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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (February 6, 2026) — ALCIVIA today announced the sale of its agronomy business unit, a strategic move that strengthens the cooperative’s financial position and enables increased investment and growth in its core businesses of animal nutrition/feed, energy, and grain.

“This decision underscores our commitment to long‑term strength and member value,” said Rodney Balvitsch, President and CEO of ALCIVIA. “By focusing our resources on animal nutrition, energy, and grain—where we consistently excel—we can accelerate investment, enhance service, and expand opportunities for our members and employees.”

As part of the transaction, Ag Partners has assumed ALCIVIA’s north region agronomy operations (Durand, New Richmond, Osseo) effective December 16, 2025, while United Cooperative will assume the south region agronomy operations (Evansville, Genoa City, Markesan, Union Grove) effective February 23, 2026.

Continuity for Members and Employees
ALCIVIA, Ag Partners, and United Cooperative have coordinated detailed transition plans to ensure no service gaps for agronomy patrons. Existing contracts and quotes will be honored, and prepaid agronomy dollars previously remitted to ALCIVIA have transitioned to the acquiring cooperatives. Members can continue working with their current sales agronomists, with account representation evolving as Ag Partners and United Cooperative optimize service coverage.

For the north region, all affected ALCIVIA agronomy employees received employment offers from Ag Partners or moved to other ALCIVIA roles, resulting in no layoffs associated with the transaction. In the south region, United Cooperative is engaging impacted employees, with a majority expected to receive offers.

ALCIVIA will continue to own and operate all grain and energy assets at the locations involved in the transactions—with the exception of Markesan grain, which transitions with the agronomy operation due to the facility’s integrated design. ALCIVIA’s animal nutrition, energy, and grain businesses remain unchanged and central to the cooperative’s growth strategy. 

Member Equity and Governance
Members’ existing ALCIVIA equity remains intact, and redemptions will continue in accordance with the cooperative’s bylaws.

About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by our passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, our engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of our customers as well as best-in-class products and services for the animal nutrition, energy, and grain needs of our customers.

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The ALCIVIA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodney Balvitsch as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective January 6, 2026.

Over the past four months, FCCS and the ALCIVIA Board of Directors conducted a rigorous and comprehensive CEO search, evaluating more than 30 highly qualified candidates through multiple assessment stages. His appointment is the outcome of his talent, leadership abilities, and strategic vision.

“On behalf of the ALCIVIA Board of Directors, we are thrilled to introduce Rodney as ALCIVIA’s next CEO and President,” said Jim Lange, Chairman of the ALCIVIA Board. “The search was anchored on the qualities ALCIVIA members expect: strong financial discipline, a member-first mindset, employee growth and retention, and the ability to forge partnerships that expand value opportunities for ALCIVIA’s members and the communities we serve. Rodney shares our vision for an innovative and profitable cooperative, and we are confident he will lead ALCIVIA with integrity, accountability, and a relentless focus on delivering value for our members.”

Rodney has extensive leadership and operational experience and more than 25 years in the cooperative system including positions with CFS, AgQuest, Cannon Valley Cooperative, and Farm Credit Services. Rodney joined ALCIVIA in 2020 as COO and has served as interim CEO since July 2025. With a proven track record of strategic leadership, team development, and a strong customer focus, he brings a servant approach to driving organizational excellence.

Rodney and Jo, his wife of 29 years, reside in Mondovi, Wisconsin, with their son Cole, a student at Mondovi High School. Their daughter Cassy and her husband Caleb live nearby with their daughter Marlena. When he’s not serving the cooperative, Rodney enjoys cheering on local high school sports, spending time outdoors with his family, and staying actively involved in the community.

“I am honored and excited to serve our members and employees,” said Rodney. “We will lead with a member-first philosophy, strengthen our financial foundation, and invest in the assets, products, services, and partnerships that matter most. Equally important, we will cultivate a strong internal culture—grounded in collaboration, accountability, and trust—that empowers our people to do their best work. Together with our board of directors, we will position ALCIVIA for long-term success and make a positive impact for our members and communities we serve.”

Rodney understands that agriculture is built on relationships and looks forward to earning the trust of our members and communities.

Headshot of Rodney Balvitch Chief Operations Officer for ALCIVIA Coop
Rodney Balvitsch, CEO and President
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The ALCIVIA Board of Directors has officially begun the search for the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer. This important step marks a new chapter, as ALCIVIA looks toward a future of growth and innovation while continuing to drive value for our members, customers, employees, and the communities we serve.   

The Board has retained FCCS, a nationally recognized executive recruiting and leadership development firm, to facilitate the selection process. ALCIVIA and FCCS are accepting applications for the CEO position through October 31, 2025.

