SOURCE Magazine Winter 2023 | Page 6

“ I attribute this longevity to the dedication of our employees , many who have served this cooperative , and its members , for decades .”
4 SOURCE | Winter 2023

Southern States Cooperative Celebrates a Century of Serving Customers in the Southeast

“ I attribute this longevity to the dedication of our employees , many who have served this cooperative , and its members , for decades .”

Chris Grogan , GROWMARK Publications and Media Relations Manager cgrogan @ growmark . com

VISION TO BE THE LEADING RETAILER AND RESOURCE FOR FARMERS AND RURAL LIVING .

MISSION

TO BE CUSTOMER-FOCUSED AND THE BEST AT PROVIDING PRODUCTS , SERVICES AND GROWING SOLUTIONS FOR FARMS AND AROUND THE HOME .
For Steve Becraft , this milestone wasn ’ t one that was destined . In fact , the Southern States Cooperative CEO says hitting the 100-year anniversary seemed like a huge hurdle just a few years ago .
“ For seventy years , Southern States was profitable every year , but the cooperative lost its way around 2000 and started down a path of financial challenges ,” says Becraft . “ The fact that we were so close to becoming insolvent two or three years ago and to turn it around with a dedicated leadership team , has been really rewarding .”
That hard work is now culminating in a year-long celebration of Southern
States ’ 100-year history of serving customers in the Southeastern U . S ., and the many hardworking employees who have dedicated their careers to this cooperative .
“ Southern States has many long-term employees who have stayed with us , and I appreciate them enduring the turbulence – because they believed in the mission and vision of this Cooperative .”
It ’ s a vision that began 100 years ago in Virginia . The need for a reliable supply of high quality , disease-resistant clover and alfalfa seed adapted to Virginia soils and climate brought 150 farmers