CEO MESSAGE

 

THE CO-OP CONNECTION

 

CHAIRMAN MESSAGE

 

DIVISION UPDATES

 

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

 

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

 

Message From The CEO

The first 30 days of having the honor of leading such a talented workforce after Dave Holtom’s retirement have gone by in a flash.  Two weeks of January were focused on preparing for and presenting at the annual member meetings held in Boise, Fort Hall, Spokane, and Modesto.  It was time well spent as we were able to connect with members and tell the Valley Wide story which focused on the following:

  • reporting on a solid year of financial performance
  • recommitting to our focus of putting the customer first and putting the employees right behind the customer
  • continuing the tradition of operating with honesty and integrity and conducting business with aggressiveness and tenacity
  • reinvesting in the communities that we serve, and continuing to grow to increase relevance and competitive positions with suppliers which leads to more competitive pricing for customers
  • announcing over a $9 million payment of patronage and equity revolve that is expected to be paid out in March of 2026

I also enjoyed spending time with members and the local FFA groups.  Seeing the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers engaged in our cooperative meeting provided hope for the future.

As we completed these meetings and returned to focusing on running the day-to-day operations, there was not a lack of things to do and obstacles to overcome.  There is no doubt that 2026 represents one of the most challenging years in decades for agriculture.  As we have met these obstacles head on and worked to do everything we can to help members during these challenging times, the below scripture has been in the back of my mind, and I hope it provides comfort to those reading this letter.

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

I have reflected upon this scripture for the first 30 days after taking over as CEO and find a significant number of similarities between the time and challenges that the Israelites faced when this commandment was given to Joshua.  A long-term leader passed leadership to Joshua, and the Israelites would face armies, walls, and giants before they accomplished their goal.

Today, it seems that agriculture is facing some unprecedented challenges.  With challenging crop pricing and high input cost, we will only be successful by pulling together and focusing on the things that we can control.  The key message of this scripture applies to our lives today.  We must not operate from a spirit of fear.  We must move forward and continue to face these monumental challenges with faith in ourselves and those we care about while keeping a tenacious attitude that will not allow for failure.  The people who came before us faced dissimilar, but just as challenging times, and they prevailed.  We will prevail as well.

Across our geography, we have faced one of the warmest winters in the last 100 years, but our propane business has focused on customer satisfaction and new customer acquisition.  We have gained almost 1,400 new tank sets this year.  So, even with propane gallons down, our propane business is still expected to have a profitable year.

Our retail business continues to face a slowdown in demand due to economic challenges beyond their control, but the retail business is currently performing above financial plan.

The agronomy business and refined fuels business still has much of the season ahead of them and even though fall tons, crop protection applications, and gallons of diesel were less than planned, we are positioned well to be a reliable and competitive supplier across all products for this spring season.

In summary, Valley Wide Coop and Valley Agronomics will continue to be the aggressive, tenacious, and customer focused companies that operate with integrity, honesty, and a true commitment to adding value to the customer.  We will commit to hold onto these values that have driven our success and passion to serve the members and communities that we are so blessed to be partnered with.  Thank you for your continued support of the cooperative model that provides value back to the members and the communities that we serve.

Sincerely,

Message from the Chairman

As I sit down to write this winter newsletter, it hardly feels like winter outside. The season here in southeast Idaho has been unusually mild. Still, like most farmers, I remain an optimist and believe the moisture we need will come—and that we will have a strong year ahead.

Regardless of the weather, I continue to see Valley Wide trucks and equipment on the roads delivering propane, servicing our members, and watching Valley Ag prepare for the spring rush of crop nutrients. Valley Wide remains fully committed to providing value to our members, no matter what challenges the year may bring.

In January, I had the opportunity to travel across all our districts for the return of our annual district meetings. We held meetings in Boise and Fort Hall, Idaho; Spokane, Washington; and Modesto, California. This was the first time since 2020 that members, management, and directors gathered together in this format, and the board felt it was the right time to resume these meetings following the pause during COVID.

