MANKATO, MINNESOTA, US — Mitch Altermatt has been named chief executive officer of Crystal Valley by the board of directors, which noted his deep agribusiness and cooperative leadership experience. Effective April 28, he will succeed CEO Roger Kienholz, who is retiring.
Altermatt most recently was CEO of United Farmers Coop, where he helped guide the organization through strategic growth, operational improvements and long-term planning efforts. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at CHS while building his agribusiness career in southern Minnesota.
“Crystal Valley has a strong reputation across the region, and I’m honored to join a team that’s clearly focused on delivering value to its members,” Altermatt said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the employees and patrons who make this cooperative what it is.”
Founded in 1927 and based in Mankato, Minnesota, Crystal Valley is a farm supply and grain marketing cooperative focused on crop farmers and livestock producers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The grain division operates seven elevator locations for corn and soybeans that feature Union Pacific shuttle loaders and a total storage capacity of 25 million bushels.
“Mitch is deeply committed to the cooperative model and the rural communities it supports,” said Gene Meyer, chairman of the Crystal Valley board of directors. “We’re confident his experience, steady leadership, and strong communication style will serve both our employees and patrons well.”
