Riva Sharples | Editor
In the wake of last year’s derecho, some changes are happening at Hudson’s Cooperative Farmers Elevator (CFE) location. Though livestock feed is no longer being produced at the location, the company is investing in new infrastructure at the location to keep other services going and growing.
Explains Rob Jacobs, CEO of CFE, about the changes: “The old feed mill, adjoining warehouses and two small grain bins are slated to be demolished very soon due to age, condition, and damages from last year’s derecho storm. On a brighter note, CFE’s board of directors has approved the construction of a new 750,000-bushel bin and conveyance that will be placed south of our current grain storage and dump pits. This will significantly improve our speed and ability to handle the increased grain receipts seen over the past several years at the facility.”
Some area residents have feared the closure of the Hudson location, but Jacobs said there is no reason to worry.
“Our commitment to the community and area producers is as solid as ever,” said Jacobs. “Since 2017, CFE has reinvested over $8 million at our Hudson facility to improve customer speed and service. The additional investment in 2026 will continue our goal in supporting the area farmer patrons of CFE.”
Replacement of damaged warehouses at Hudson’s CFE is under discussion.
“At this time, no decision has been made about those, but management and the board will continue to explore options,’ said Jacobs.
Though production of livestock feed has ceased in the Hudson location, there are many other services still offered at the facility.
“We offer grain, bagged and liquid feed sales and agronomy sales and services,” Jacobs said. “Bulk agronomy is currently serviced out of our Hawarden facility and bulk feed has transitioned to our Rock Valley, Iowa, mill.”
The Hudson CFE location employs seven full-time operations employees, two agronomy sales/support staff and one beef salesperson. Company-wide, CFE has over 4,000 farmer owners.
Hudson remains an important location for CFE.
“Hudson as a community and area to serve is extremely important to CFE,” said Jacobs. “The support we have seen of the cooperative has been very good and much appreciated. Although the landscape of the cooperative may change over time, our commitment to the area producers remains very strong with the Hudson location and community being a key partner in our success.”