Corporate Overview
Hello, and welcome to Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association’s website. Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association was established in 1922 to aid producers in the marketing, managing and financing of their agricultural businesses. The members of yesterday and today possess the same goal; to derive at an equitable price for the livestock they produce. Through the years, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association has grown and been strengthened to its current standing as Wisconsin’s largest livestock marketing agency. In the very beginning, Equity had collection points allowing livestock to be taken by rail to Milwaukee. In 1957, Equity moved from private treaty sales to auction markets and took the marketing directly to the producers. Equity operates 11 auction markets, with a collection point in Menominee, MI and a livestock marketing center in Arlington, Wisconsin. Equity services producers in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and assists producers with the marketing, managing, and financing of their agricultural businesses. Equity’s wholly owned subsidiary, Equity Livestock Credit Corporation, provides financing through its various lending programs. The credit corporation has been financing agribusiness for over 30 years. To better serve our patron members, Equity also operates a Risk Management Division, and a Field Service Division. In order to manage price risk, producers are encouraged to take advantage of Equity’s Commodity Division. This division is available to assist producers’ hedge and forward contract cattle and hogs. Full-service commodity trading for futures and options is available as well. Our field services provide producers with a source of experienced marketing personnel to assist them with their calf and cattle procurement and marketing needs. As a federated cooperative, headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin, all of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association’s common stock is owned by 34 local shipping associations. These shipping associations are the link between the parent cooperative and the patron members. The patron members are responsible for electing peers to represent them on the 10-person regional board of directors. The board and management team exhibit leadership, which has resulted in improved marketing procedures for all members. Equity is also dedicated to helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders. The organization supports the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, and offers college scholarships every year; one in each of the cooperative’s ten districts. They also offer two technical college scholarships each year. In 2020 over 605,000 head of livestock was marketed through Equity’s various divisions. Equity’s legacy is one of strength through cooperation. The cooperative’s 21,020 members can look with deep pride at what may be the nation’s most successful livestock marketing cooperative. Two hundred fifty-five full and part-time employees, work together as a team to provide our members with the value and service they deserve. We are committed to our patron members and always welcome their input. Please take the time to explore the many facets of our website and/or visit us at Baraboo or any one of our auction markets. Thank you. Curt Larson, President and CEO Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association For additional information, please call 1-800-362-3989 or e-mail us at: mailbag@equitycoop.com |