The purpose of these meetings was to celebrate our members and express our appreciation for your continued support. They also provided an opportunity for the board and management to share the cooperative’s financial performance over the past year. Just as importantly, they allowed us to visit with our members, hear your concerns, and gather input. I value the feedback we received, as it helps guide the direction of your cooperative.

Several key highlights were shared during the meetings. We announced that $9 million from last year’s profits has been allocated back to our members. We also approved the construction of a new retail store in Davenport, Washington, and a new fertilizer dry barn in Whiteson, Oregon. Additionally, our live and silent auctions raised $31,000 for the State FFA Associations. Finally, we were inspired by our keynote speaker, Jason Brown, who shared his powerful message focused on faith, family, and farming.

I am grateful for the support of everyone who attended. If you were unable to join us this year, please watch for upcoming dates as we work to continue making these meetings an annual event.

As we look forward to 2026, we recognize the uncertainty surrounding weather, water, and markets. However, what I appreciate most about the agricultural community is its tenacity and resilience. Valley Wide and Valley Ag remain committed to partnering with our members and supporting your success throughout the year ahead.

Wishing you all a safe and prosperous spring.

Sincerely,

Former NFL player Jason Brown shares his journey from the football field with the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams to founding First Fruits Farm. After walking away from a seven year NFL career, Jason followed a calling to agriculture and service, growing food, donating the first harvest to communities in need, and inspiring the next generation to see farming as a mission with lasting impact.
Former NFL player Jason Brown shares his journey from the football field with the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams to founding First Fruits Farm. After walking away from a seven year NFL career, Jason followed a calling to agriculture and service, growing food, donating the first harvest to communities in need, and inspiring the next generation to see farming as a mission with lasting impact.

JASON BROWN

First Fruits Farms
Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker

From the Football Field to the Farm Field

For seven seasons, Jason Brown battled in the trenches of the National Football League, protecting quarterbacks and anchoring offensive lines for the Baltimore Ravens and the St. Louis Rams. Today, his work looks very different, but the discipline, determination, and purpose remain unchanged.

Brown is now the founder of First Fruits Farm, a 1,000-acre diversified farm in North Carolina built around a simple mission: grow food, serve people, and strengthen community. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a nationally recognized example of how agriculture can nourish both land and lives.

“I moved from one field to another,” Brown says. “From the football field to the farm field. I’m still in the trenches, just in a different way.”

A Calling That Took Root

While Brown isn’t a generational farmer himself, agriculture was never far from his story. Both sides of his family had farming backgrounds, and even during his college football years, he hoped to pursue an agricultural degree. Football ultimately took him in another direction, but the idea of farming stayed with him throughout his professional career.
Toward the end of his time in the NFL, Brown felt called to step away from football entirely and dedicate his life to service. In 2013, that calling led him to purchase land and begin what would become First Fruits Farm.
“I didn’t know exactly how it would work,” he explains. “I just knew I was being called to feed people in a real, practical way.”

A Calling That Took Root

While Brown isn’t a generational farmer himself, agriculture was never far from his story. Both sides of his family had farming backgrounds, and even during his college football years, he hoped to pursue an agricultural degree. Football ultimately took him in another direction, but the idea of farming stayed with him throughout his professional career.
Toward the end of his time in the NFL, Brown felt called to step away from football entirely and dedicate his life to service. In 2013, that calling led him to purchase land and begin what would become First Fruits Farm.
“I didn’t know exactly how it would work,” he explains. “I just knew I was being called to feed people in a real, practical way.”

Farming with Purpose and Community at the Center

Today, First Fruits Farm spans roughly 1,000 acres and includes cropland, forested areas, ponds, greenhouses, livestock, and market gardens. While the operation touches many areas of agriculture, one crop stands out.

“Our main crop is sweet potatoes,” Brown says. “North Carolina is the sweet potato capital of the world, and they grow really well in our sandy soils.”

