About CBH CO-OP
CBH CO-OP was formed in May 2018 through the merger of Farmer’s Cooperative Association and CBH Cooperative—two trusted names with more than 150 years of combined experience serving local communities. What began as a shared commitment to quality products and dependable service has grown into a dynamic cooperative that supports homes, ranches, and businesses across South Dakota and Wyoming and Montana.
Headquartered in Sturgis, South Dakota, CBH CO-OP provides reliable energy, agricultural, automotive, and convenience products through a strong network of locations—including six Cenex®-branded convenience stores that keep our communities moving every day.
As a proud partner of CHS Inc., a Fortune 100 cooperative, CBH CO-OP is connected to a global network dedicated to fueling agriculture, energy, and food systems that sustain life around the world. Together, we share one mission: to deliver value, strengthen rural communities, and empower our members for generations to come.
Our Mission
CBH Cooperative provides quality products, reliable services, and value while giving back to our local members and communities.
Our Vision
To adapt, grow, and empower by fostering the growth and success of our employees and member-owners.
What is a Cooperative?
A cooperative is a business owned and controlled by its members, with the capacity to adjust and invest in the members’ best interests. Formerly known as Farmers Union Oil Company, CBH CO-OP takes pride in offering services to farmers across the region. Since 1928, CBH CO-OP has been dedicated to assisting patrons with their agricultural and energy requirements, consistently striving to expand and explore new opportunities.
History of CBH CO-OP
In 1921, ranchers and farmers in Campbell County, Wyoming, formed the Campbell County Farmers Marketing Union to collectively market their products and improve economic stability. Facing challenges after World War I, such as plummeting prices and transportation issues, the union aimed to pool resources and negotiate better prices. Led by local ranchers, it set fair prices and organized shipments. This effort marked the start of cooperative ventures in the region, helping strengthen the agricultural community during difficult times.
In March 1928, ranchers and farmers in the Gillette region organized the Campbell County Farmers Marketing Union, officially incorporating in Cheyenne. The union was created to help local producers collectively market and sell their agricultural products, improving their economic stability. Managed by a nine-member board, including E.P. Spaeth and Frank Oedekoven, the union's headquarters were established in Gillette. This cooperative effort marked a significant step in supporting the local agricultural community in Campbell County.
In December 1933, the Campbell County Farmers Marketing Union evolved into the Farmers Cooperative Association of Gillette. Initially formed to help local ranchers market their produce, the organization shifted its focus as the Great Depression deepened. To better serve the agricultural community, it expanded services beyond marketing to include supply purchases, ensuring access to vital resources. The rebranding as a cooperative allowed members to share in profits and decision-making, solidifying its role in the region's farming economy.
Eighteen months after opening its doors, Farmers Union Oil Company held its first annual meeting, marking a significant milestone in its operations. This event gathered members, stakeholders, and the community to review the company's progress, discuss future plans, and celebrate achievements. The meeting provided a platform for transparent communication, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among all attendees. It highlighted the company's commitment to growth, collaboration, and continued service excellence, setting the stage for future developments and successes.
Farmers Union Oil Company, a cooperative in the agricultural sector, announced it had acquired Independent Oil Company in Sturgis, South Dakota. This move aimed to enhance services and expand market presence. Independent Oil Company, a trusted provider of fuel and services in Sturgis, brought strengths that would improve efficiency and product range. The integration aligned operations and customer service, potentially expanding agricultural support and fuel distribution. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for Farmers Union Oil Company.
Farmers Union Oil Company held its fifteenth annual meeting, where it reported sales of over one million dollars. The meeting was a significant event for the company, highlighting its continued growth and success in the industry. Attendees included shareholders, employees, and key stakeholders who celebrated the company's achievements. The impressive sales figures underscored the company's strong market position and effective business strategies over the past year. This milestone reaffirmed Farmers Union Oil Company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
The Patron Oil Cooperative, founded in Fruitdale, SD in 1936 and later moved to Belle Fourche, SD, merged with Farmers Union Oil Company to create the Cenex® of the Black Hills. This merger combined their strengths and resources to enhance services and products for the community. The formation of Cenex® of the Black Hills marked a milestone, showing a commitment to supporting local agriculture and energy needs. This strategic alliance was celebrated by stakeholders, heralding a new era of growth and collaboration in the Black Hills region.
Farmers Union Oil Company built a convenience store and Mr. Tire in Sturgis, SD, enhancing local services. The development provided a one-stop solution for fuel and tire services, benefiting residents and travelers alike. The convenience store offered essential goods and refreshments, while Mr. Tire provided tire sales, repairs, and maintenance. This project highlighted Farmers Union Oil Company's commitment to customer needs and the local economy. The grand opening was celebrated by the community, marking a significant addition to the area.
