HR in the Field Blog

From City Streets to Rural Roots: Why I Love Working at Co-ops


Written by Amy Ryan

As someone who grew up in the city, working with agricultural cooperatives was never part of my career plan. Honestly, I didn’t even know what a co-op was or the role it played in supporting communities and the economy. But life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths.

 

Co-op-Month-2024-logoFast forward to today, and I’ve spent most of my career working with and for cooperatives. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The cooperative culture is like nothing else I’ve experienced, and that’s why I’m still deeply rooted in the co-op world. In the spirit of cooperation, let me share a few reasons why I love working at co-ops.

 

My Top 5 Reasons to Work at a Co-op

 

Reason #1: More than Just Farming

It’s easy to assume co-ops are solely focused on agriculture, but they’re so much more. You’ll find opportunities in finance, marketing, logistics, tech, and other fields—especially as co-ops modernize and diversify their operations.

 

Reason #2: Focus on Sustainability

Co-ops are often driven by sustainability, prioritizing long-term environmental and economic health. It adds a rewarding ethical dimension to the work, knowing that you're contributing to something that benefits future generations.

 

Reason #3: Close-Knit Community

One of the best parts of working at a co-op is the tight-knit community. There’s a strong sense of belonging. Employees work together to bring value to co-op members and support each other, creating an uplifting work environment.


Reason #4: Direct Impact

What you do matters. Working in a co-op means seeing the real-world effects of your efforts—on local economies, farmers, families, and the environment. That direct connection makes the job incredibly fulfilling.

 

Reason #5: Diverse Skill-Building

Working in rural co-ops, in particular, gives you the chance to wear multiple hats. Whether you’re managing operations, handling logistics, or diving into marketing, the experience you gain is diverse and hands-on, preparing you for whatever comes next.

 

Working in a cooperative environment offers a unique blend of purpose, community, and opportunity. Whether it’s through roles that go beyond agriculture or the emphasis on sustainability and direct impact, co-ops provide a workplace culture like no other. Take it from me, the city girl who can now add ‘milked a cow’ to her list of accomplishments.

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