Our History

History

Midway Co-op has a rich and established history that dates back to 1907 when the framework was laid for Osborne County Farmers Union Cooperative Association – the first county unit cooperative in the state of Kansas. 

It all started when a group of locals joined together at country schools. They wanted to find a way to pool their resources to enhance their buying and selling power. The co-op started out handling mostly coal, cream, produce and petroleum products. They have much to be proud of, because what started with a few thousand dollars in sales in 1908 has grown into Midway Co-op and sales surpassing $100 million. But even more important is the impression that we’ve had in serving our surrounding communities. We are the glue that binds everyone together, and today we are stronger than ever.

1907

1907

Local farmers start meeting to improve their selling and purchasing influence.

1908

1908

The Osborne County Farmers Union Cooperative Association is officially established when its charter is awarded on June 3.

1909

1909

The Portis district joins the association; an elevator is constructed six years later.

1912

1912

The first Osborne elevator is purchased. It’s torn down in 1915 and rebuilt in 1916, along with a new office.

1914

1914

The organization purchases the elevators in Bloomington and Downs. The Bloomington elevator is torn down and rebuilt the following year.

1915

1915

The group of local farmers that owns the Alton elevator votes to join Osborne County Farmers Union.

1917

1917

The elevators in Corinth and Forney are purchased from the Robinson Elevator Company.

1930

1930

A fire claims the Portis elevator and a new structure is built to replace it.

1937

1937

The association votes to purchase the elevators in Bellaire and Waldo.

1938

1938

The organization purchases the elevator in Luray. A bulk petroleum plant and produce station are added on the grounds.

1939

1939

The Lebanon district is added to the growing cooperative by merger of stock.

1942

1942

A bulk petroleum plant is added in Waldo along with a new frame elevator the following year.

1950

Late 1940s through the 1950s

An immense construction program adds approximately 2 million bushels of storage capacity.

1951

1951

The Mankato elevator is added to the association’s portfolio.

1959

1959

A service station is acquired in Lebanon and a liquid fertilizer plant is installed.

1961

1961

The cooperative moves its general office into the Cunningham building in Osborne.

1962

1962

The Osborne Feed Mill is constructed.

1964

1964

The coop-owned grocery stores in Downs and Osborne are sold.

1964

1964-1967

A fertilizer warehouse and anhydrous ammonia plant are added to the Luray location.

1967

1967

The Forney elevator is officially closed down. In Portis, the handling of produce is discontinued and the building is transformed into a service station.

1970

Early 1970s

Grain storage capacity grows by another 1.1 million bushels.

1973

1973

Osborne County Farmers Union Cooperative Association changes its name to Midway Co-op Association.

1990

Early 1990s to 2007

Another 4 million bushels of storage facilities is added to the co-op’s storage, bringing its combined capacity to 7.5 million bushels.

1996

1996

The Burr Oak location is acquired from an independent operator.

1997

1997

The Bohm Grain Elevator facilities in Osborne and Corinth are acquired.

2002

2002

Grain facilities in Bellaire and Lebanon are purchased.

2008

2008 to present

: More than 6 million bushels of grain storage are added across the co-op, increasing the Midway’s present combined capacity to nearly 14 million bushels.

2017

Present part 1

Today, Midway Co-op is a full-service agricultural cooperative with 12 operating locations and three (Bloomington, Corinth and Waldo) seasonal locations. Midway’s total grain storage capacity exceeds 14 million bushels. In addition to the grain inventory, the elevators sell fertilizer, crop protection products, seed and feed. Custom application of fertilizers and crop protection products is also provided. Seed cleaning and treatment services are available at the Lebanon and Portis facilities.

2018

Present part 2

All elevators had railroad service approximately 15 years ago, but now only five elevators are served by rail. Midway also has service stations in Lebanon, Luray, Mankato and Osborne. These stations provide a full range of mechanic services along with farm tire repairs, refined fuel and propane deliveries. The Alton and Bellaire elevator locations also provide refined fuel sales.

2019

Present part 3

Midway Co-op is also a provider of Diversified Crop Insurance, which is located in the General Office. The Osborne Feed Mill manufactures its own feed label, Midway Golden Feeds. Its sales territory includes a large portion of north central and western Kansas.