CHS Elburn started in 1921 when local farmers pooled their resources to improve their ability to acquire necessary products and expand markets. The original grain facility was constructed in Elburn, Illinois, where it served members’ needs until the 1970s. Changes in agriculture meant bigger yields and increased storage requirements, and the modern Meredith Road grain complex was completed in 1978.

As we near our 100th anniversary, we are determined to retain our independence while continuing to grow in size and capabilities. We believe innovation and integrity are essential as we develop new ways to serve our customers and our community.

Key moments in our history:

1978 — Purchased Meredith Road grain complex
1990 — Purchase the Sycamore agronomy facility
2002 — Expanded with the purchase of the Newark agronomy location and the acquisition of Steward grain
2004 — Created Blackberry Station, a modern retail location selling feed, animal health, and lawn care products at the former main office.
2006 — Expanded its presence in the grain business by acquiring a river terminal in Morris
2007 — Added another grain elevator, retail store and fuels with the purchase of Newark Grain, and opened our new headquarters on Main Street in Sycamore, IL
2008 — Added another Pioneer Seed agency by partnering with Steve Scalf in Newark
2009 — Acquired the lease of the grain-loading portion of the ADM Material Services terminal in Ottawa from CHS
2011 — Added more than a dozen semi-trailer trucks and operators to the cooperative with the acquisition of Stover Brothers Trucking company; and increased capacity by 750,000 at our Newark facility, and moved our agronomy team to the remodeled Elburn, IL, location
2012 — Began a complete site upgrade of our Newark agronomy location including liquid fertilizer storage and a new dry fertilizer plant
2013 June — Partnered with CHS to jointly offer agronomy retail products and services from Crescent City, IL
2013 July — Acquired Wisconsin-based Badger Grain Co. in Darien, WI
2016 — Crescent City location, Northern Illinois Alliance, becomes part of United Prairie
2016 — Elburn Cooperative merges with CHS Inc, the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, and becomes CHS Elburn