About the Co-op

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors, are elected at the Annual Meeting held in March of every year, by it's members. There are 9 Directors who serve  three year terms. Each director needs to be a member and a farmer and are nominated by a Nominating Committee chosen by the current Board of Directors.  The Board appoints, among its members a President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.  They are entrusted with the management of the affairs of the cooperative. They are also responsible to hire managers to assist in running the day-to-day running of the Co-ops three locations. 

The Board meets monthly to discuss matters relating to the affairs and business of the Co-op which might include membership applications, repairs to operations, outstanding membership accounts and so on.

Any Co-op member has the right to be nominated to become a Board Member.  They are expected to support the Co-op and it's interest.  They are encouraged to participate in the running of the Co-op by contributing ideas and making decisions on the polices and future development of the Co-op.  If elected as a Board member, they are obligated to act in the best interest of the Co-op.

Current Board Members are as follows:

George Peters - President George Peters, President, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1967. He has held the President position for 15 years.  He represents Erie County and has been a member of the Co-op for 48 years.  Managing a  120 head dairy herd, with his brother, Gordon, for 48 years.  George and his wife Nancy enjoy their 2 grown sons and 3 grandchildren on there Mill Village farm. George has also held office in the following organizations:  Treasure of Mill Village Fire Company, District Director of Erie Co., Field Assistant for FSA.

Richard Byham - Vice President Richard has been a member of Erie-Crawford Co-op for 7 years.  He has operated a dairy farm of 70 cows on 350-acres for 7 years.  Richard is married to Sandra and they have 3 children.  He has held office in the following organizations: President of Crawford County Holstein Club, also Vice President and Treasurer.  Vice President of D.H.I.A. and also a Dairy 4-H Leader. Richard took over Richard Black's farm in 1998 after being in partnership together.

Ernest Buhl - Secretary/Treasurer Ernest Buhl, Secretary/Treasurer, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1996.  He has held the Secretary/Treasurer position for 4 years.  He represents Erie County and has been a member of the Co-op for 9 years. Ernest and his wife have four children. Ernest has operated his 196 acre, 55 cow farm for 15 years.

Dean Curtis Dean Curtis, was elected to the Board in 1999. Dean has been a member of the Co-op for 25 years, represents Erie County. Married to his wife Sue, they have one daughter and two grandchildren.  Dean has operated his farm of 375 acres and 135 head for 25 years. Dean has also held position on the ASCS Committeeman for 2 years.

Alan Rose - Director Alan Rose, Vice President, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1991, where he has held the Vice President position for 2 years. He represents Erie County and has been a member of the Co-op for 17 years.  Alan and his wife Sandy, have three teenage girls which all help running their 180 acres and 35 cows. Alan has also held positions in the following organizations: Amity Township Planning Commission

Dale Chapman Dale Chapman, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001 and has been a member of the Co-op for 26 years, representing Erie County.  Dale and his wife have three children .  Dale has operated his farm for 40 years and has 265 acres.  Dale has held offices in the Farm Credit, Erie County Extension, FSA and the Waterford Fair Board.