Sweet potatoes also align perfectly with the farm’s mission. They’re nutritious, resilient, and well suited for large volunteer harvests, an essential part of how the farm operates. Each year, hundreds of volunteers help bring in the crop, ensuring the first fruits of the farm are donated directly to families and food programs in need.

Like many first-time farmers, Brown faced a steep learning curve. Without formal agricultural training, he relied on research, hands-on experience, and the willingness of local farmers to share their knowledge.

“If it wasn’t for local farmers willing to help me, there wouldn’t be a First Fruits Farm,” Brown says. “You can’t do this alone.”

That cooperative mindset continues through partnerships with organizations like the Society of St. Andrew, helping ensure food grown on the farm reaches people who need it most.

Growing More Than Crops

First Fruits Farm is very much a family and community effort. Brown’s children help with daily chores, feeding animals, collecting eggs, working in the greenhouse, and lending a hand in the fields after school.

“Farming can feel lonely at times,” Brown says. “But when my kids come out to help, it brings a lot of joy.”

Brown also encourages his children to develop small farm-based businesses of their own, teaching responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the value of producing food. After years in professional sports, his definition of success has changed.

“A successful harvest isn’t always about the numbers,” he explains. “Some years are great. Some years are tough. But the real fruit is the relationships and the community you build.”

From cultivating sweet potatoes to cultivating relationships, Jason Brown’s work at First Fruits Farm reflects the power of agriculture to bring people together. Whether on the football field or the farm field, his mission remains the same: work hard, serve faithfully, and leave the land and the community better than he found it.

Growing More Than Crops

First Fruits Farm is very much a family and community effort. Brown’s children help with daily chores, feeding animals, collecting eggs, working in the greenhouse, and lending a hand in the fields after school.

“Farming can feel lonely at times,” Brown says. “But when my kids come out to help, it brings a lot of joy.”

Brown also encourages his children to develop small farm-based businesses of their own, teaching responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the value of producing food. After years in professional sports, his definition of success has changed.

“A successful harvest isn’t always about the numbers,” he explains. “Some years are great. Some years are tough. But the real fruit is the relationships and the community you build.”

From cultivating sweet potatoes to cultivating relationships, Jason Brown’s work at First Fruits Farm reflects the power of agriculture to bring people together. Whether on the football field or the farm field, his mission remains the same: work hard, serve faithfully, and leave the land and the community better than he found it.

Bringing the Message Local

In January, Jason Brown brought his story and perspective to the stage as the keynote speaker for Valley Wide Cooperative’s Annual Meetings. While Jason isn’t local to our service areas, his message resonated deeply with farmers across rural America.

Brown spoke candidly about service, sacrifice, and the moment he realized success meant more than fame or financial gain. He shared how the loss of his brother, who was killed while serving overseas, reshaped his understanding of purpose and ultimately led him from the NFL to agriculture. What began as a personal calling became a mission rooted in feeding people, supporting communities, and honoring the hard work of farmers.

Throughout his remarks, Brown emphasized the growing disconnect between consumers and agriculture, the pressures facing family farms, and the importance of passing farming knowledge and values to the next generation. He highlighted the need for stronger support systems for farmers, greater appreciation for the true cost of food production, and the role cooperatives play in standing up for local agriculture.

At its core, Brown’s message aligned closely with the values shared by members: work with integrity, take care of one another, and grow with purpose. Whether speaking about raising food, raising families, or raising up the next generation of farmers, his message was clear—agriculture is not just a profession, but a calling that strengthens communities from the ground up.

At our Cascade, Idaho location, major infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion with the installation of three new 25,000-gallon tanks. The remaining work includes finishing the piping, pumps, controls, and loadout pad, bringing the project into its final phase and positioning the site to support increased capacity and operational efficiency.

At our Cascade, Idaho location, major infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion with the installation of three new 25,000-gallon tanks. The remaining work includes finishing the piping, pumps, controls, and loadout pad, bringing the project into its final phase and positioning the site to support increased capacity and operational efficiency.

