EMMONS — While area farmers have had to continue to deal with a downward trend in the market, Northern Country Co-op in Emmons has been able to expand, thanks in part to the loyalty of its customers.

According to location manager Dave Morales, who started his career at the Alden location, the Emmons site has grown since he started his duties there. Prior to 2012, the facility stored less than 500,000 bushels of corn and soybeans. In 2012, 2014 and 2016 additional bins added at the facility increased its capacity to over 1 million bushels. New equipment has also been installed, which has almost doubled the efficiency of how quickly semis can be unloaded at the site. Morales said the unloading rate has gone from 8,000 bushels per hour to 15,000 bushels per hour.

Customers decide from there if they want the co-op to store their product or if they’d like to sell it. While most of the soybeans sold at the plant find their way to Mason City or Fairmont, ethanol plants are the main end user of the corn sold to the company, which services about 100 different grain customers.

Morales said more additions are planned for the future, as well. Along with adding more bins, the facility plans to install a new dryer.

In the meantime, Morales is trying to keep busy while enjoying coffee with the regulars who stop by, knowing there will be a pot on. He enjoys the company but is looking forward to next harvest season.

“Personally, I like the harvest season rush,” he said. “We have a constant line so I get to see everyone.”

Northern Country Co-op has 13 different locations in the area. The Emmons location is at 248 State St. E and can be reached at 507-297-5412.