- -   AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM   - -

(CLF1000)  Advanced Core Cluster:  AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

    (CLF1500)  Unit Title:  COOPERATIVES

______________________________________________________________________________
    (CLF1508)  Topic:  AGENCIES THAT SERVE                 Time        Year(s)
                       AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES         1 Hour          3 / 4
______________________________________________________________________________

           Topic Objectives:  Upon completion of this lesson the student
                              will be able to:

           Learning Outcome #:

                (M-2) - Describe how cooperatives have acted as pacesetters 
                        and power balancers in agribusiness.

                (M-3) - Explain how local and regional cooperatives are 
                        organized to serve members.

           Special Materials and Equipment:

           References:  Agricultural Council of California.  EXPLORING 
                          FARMER COOPERATIVES (Chapters 11 and 12).

           Evaluation:  Unit Exam

TOPIC PRESENTATION:  AGENCIES THAT SERVE AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES

A.  Private Organizations

    1.  Agricultural Council of California (formed in 1919)

        a.  Represents California-based cooperatives in the areas of 
            legislation, education, public and member relations

        b.  Represents approximately 40,000 California farmers

    2.  National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (formed in 1929)

        a.  Headquartered in Washington D.C.

        b.  Major function is to keep members informed of current national 
            and international developments.

        c.  Represents some 5,300 farmer cooperatives and 2,000,000 farmers.

        d.  The former American Institute of Cooperation is now an element of 
            NCFC.

            1)  Organized in 1925, it conducts educational workshops 
                throughout the United States.

    3.  The Farm Credit Council (FCC)

        a.  This is a trade association which promotes the interests of 
            cooperative lending institutions.

    4.  The Farm Credit System


        a.  Farm Credit Banks and Associations

            1)  This is the nation's largest agricultural lender.

            2)  There are 12 Farm Credit Districts in the U.S.

            3)  In each district there is a Farm Credit Bank which services 
                local Production Credit and Federal Land Banks.

            4)  Farm Credit Banks provide long-term loans to farmers for land 
                purchases and short-term loans for operating capital.

        b.  National Banks for Cooperatives (Co Bank)

            1)  They provide short- and long-term financing for agricultural 
                cooperatives.

            2)  Their policies are set by shareholder-elected boards of 
                directors.

        c.  Farm Credit Administration

            1)  This is an independent agency of the federal government.

            2)  It regulates and supervises Farm Credit System banks and 
                associations.

B.  Government Agencies

    1.  Agricultural Cooperative Service

        a.  It is a part of the USDA.

        b.  It assists cooperatives with problems of organization, member 
            relations, and general operations.

    2.  Cooperative Extension Service

        a.  This is the educational outreach arm of the state land grant 
            universities and the USDA. 

        b.  Cooperative Extension Service provides education for cooperative 
            directors, members, and management.


        ____________________________________________________________________
        ACTIVITY:

        1.  Invite a representative of the local Production Credit Association 
            to speak to the class on the different types of loans and how to 
            apply for a loan.
        ____________________________________________________________________




11/7/91 CM/ch
#%&C