Farmers Union Oil Company acquired corporate Cenex Propane services in Rapid City and Hot Springs, SD, aiming to expand their offerings and strengthen regional presence. This acquisition enhanced their ability to provide reliable propane services to a broader customer base. It included the transfer of assets, staff, and customer accounts, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service. This move underscored their commitment to growth and customer satisfaction, reflecting their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the communities.
Farmers Union Oil Company celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual meeting in Sturgis, SD, with John Johnson, CEO of CHS, Inc., as the keynote speaker. The event highlighted five decades of growth and service in the agricultural and energy sectors. Attendees included shareholders, employees, farmers, ranchers, and community members who enjoyed presentations, historical retrospectives, and acknowledgments of key contributors. Johnson's speech emphasized collaboration and resilience. The celebration concluded with a gala dinner, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Farmers Union Oil Company acquired propane services in Belle Fourche, SD, marking a significant expansion of its operations. This acquisition aimed to enhance their offerings and strengthen their regional presence. By incorporating the established propane services, Farmers Union Oil Company broadened its capability to meet the energy needs of local residents, businesses, and agricultural operations. This strategic move reflected their commitment to growth, customer satisfaction, and supporting the local community's energy needs.
Cooperative members of Farmers Union Oil Company voted to change the name to CBH Cooperative at the annual meeting. This decision marked a new chapter in the company's history, symbolizing its evolving identity and commitment to the community. The name change aimed to better reflect the cooperative's values and future aspirations. The vote received overwhelming support, with attendees celebrating the cooperative's rich history and looking forward to a promising future under the new name, CBH Cooperative.
CBH Cooperative held the grand opening of the Travel Center in Belle Fourche, SD, marking a significant milestone. The event, attended by community members, local officials, and cooperative employees, celebrated the launch of the new facility. The Travel Center featured a modern fueling station, a well-stocked convenience store, and a comfortable rest area. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included speeches from CBH executives and local dignitaries, highlighting the center's importance. The event underscored CBH Cooperative's commitment to growth and community support.
CBH Cooperative purchased Finkbeiner Feed and Seed in Belle Fourche, SD from Armin Finkbeiner, marking a significant expansion of their agricultural services. The acquisition aimed to enhance CBH Cooperative's offerings and better serve the farming community. The purchase integrated Finkbeiner’s feed, seed, and agricultural supplies into CBH's lineup, ensuring a smooth transition for employees and customers. A celebratory event marked the occasion, highlighting the positive impact on the local agricultural sector and reinforcing CBH Cooperative’s commitment to growth and support.
CBH Cooperative and Farmers Cooperative Association voted to merge, forming CBH CO-OP. This historic decision, made at a joint annual meeting attended by members and community leaders, marked a significant step forward. The merger aimed to enhance service, operational efficiency, and financial strength. Members overwhelmingly supported the merger, recognizing its long-term benefits. The leaders emphasized maintaining cooperative values while embracing growth opportunities, ensuring continued support for the agricultural community.
CBH CO-OP purchased the Elkhorn Travel Center in Spearfish, SD, marking a significant expansion. This acquisition aimed to enhance their service portfolio for travelers and the local community. The purchase included the travel center's fuel services, convenience store, dining options, and rest facilities. A grand reopening event celebrated the acquisition, attended by CBH CO-OP executives, local officials, and community members. This move underscored CBH CO-OP's commitment to growth and high-quality service delivery.
CBH CO-OP constructed a new Feed Manufacturing Plant in Belle Fourche, SD, marking a major step forward in supporting local agriculture. The facility increases feed production capacity and efficiency, offering high-quality products for ranchers and livestock producers. This milestone showcases CBH CO-OP’s continued commitment to growth, innovation, and service to its members and communities producing feed locally and efficiently.
CBH CO-OP looks to the future with optimism, embracing changes affecting its patrons. The cooperative is investing in renewable energy sources, enhancing digital infrastructure, and implementing advanced data analytics. It is expanding educational programs to empower members with knowledge on sustainable farming and modern technologies. By diversifying products and services, CBH CO-OP meets evolving customer demands. Strengthening community engagement, the cooperative balances tradition with innovation for a prosperous future.
Meet Our Senior Management Team
At CBH CO-OP, we are proud to have a dedicated and experienced senior management team committed to driving our mission forward and ensuring the highest standards of service for our customers. Our leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their roles, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. We believe in open communication and accessibility, so we’ve provided their contact information for your convenience. Whether you have a question, need assistance, or want to discuss opportunities, our senior management team is here to help.
Feel free to reach out to any of our team members directly:
Todd Reif, CEO 605-490-9768
Chance Hershey, Director of Refined Fuels / COO 605-431-3757
Garet Hunt, CFO 605-490-9708
Julie Batterman, Director of Retail 605-490-7330
Frank Robbins, Director of Propane 605-490-2910
Tom Heilman , Director of Feed & Agriculture 605-206-1223
Mike Galloway, Director of Sales & Marketing 307-299-4031
Brad Dillie, Wyoming Operations Manager 605-490-3868