 
At our Royal City location, the project has reached an important milestone with the receipt of occupancy approval. Final low-voltage data cabling is being installed, allowing staff to begin moving into and utilizing the new office space. This marks the completion of nearly two years of planning and progress, bringing the project to a close and opening the door for the team to fully operate from the new facility.

 
At our Royal City location, the project has reached an important milestone with the receipt of occupancy approval. Final low-voltage data cabling is being installed, allowing staff to begin moving into and utilizing the new office space. This marks the completion of nearly two years of planning and progress, bringing the project to a close and opening the door for the team to fully operate from the new facility.

At our Yerington location, early improvements are underway as the store takes shape. Updates include new doors, fresh paint, improved lighting, upgraded security, renovated restrooms, new fixturing, assortment merchandising, and a new point-of-sale system. Work is also underway to insulate and heat the warehouse, creating a more comfortable and efficient space. Our product offerings will include irrigation parts, crop protection products, and a robust farm and ranch assortment, with a soft launch scheduled for late March.

At our Yerington location, early improvements are underway as the store takes shape. Updates include new doors, fresh paint, improved lighting, upgraded security, renovated restrooms, new fixturing, assortment merchandising, and a new point-of-sale system. Work is also underway to insulate and heat the warehouse, creating a more comfortable and efficient space. Our product offerings will include irrigation parts, crop protection products, and a robust farm and ranch assortment, with a soft launch scheduled for late March.

A SEASON OF GIVING

This winter, Valley Wide Cooperative continued giving back by sponsoring and participating in local holiday parades throughout the Treasure Valley, supporting community winter events and locations with propane service, and contributing $10,000 to the Boise Rescue Mission. We also supported 7Cares and ran Round-Up fundraising campaigns in our retail stores benefiting the Knight Hope Foundation and 4-H. Together, these efforts reflect our deep appreciation for the communities we serve and our commitment to being there when it matters most.

A SEASON OF GIVING

This winter, Valley Wide Cooperative continued giving back by sponsoring and participating in local holiday parades throughout the Treasure Valley, supporting community winter events and locations with propane service, and contributing $10,000 to the Boise Rescue Mission. We also supported 7Cares and ran Round-Up fundraising campaigns in our retail stores benefiting the Knight Hope Foundation and 4-H. Together, these efforts reflect our deep appreciation for the communities we serve and our commitment to being there when it matters most.

2025 Annual Member Meeting: A Welcome Return to In-Person Connections

For the first time in five years, Valley Wide Cooperative was proud to return to in‑person Annual Member Meetings—and if you joined us, you know just how special it was to be back together.

From meaningful conversations to shared meals and laughter, the energy in the room reminded us why these meetings matter so much. If you weren’t able to attend this year, we encourage you to watch the meeting video and make plans to join us next year. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on your mailbox and email for details on 2026 dates and locations.

As one cooperative spanning nine states and serving more than 6,800 members, our continued commitment is to put growers first. And the annual meetings reflect that commitment.

Watch the Annual Meeting recap video below!

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the members who attended one of our four meetings in Boise, Fort Hall, Spokane, and Modesto. Your participation, questions, and feedback are what guide our cooperative forward and strengthen our collective voice.

This year’s meetings also featured an impactful FFA fundraiser, raising more than $31,000 in support of local youth and agricultural education programs. The generosity shown by our members reinforces our commitment to the future of agriculture and the next generation of growers and leaders.

We were also honored to welcome keynote speaker Jason Brown, a former NFL player who traded the gridiron for the farm. Jason’s story of faith, hard work, and dedication to agriculture resonated deeply, offering a powerful reminder of the values we share as a cooperative.

Of course, no annual meeting would be complete without a little fun. Each meeting included exciting prize drawings, including a $500 gift card and a $2,000 trip giveaway, with the grand prize being a Polaris Ranger 1000. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to our generous partners who helped make these giveaways possible.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the 2025 Annual Member Meetings such a success. We look forward to building on this momentum and hope to see even more of you in person next year.

