultural producer (including landlord or lessor), you must meet one of the following:
- At least 9,000 bushels of grain volume, or
- At least 7,500 bushels of grain volume plus
- $7,500 of ag supply business, or
- At least $10,000 of ag supply business
“Upon meeting one (1) of the above requirements, you will be sent an application for Capital Stock. Once you have completed the application and returned it, potential new stockholders are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.
Once I’m a stockholder, am I always a stockholder?
To remain a stockholder, Members must annually meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Board of Directors. Eligibility requirements are based on Aurora Cooperative’s fiscal year, which runs from September 1 through August 31.
What happens to my patronage if I am no longer a stockholder?
Members are still eligible to earn patronage even if they are not a stockholder.
When will I receive my dividend for my share of stock?
Capital Stockholders receive one (1) voting share of stock. The stock does not earn dividends to be paid out. Cooperative stock is not like traditional stock. Instead of earning dividends on the share, Members receive patronage based on the amount of business they do with the cooperative and are paid out on a schedule set by the Board of Directors.
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