Founded by Farmers for Farmers

Through hard work, we proudly provide valued products and services to benefit our employees, partners, and to preserve the family farm.

Our History

Working Together to Make Things Better

Back in 1915, livestock producers were struggling. Facing volatile markets, they needed economic security, so they banded together. Rather than competing with each other, they created a system of marketing their products collaboratively.

This was the beginning of Farmers Union Industries. Growing from this common ground in 1929, FUI did more than outlast the Great Depression. It thrived in both scope and scale, adding more and more like-minded partners along the way.

Today, FUI and its six divisions continue to work together to represent the best of farm life in the upper midwest. We believe there is no nobler pursuit.

Scholarships

Scholarships help us all reach higher

Farmers Union Industries is pleased to present these scholarships and is now accepting applications.

Stanley Moore Scholarship
Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024. Please check back in early 2025 for details regarding the 2025 application.

Who may apply: Farmers Union members and their children who are high school seniors, college students, or non-traditional students seeking funding to attend a two-or four-year accredited college or university for any area of study.

Dave Morman Scholarship
Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024. Please check back in early 2025 for details regarding the 2025 application.

Who may apply: Children of hourly, full-time employees who have worked at least one full year for Farmers Union Industries. Any high school senior or college student seeking funding to attend a two or four-year accredited college, university, or technical school in any area of study.

Farmers Union Industries
Board of Governors

The Board of Governors represent the states of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Our growth and passion for agriculture not only runs deep in our business but also with our Board of Governors.

Farmers Union Industries’ board of 13 members establishes policy and elects principal board officers and the President/CEO of the company.

Back Row: Rollie Schlepp (MT), Aaron Chervestad (MN), Dave Velde – Legal Counsel, Larry Birgen – Vice-Chairperson (SD), Bob Kuylen – Chairperson (ND), Josh VanDerPol (MN), David Rosen (WI), Kirk Schaunaman (SD).

Front Row: Wes Niederman (ND), Patty Edleburg (WI), Anne Schwagerl (MN), Wayne Soren (SD), Josh Heinrich (ND), Steve Anderson – Secretary (MN).

Farmers Union Marketing & Processing Association (FUMPA) consists of cooperative ownership members.

Farmers Union Industries (FUE) is organized as a corporation and equally owned by the Farmers Union of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Farmers Union Industries is a partnership-focused, quality-driven family of businesses that builds on a 90+ year history. Inspired by our roots in agriculture and driven by our purpose to preserve the family farm, being farmer owned provides us with a great opportunity to lead in the industries in which we operate. We continuously look for ways to improve our company and create greater connections with our customers and suppliers throughout every division.

Farmers Union Industries Presidents of the Past

Leadership

Meet the Team

Dale Bednarek Chief Executive Officer / President

Dale Bednarek is the CEO of Farmers Union Industries, LLC, which is comprised of six operating divisions and close to 500 employees.   Prior to becoming the CEO, he served as the company’s CFO and COO.

He is responsible for overseeing all facets of the organization. Committed to the value of integrity, his focus is to ensure the company’s operations are successful and aligned with the company’s strategic goals and objectives.

Prior to joining Farmers Union Industries, Dale worked as a partner at Carlson Highland & Co. in New Ulm, MN. With over 19 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, Dale worked with small and large businesses in the cooperative and agricultural sector assisting them with their financial, accounting and tax needs. He served on the firm’s audit committee and served as the engagement partner on the auditing team that conducted the annual audit of Farmers Union Industries.

Dale currently sits on the board of directors at MinnWest Bank. He currently is a member of NARA (North America Renders Association). He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Mankato State University graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Dale currently resides in Redwood Falls, MN with his wife Michele.

Glenn Jensen Director of Feed and Ag Sales

As Director of Feed and Ag Sales, Glenn currently oversees the sales for Central Bi-Products, Midwest Grease and Artex Manufacturing.  Prior to serving in his current role, he held positions with sales and quality for multiple divisions of Farmers Union Industries since joining the company in 2009.

Striving for continued sales growth, while maintaining the integrity of products and building strong business partnerships, the emphasis on the company’s goals, purpose, and values is important to him.

Glenn currently serves as the treasurer of his local township, the Chairman of the Fats and Protein Research Foundation, and sits on the board of directors and several committees of the North American Renderers Association. His degree was obtained from the University of Minnesota-Waseca majoring in animal health. Prior to joining FUI, Glenn held diversified positions in both public and private business sectors including accounting, manufacturing, and agriculture fields.

Proud of being a Minnesota-raised farm boy, Glenn now resides adjacent to his family’s five-generation farm near Springfield with his wife, Anita. Together, with their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, they run a cow/calf cattle operation focusing on shorthorn and shorthorn-influenced genetics. He credits his work ethic and drive for success to working on his family’s dairy operation from a young age.

