Students attend cooperative conference

Megan McKee and Acer Rodgers, both students studying agriculture and business management, were selected to represent Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College at a national conference on cooperatives.

McKee and Rodgers were among six students from Colorado attending the three-day College Conference on Cooperatives in Minneapolis.

Sponsored by the National Farmers Union, the conference offered students from 10 states an opportunity to learn more about cooperatives, their economic effects and applications in the business environment. Students also explored internship and career opportunities with cooperatives.

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union provided funding to cover travel and conference expenses for McKee and Rodgers.

“It is a great honor to be representing Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College,” McKee said. “The skills that I will gain from this experience will help me become a successful business woman within the agricultural industry.”

Rodgers agreed, and said he’s interesting in the potential for the cooperative model to solve food shortage issues. “I also hope to network with larger organizations and learn about new career opportunities,” he added.