October 26, 2021
Mike Traxinger, South Dakota farmer and director of governmental affairs and general counsel for Agtegra Cooperative, shares how the cooperative system adds value to his business and community.
October is National Co-op Month — a time to celebrate the value the cooperative system brings to farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
“What makes cooperatives unique is that they’re member-owned. When I come to work every day, I’m working for farmers,” says Mike Traxinger, a fifth-generation farmer, cooperative owner and director of governmental affairs and general counsel for Agtegra Cooperative, based in Aberdeen, S.D. “At the end of the day, cooperative success translates to success for the farmers and ranchers the cooperative serves.”
Traxinger grew up on a farm in northeast South Dakota and lives there today with his family. “The opportunity to return home and work for an agriculture cooperative was the best choice for me. This role allows me to support both my family and my neighbors.”
Cooperatives constantly innovate to meet owner needs, says Traxinger. He believes working on his family’s farm has given him a better perspective on how the cooperative system can best serve its farmer-owners.
“I often work cattle in the morning with my dad before heading to the office. Farming with my family allows me to have a thorough understanding of the industry and identify ways to help other farmers and ranchers succeed.”