Bonnie Ahlbrecht Director of Human Resources

Bonnie Ahlbrecht is the Director of Human Resources at Farmers Union Industries. She is responsible for overseeing all benefits, employee relations, and employee development.

Prior to joining Farmers Union Industries, Bonnie spent 15 years in Human Resources. Her HR career has been focused on manufacturing, including ten years as the Director of Human Resources, seven of which were served as the Director Human Resources and Safety. Dedicated to employee growth, both personal and professional, she is eager to see the transformation Servant Leadership will bring to Farmers Union Industries.

Bonnie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, and received her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Concordia University.  She holds certifications with the Society of Human Resources, the Human Resources Certification Institute, and the American Payroll Association.

Bonnie resides on a farm near Hector with her family.

Gabe Prescott Director of Safety

Gabe Prescott is the Director of Safety for Farmers Union Industries, LLC, which is comprised of six operating divisions and employees up to 500 employees. Prior to becoming the Director of Safety, he served as Customer Relations Manager for the company.

He is responsible for overseeing all safety related content, risk management issues and assists with the procurement and process handling for a variety of insurance dealings. The safety of our team members is of utmost priority to Gabe. Gabe is also the Complex Manager for the company’s Central Bi-Products Redwood Falls location.

Prior to joining the Farmers Union Industries team, Gabe worked in the gaming and hospitality management industry at various locations both in Minnesota and out of state. Looking for a new and exciting challenge, Gabe was drawn to Farmers Union Industries, due to its diverse and interesting business offerings.

Gabe has been active in the Redwood Falls Community by serving on various committees and organizations in the area including Board Member for the Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism, Member of the Redwood Falls Fire Department, Volunteer for the Redwood County Fair and more. Gabe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University. Gabe currently resides in the Redwood Falls area with his wife and three children.

Nick Potter Director of Information Technology

Nick Potter is the Director of Information Technology at Farmers Union Industries, where he oversees the digital infrastructure at all divisions.

He began his career in IT in the casino industry after earning two college degrees. With over 20 years of experience in the information technology field, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the company. He is committed to leveraging technology to drive business success, enhance productivity, and enable growth while ensuring the security, reliability, and integrity of IT operations.

Nick resides in Morgan, MN with his family.

Curt Gosser Director of Operations

Curt Gosser is the Director of Operations at Farmers Union Industries, LLC, which is comprised of six operating divisions and close to 500 employees. Curt oversees the operational activities of Artex Manufacturing, Performance Pet Products, and Redwood Farms Meat Processors.

Curt is committed to devising and implementing growth strategies, fostering a collaborative team environment, and optimizing operational efficiency. He works alongside his team to shape the company’s future.

Before joining Farmers Union Industries, Curt spent a decade at Monogram Food Solutions in Chandler, Minnesota. His experience spanned roles in Research and Development (R&D), Continuous Improvement, and Operations, contributing to the company’s remarkable 10X growth during his tenure.

Curt holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and culinary arts from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. In addition to his academic achievements, he was a division 2 football player for the Mustangs. Today, Curt continues to share his passion for the game by coaching at Russell, Tyler, Ruthton High School.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Curt, along with his lovely wife Brittany, are proud parents to five energetic boys. They call Lynd, Minnesota, their home, where they remain deeply rooted in family and community values.

Troy Bryant Director of Construction and Project Management

Troy Bryant’s life began on a naval base in southern California. With his parents overseas, he was sent to live with his grandparents on a hobby farm in small-town Wisconsin. This is where he learned of and fostered a love for the land.

After graduating high school, Troy went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in engineering and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota.

His background is primarily in operations and engineering. Troy has worked on everything from sky-scraping cell phone towers to stadiums, hospitals, and brick & mortar retail.

Troy came to FUI to meld his two passions, farming and project management. He is grateful to be part of such a great team that shares a common vision and values. The team works endlessly to maintain a way of life that supports local agriculture. For Troy, it’s very rewarding to know that he plays a role in continuing the legacy of the family farm.

Jason Bentley Director of Pet Food and Meat Sales

Jason Bentley serves as the Director of Pet Food and Meat Sales at Famers Union Industries, LLC, where he leads sales efforts across three operating divisions: Northland Choice, Performance Pet Products, and Redwood Farms Meat Processors. In this role, he is tasked with overseeing all sales functions within each division.

With 11 years of experience in both Sales and Research and Development within manufacturing companies, Jason brings a wealth of expertise to his position. He is committed to prioritizing customer satisfaction, employing a customer-first approach, and delivering tailored solutions to meet their needs.

Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinology from Southwest Minnesota State University. He resides in Lake Crystal, MN, with his family.