Livestock, Wool, Poultry, and Meat Cooperatives: Function, Marketing, and Services

This report provides a review of current functions and marketing methods used by cooperatives handling livestock, wool, poultry, and meats. Data from 201 cooperatives were analyzed by commodity group and divisions within commodity group. Livestock and wool cooperatives were analyzed by sales volume interval divisions. Poultry cooperatives were analyzed according to primary production: turkeys, eggs, and other processed poultry. The meat cooperatives were analyzed for two divisions: locker and nonlocker cooperatives. Functions, services offered by, and marketing techniques used by these cooperatives are outlined in this report. Differences within and among commodity groups are also discussed. Both established and potential cooperatives may use this report for performance evaluation or planning