We are excited to officially announce the grand prize winner from our recent annual meeting series. A huge congratulations to The Young Family from Shelley, ID, who is taking home a brand-new Polaris Ranger 1000!

The Young Family – Shelley, ID

2025 Annual Member Meeting: A Welcome Return to In-Person Connections

For the first time in five years, Valley Wide Cooperative was proud to return to in‑person Annual Member Meetings—and if you joined us, you know just how special it was to be back together.

From meaningful conversations to shared meals and laughter, the energy in the room reminded us why these meetings matter so much. If you weren’t able to attend this year, we encourage you to watch the meeting video and make plans to join us next year. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on your mailbox and email for details on 2026 dates and locations.

As one cooperative spanning nine states and serving more than 6,800 members, our continued commitment is to put growers first. And the annual meetings reflect that commitment.

Watch the Annual Meeting recap video below!

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the members who attended one of our four meetings in Boise, Fort Hall, Spokane, and Modesto. Your participation, questions, and feedback are what guide our cooperative forward and strengthen our collective voice.

This year’s meetings also featured an impactful FFA fundraiser, raising more than $31,000 in support of local youth and agricultural education programs. The generosity shown by our members reinforces our commitment to the future of agriculture and the next generation of growers and leaders.

We were also honored to welcome keynote speaker Jason Brown, a former NFL player who traded the gridiron for the farm. Jason’s story of faith, hard work, and dedication to agriculture resonated deeply, offering a powerful reminder of the values we share as a cooperative.

The Young Family – Shelley, ID

Of course, no annual meeting would be complete without a little fun. Each meeting included exciting prize drawings, including a $500 gift card and a $2,000 trip giveaway, with the grand prize being a Polaris Ranger 1000. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to our generous partners who helped make these giveaways possible.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the 2025 Annual Member Meetings such a success. We look forward to building on this momentum and hope to see even more of you in person next year.

We are excited to officially announce the grand prize winner from our recent annual meeting series. A huge congratulations to The Young Family from Shelley, ID, who is taking home a brand-new Polaris Ranger 1000!

One Call Does It All: Inside Valley Wide Energy

Jake Astorquia, VP of Energy

Valley Wide Energy brings together a wide range of products and services designed to meet the needs of customers across agriculture, residential, and commercial operations. From propane and refined fuels to lubricants and HVAC services, the goal is simple: provide reliable energy solutions with one trusted partner.

“Valley Wide Energy is made up of several different product categories,” says Jake Astorquia, Vice President of Energy. “Propane, refined fuels like gasoline and diesel, lubricants, and our HVAC operation all work together to support our customers.”

A key part of that support is Valley Wide’s full-service propane offering. Beyond fuel delivery, certified HVAC technicians are able to service, repair, and install equipment ranging from furnaces and water heaters to cooking appliances, fireplaces, and large-scale commercial systems. “For us, it’s important to support the customer from the tank all the way to the end appliance,” Astorquia explains.

That same approach extends to refined fuels and lubricants. Valley Wide Energy serves customers of every size—from hobby farms and small operations to large dairies, feedlots, and construction projects. On-site fuel tanks, mobile fuel cubes, lubricant storage systems, and diesel exhaust fluid solutions allow customers to keep equipment running efficiently, even on demanding job sites.

Technology also plays a key role. Through satellite tank monitoring, Valley Wide tracks fuel and propane levels in real time and schedules deliveries before customers run low. “We learn a customer’s usage patterns and make sure they have fuel when they need it,” says Astorquia. “It helps eliminate downtime and surprises.”

Additional services such as propane cylinder exchange and forklift cylinder programs further reduce operational headaches for businesses. “There’s nothing more frustrating than being told to call someone else,” Astorquia adds. “That’s why we say one call does it all. We want to provide all the service and support our customers need through a single point of contact.”