“The ALCIVIA Board is seeking a visionary leader who will honor our cooperative values while driving growth and innovation for our members, employees, and communities,” said Jim Lange, Chairman of the ALCIVIA Board of Directors.

The CEO role at ALCIVIA represents a unique opportunity to lead a strong, member-owned cooperative that provides agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, grain, and input financing solutions to more than 22,000 customers and 3,000 voting members across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa.

As ALCIVIA continues to expand and strengthen its business, the board is committed to selecting a leader who will champion cooperative principles, build on our strong financial and operational foundation, and inspire confidence in the members and employees who make our success possible.

Interested candidates can view the full position description here and apply directly through FCCS by October 31, 2025.

We look forward to introducing the next CEO of ALCIVIA in the coming months, and thank our members, employees, and partners for their ongoing trust and support as we take this important step in shaping our future together.

CEO Job Posting
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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (August 1, 2025) – ALCIVIA’s Board of Directors has announced that Jim Dell has resigned from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer. Rodney Balvitsch, previously Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed interim CEO, effective immediately.

“We want to thank Jim for his leadership and many contributions to ALCIVIA over the past seven years,” said Jim Lange, Chairman of the Board. “Jim helped guide the organization through significant change and growth, and we are grateful for his service.”

Rodney brings extensive leadership and operational experience to the interim role, having served as COO since 2020, and more than 25 years in the cooperative system. Throughout his tenure, Rodney has played a critical role in executing ALCIVIA’s long-term strategy, leading operational improvements, and strengthening member and employee relationships.

“Rodney’s people-first leadership style, deep understanding of cooperative values, and passion for serving our members made him the natural choice to step in as interim CEO,” Lange added.

Most recently, ALCIVIA celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art rail terminal in Hager City, Wisconsin, an investment that positions the cooperative to better serve producers across west central Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota by opening new market access opportunities. As he steps into his role as interim CEO, Rodney will continue driving forward key initiatives like this.

“We pride ourselves on being nimble and responsive to the ever-changing demands of today’s marketplace,” said John Creaser, Vice Chairman of the Board. “Our confidence in Rodney’s ability to lead with that same agility and vision has never been stronger.”

Above all, the Board and leadership team are focused on ensuring ALCIVIA members continue to receive the trusted service, access, and support they depend on.

“Safety, accountability, passion, integrity, and financial responsibility are ALCIVIA’s core values—and they’re values I personally hold myself to,” said Balvitsch. “As interim CEO, those principles will continue to guide every decision I make as we remain focused on serving the farmer of today and tomorrow and growing the cooperative for the future. I am deeply committed to supporting our communities, empowering our employees, and delivering value to our customers.”

Rodney and his wife of 29 years, Jo, reside in Mondovi, Wisconsin, with their son Cole, a student at Mondovi High School. Their daughter, Cassy, and her husband, Caleb, live nearby with their daughter, Marlena. When he’s not serving the cooperative, Rodney enjoys cheering on local high school sports, spending time outdoors with his family, and staying actively involved in the cattle industry.

For any questions or concerns, we welcome you to contact us at askALCIVIA@ALCIVIA.com. Our team is here to support you.

About ALCIVIA

ALCIVIA is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to advancing our customers through innovative and responsible solutions. Learn more at www.ALCIVIA.com. 

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HAGER CITY, WI (June 4, 2025) – ALCIVIA is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Pierce County Economic Boost Award at the annual Pierce County Economic Development Awards Ceremony, held on May 15. This recognition celebrates ALCIVIA’s impactful expansion project in Hager City, Wisconsin, which has generated significant economic benefits for the region.

The Economic Boost Award is presented to a project, initiative, or collaboration that has driven significant economic advancement in Pierce County through job creation, investment, or business attraction. ALCIVIA earned this recognition for its state-of-the-art grain shuttle loading facility, a transformative development that is reshaping agricultural logistics and market access in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

The Hager City facility boasts 3.9 million bushels of storage and the ability to handle up to 60,000 bushels per hour, significantly improving transportation efficiency for area farmers. With access to major rail lines and river transport systems, the facility has opened new domestic and international market opportunities, enhancing profitability and flexibility for regional producers.

Nominations for the award were reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation, who selected winners based on direct and meaningful contributions to the county’s economic growth and vitality.

ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by our passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, our engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of our customers, including low-interest operating loans and input financing, as well as best-in-class products and services for the agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain needs of our customers.

