CDF News

Announcing the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees

November 24, 2025 Next year the co-op community in the U.S. will be honoring five outstanding cooperative leaders. Join us in welcoming these cooperative heroes into the Cooperative Hall of Fame on October 8, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The inductees are Margaret Bau, Cooperative Development Specialist, USDA Rural Development (retired); Fannie Lou Hamer, Unsung Hero, Founder, Freedom Farm Cooperative; Crystal Long, President & CEO, GECU; Kevin Still,

30 minutes ago11 min read

Giving Thanks for Cooperation

As the seasons change and we approach Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on my first ten months as Executive Director of the Cooperative Development Foundation . We are proud to announce a new strategic framework for CDF focused on building the capacity of the US cooperative business community. And I am grateful for the generosity and collaboration of the cooperative field as we embark on this exciting next chapter. Together, we will work to ensure that all people can address the

6 days ago4 min read

Cooperative Solutions to Community Challenges

Montana grows a lot of food: livestock for meat and dairy, wheat, lentils, and more. One out of every six Montanans work in agriculture. Yet, Montana communities struggle with access to food as more and more grocery stores close their doors. Losing a rural store can mean families have to drive 60-100 miles for groceries. Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director of the Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) , says local grocery stores are “the last line of defense for thes

Oct 314 min read