ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — CHS Inc. announced on Dec. 14 that Ed Malesich, of Dillon, Montana, U.S., and Jon Erickson, of Minot, North Dakota, U.S., were elected to three-year terms on its board of directors.

Malesich will represent farmers, ranchers and member cooperatives in Montana and Wyoming.

"I've long believed in being involved in cooperatives," Malesich said. "Ownership and the ability to count on our cooperatives as a source of products and services that help us succeed."

He currently is vice-chairman of Rocky Mountain Supply, Inc., Belgrade, Montana, U.S., having served a dozen years on that board and 18 on that of one of its predecessor cooperatives. In addition, he has served the past 13 years on the board of Northwest Farm Credit Services, Spokane, Washington, U.S., an $8 billion association serving four states. During his tenure with that organization, Malesich served two years as board chairman, as well as terms on its audit, governance, compensation and risk committees. He also served 16 years as a director for the East Bench Irrigation District. He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association and Farm Bureau.

Malesich is president of Malesich Ranch Co., a diversified operation raising 1,300 head of commercial Angus cattle on 14,000 acres. It also utilizes federal, state and private land leases. Malesich Ranch also raises wheat, malt barley and hay on 2,000 irrigated acres, and operates a custom haying business.

Malesich has a bachelor's degree in agricultural production from Montana State University and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Erickson will represent North Dakota farmers, ranchers and cooperatives. He succeeds Bruce Anderson of Glenburn, North Dakota, U.S., who retired after 16 years on the CHS board. He is the third generation of his family to serve in cooperative leadership roles. His grandfather, Lawrence Erickson, served on the board of Farmers Union Central Exchange, a predecessor company to CHS, from 1951-1969, and his father, Larry, also served on area cooperative boards.

"I'm committed to strengthening the cooperative system for producers in North Dakota and throughout the CHS system," Erickson said. "I want to ensure that this business will be here for future generations."

Erickson previously served as director and chairman for Enerbase of Minot, an energy and agricultural supply cooperative, and on the CHS Resolutions Committee. Erickson has also served on the National Cattleman Beef Promotion and Research Board, South Prairie School Board, Ward County School Reorganization Board, Freedom Township Board, North Dakota Farmers Union Board and North Dakota Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Board. He is a member of North Dakota Farmers Union and the North Dakota Stockman's Association.

He operates the third-generation Diamond T Ranch southwest of Minot where his family raises small grains and oil seeds and has a commercial Hereford/Angus cow calf operation.

Erickson has a bachelor's degree in agriculture economics from North Dakota State University.