With a focus on reliability, flexibility, and long-term relationships, Valley Wide Energy continues to support the day-to-day operations that keep homes warm, equipment running, and businesses moving forward.

One Call Does It All: Inside Valley Wide Energy

Jake Astorquia, VP of Energy

Valley Wide Energy brings together a wide range of products and services designed to meet the needs of customers across agriculture, residential, and commercial operations. From propane and refined fuels to lubricants and HVAC services, the goal is simple: provide reliable energy solutions with one trusted partner.

“Valley Wide Energy is made up of several different product categories,” says Jake Astorquia, Vice President of Energy. “Propane, refined fuels like gasoline and diesel, lubricants, and our HVAC operation all work together to support our customers.”

A key part of that support is Valley Wide’s full-service propane offering. Beyond fuel delivery, certified HVAC technicians are able to service, repair, and install equipment ranging from furnaces and water heaters to cooking appliances, fireplaces, and large-scale commercial systems. “For us, it’s important to support the customer from the tank all the way to the end appliance,” Astorquia explains.

That same approach extends to refined fuels and lubricants. Valley Wide Energy serves customers of every size—from hobby farms and small operations to large dairies, feedlots, and construction projects. On-site fuel tanks, mobile fuel cubes, lubricant storage systems, and diesel exhaust fluid solutions allow customers to keep equipment running efficiently, even on demanding job sites.

Technology also plays a key role. Through satellite tank monitoring, Valley Wide tracks fuel and propane levels in real time and schedules deliveries before customers run low. “We learn a customer’s usage patterns and make sure they have fuel when they need it,” says Astorquia. “It helps eliminate downtime and surprises.”

Additional services such as propane cylinder exchange and forklift cylinder programs further reduce operational headaches for businesses. “There’s nothing more frustrating than being told to call someone else,” Astorquia adds. “That’s why we say one call does it all. We want to provide all the service and support our customers need through a single point of contact.”

With a focus on reliability, flexibility, and long-term relationships, Valley Wide Energy continues to support the day-to-day operations that keep homes warm, equipment running, and businesses moving forward.

Valley Wide & Valley Ag Challenge Coins

In honor of recently retired CEO Dave Holtom and his lasting impact on Valley Wide Co-Op and Valley Ag, we have renamed the Challenge Coin to Holtom Challenge Coin. The challenge coin tradition is rooted in military history and represents dedication, service, and commitment, values that Dave consistently championed throughout his leadership. Under his tenure, the Challenge Coin program became a meaningful way to recognize employees who demonstrate hard work, reliability, and a strong commitment to serving the cooperative and its members. Renaming the coins serves as a lasting tribute to Dave’s leadership, values, and the people who make Valley Wide strong.

 

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Connor Kent - Location Manager (Delta, UT)

Connor showed leadership and teamwork by creating a local grain receiving option at Delta, giving growers more flexibility, competition, and eliminating long hauls. By expanding hours and removing the long drive, he and his team helped growers harvest sooner and showed what a Co-Op mindset can accomplish.

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Rich Bakke - Ag Regional Manager (Southwest)

Rich assumed leadership for our Southwest Region (California and Southern Nevada) a little over a year ago.  He has been a consistent influence for improvement and sets a high standard for delivering value to our members.  He is a leader who is committed to stewarding the cooperative’s assets with fidelity and integrity.

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John Gomes - Crop Advisor (Modesto, CA)

John consistently goes above and beyond in supporting Crop Advisors, Ops Staff, and growers, offering guidance on technology, product performance, and operations. His exemplary time management and willingness to take on extra responsibilities set a standard we all admire and respect.

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Clinton Hedges - Crop Advisor (Greenleaf, ID)

Clinton earned the Challenge Coin for his teamwork and leadership, the respect he’s built with growers and coworkers, and his ability to consistently find value for both his growers and Valley Ag. He’s also a trusted mentor to less experienced crop advisors and widely known as Valley Ag’s “onion guru.”