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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (May 7, 2025) – ALCIVIA is proud to announce the 25 recipients of its annual scholarship program, each receiving a $1,000 award to support their continued education. This year’s recipients include high school seniors and current college students pursuing various post-secondary paths across Wisconsin.

The scholarships were awarded during an in-person and virtual scholarship reception, which brought students together statewide. The event provided recipients an opportunity to connect with ALCIVIA leadership and share their academic goals, career aspirations, and community involvement.

The ALCIVIA scholarship program encourages academic, professional, and leadership development. ALCIVIA is excited to announce the 2025-26 winners:

High School Recipients            
Chloe Auth – Durand Arkansaw High School, Viterbo University
Faith Hull – Central WI Christian School, UW-Platteville
Elsja Meijer – Glenwood City High School, UW-River Falls
Morgan Schoof – Waterford Union High School, Iowa State University
Morgan Hilger – McDonell Area Catholic School, UW-River Falls
Alison George – Mondovi High School, UW-River Falls
Shaelyn Brantner – Mondovi High School, UW-River Falls
Karisa Ridgman – High School of Health Sciences, UW-River Falls
Makayla Moelter – River Falls High School, UW-Eau Claire
Ashton Brusveen – Cambria-Friesland High School, UW-Platteville
Brinna Goplin – Whitehall High School, UW-River Falls
Grace Williamson – Amery High School, Winona State University
Hunter Carlson – Unity High School, Northwood Technical College
Charlie Baize – Independence High School, UW-Stout
Ella McConnell – Eleva-Strum High School, UW-Eau Claire
Micah Zwiefelhofer – Eau-Claire Memorial High School, UW-Platteville
Keagan Kuhl – Hudson High School, UW-Madison
Brooke Yecoshenko – Waunakee High School, UW-Platteville
Gracy Fox – East Troy High School, Gateway Technical College
Elise Weinzirl – Durand Arkansaw High School, Chippewa Valley Technical College

College Recipients
Cole Sarbacker – Augsburg University
Amy Luginbuhl – UW-Platteville
Nora Meyer – UW-Madison
Abe Clark – Blackhawk Technical College
Courtney Bauer – UW-River Falls    

Since the program began in 1989, ALCIVIA has awarded over 950 scholarships totaling more than $500,000 – part of its broader commitment to strengthening agriculture and the communities it serves through the Giving Back program.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the drive and passion of our scholarship recipients,” added Jim Lange, board chairman. “It’s rewarding to hear their stories and know we’re helping them build a bright future.”

Scholarships were awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, personal motivation, and clearly defined educational and career goals. Eligible applicants included high school seniors planning to attend post-secondary institutions, as well as students enrolled in four-year universities, two-year technical colleges, or short-course programs. Applicants must be members, employees, or children of members or employees of the cooperative.

ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by our passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, our engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of our customers, including low-interest operating loans and input financing, as well as best-in-class products and services for the agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain needs of our customers.

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HAGER CITY, WI (April 14, 2025) – ALCIVIA, a member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative, is excited to share it is accepting grain at its state-of-the-art rail loading grain terminal in Hager City, Wisconsin. This major milestone in ALCIVIA’s history marks the culmination of the cooperative’s investment in the region’s agricultural infrastructure, designed to offer farmers in west central Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota the speed, capacity, and market access they need to succeed.

The terminal has a shuttle loading facility on the BNSF railway which gives local farmers access to areas the Mississippi River does not, such as Texas, Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest. With this addition, ALCIVIA is now on three different Class 1 railways – BNSF, UP, and CPKC.

“ALCIVIA has provided a nice opportunity for us local farmers,” said Brent Wink who farms about one hour north of Hager City. “We can haul grain twelve months out of the year instead of 4-5 months.”

In the future, ALCIVIA envisions expanding services at Hager City to include a 24-hour unattended liquid fertilizer loading terminal and rail liquid propane unloading and storage. These additions will further streamline operations for farmers, saving time and improving productivity.

To sign up to be an ALCIVIA customer, visit www.ALCIVIA.com/HagerCity.

About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (March 26, 2025) -The Evansville Fire Department recently received critical new extrication equipment which could help firefighters save more lives, thanks in part to a $9,000 donation from ALCIVIA and partners, Land O’Lakes, and CHS. The extrication equipment is a significant upgrade to the fire department’s rescue tools, most of which are almost 25 years old.

The new extrication tools are battery-powered, which makes them portable, allowing firefighters to reach remote locations they couldn’t get to before such as fields, confined spaces, and buildings. The tools are also more powerful, helping first responders work faster and more effectively in critical rescue situations.
 

“These tools definitely improve our efficiencies when lives hang in the balance and seconds make a huge difference,” said Evansville Fire Chief Bob Fahey. “I can now assure citizens in and traveling through our coverage area the Evansville Fire District has the latest extrication tool technology. This makes our job easier knowing we have better tools to help save lives. We are incredibly thankful to ALCIVIA and their partners for making this possible,” said Chief Fahey.

About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

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COTTAGE GROVE, WI (January 23, 2025) – ALCIVIA, a member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative, is proud to announce the completion of several major construction milestones at its cutting-edge train shuttle loading facility in Hager City, Wisconsin. This advanced grain facility is poised to transform grain handling and logistics for farmers and the surrounding community. ALCIVIA will be accepting the first grain deliveries in spring of 2025.

“The investments we’re making today in our people, facilities, and services are all part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering growth and innovation for years to come,” said Jim Lange, Chairman, ALCIVIA’s Board of Directors.

The Hager City facility now boasts eight newly completed grain bins capable of storing a total of 3.9 million bushels of grain, alongside two 4,700-bushel-per-hour grain dryers and three 1,500-bushel-capacity dump pits. These features will enable a combined grain handling speed of 60,000 bushels per hour, significantly reducing long lines and wait times. Farmers will spend less time in the cab and thus have a better chance of getting home in time for dinner.

Bringing New Opportunities to Farmers
Located on 40 acres with Class I BNSF rail access, this facility can reach the markets within the BNSF network. In addition, ALCIVIA can load shuttles at other locations on the UP and CPKC railroads which provides significant advantages to both domestic and export markets. It also boasts access to the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, positioning ALCIVIA for optimal logistical and arbitrage opportunities. Farmers will have access to new markets previously out of reach. Farmers like Don Schroeder, who grows corn and soybeans just north of Hager City, anticipate significant benefits from the facility.

“We used to haul our grain as far as Claremont, Minnesota, which is an hour and a half one way,” said Schroeder. “Having this facility close by means less time on the road, lower fuel costs, and reduced wear and tear on our trucks. Plus, with access to year-round rail shipping, we’ll finally have the flexibility to sell and move grain during the winter months when other terminals are closed.”

A Comprehensive Agricultural Hub
In addition to grain handling, ALCIVIA envisions a 24-hour unattended two-bay loading terminal for liquid fertilizer and rail liquid propane unloading and storage in the future. These added services will streamline operations for farmers, saving time and improving overall productivity. By centralizing these resources, ALCIVIA is creating a hub designed to meet the diverse needs of modern agriculture.

Looking Ahead
Construction on the Hager City facility began in April 2024, just five months after ALCIVIA purchased the 40-acre site. The facility remains on track for its spring 2025 completion. Farmers and community members can sign up for updates on the construction at www.ALCIVIA.com/HagerCity.

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About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.

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Important Message Regarding Text Messages from ALCIVIA

UPDATE as of August 12, 2024:
The below issue has been FULLY resolved and ALCIVIA is now able to receive and send SMS text messages with our members, customers, and partners. We appreciate the patience as we worked to resolve the issue.

Posted May 31, 2024:
As of June 1, 2024, ALCIVIA will be temporarily disabled from sending text messages (SMS) through our communication platform. ALCIVIA will still have the ability to receive inbound SMS messages from our members, customers, and partners to ensure business continuity. In response, the ALCIVIA team will utilize email and phone calls for direct outbound communication with our members, customers, and partners until this issue is resolved. Please call 608.251.9010 with questions or concerns.

ALCIVIA is urgently working with our communication platform partner to regain the ability to send direct SMS messages and ensure continuity of business. In the meantime, members, customers, and partners may continue to send SMS messages to conduct business with ALCIVIA. However, the ALCIVIA team’s ability to respond via SMS may be impacted. If customers or partners send an SMS to ALCIVIA and do not receive an SMS response, they may expect a phone call or email in its place. This does not impact grain bid texts, Market Wire updates, and other mass SMS messages from ALCIVIA’s 67795 phone number.

ALCIVIA takes the privacy and security of our members and customers very seriously. Please be assured this is a legitimate communication regarding our SMS services. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to call us at 608.251.9010. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and we will continue to provide updates as they are available.

On the evening of May 30, 2024, ALCIVIA was informed of a “pending” status on a government regulation regarding the utilization of text message (SMS) communication through our communication platform. The government regulation requires businesses to have three separate agency approvals to continue utilizing outbound SMS services. As of June 1, 2024, any business with a “pending” status on these policies will lose the ability to send SMS messages. ALCIVIA’s status is “pending,” therefore this regulation will temporarily disable ALCIVIA from sending SMS messages through our communication platform.