MFA’s History
Built by farmers, for farmers
From its beginnings in 1914 until now, MFA has always focused on providing farmers and ranchers with economic benefit through cooperative buying and selling power. Though much has changed in the more than 100 years since MFA’s establishment, that purpose remains first and foremost in the cooperative’s ever-evolving operations.
Origins in cooperation
MFA Incorporated traces its beginnings to a meeting in the one-room Newcomer School in Brunswick, Mo., on March 10, 1914. Inspired by an article in the Missouri Farmer and Breeder magazine in which owner William Hirth called for the formation of farm clubs, seven area farmers—Aaron Bachtel, Tom Penick, Will Heisel, George Heisel, Earl Smutz, John Kohl and Will Armstrong—banded together and placed a cooperative order for 1,150 pounds of baler twine. Word spread like wildfire. From that meeting emerged a cooperative that grew to become, for a time, the largest business enterprise in the state. By the 1920s, MFA represented 400 local cooperatives. William Hirth was MFA’s first president, serving until his death in 1940. Throughout its history, MFA has led agriculture in establishing businesses, organizations and other cooperatives to fulfill its mission of serving its farmer-owners. Today, MFA continues to combine the principles of an established cooperative with the market savvy and industry network of a modern agribusiness.
Learn more about co-opsProud Past, Bright Future.
MFA's member magazine, Today's Farmer, has collected a series of historical articles about MFA Incorporated here. Also, editor, writer and retired MFA Director of Communications Chuck Lay published a book about the history of MFA, Proud Past, Bright Future.
ASK US ANY QUESTIONS
If you have a question related to one of MFA’s products, send us a message here. We will direct it to the appropriate expert and get you an answer. If you have specific questions about product availability or pricing at your MFA retail store, contact your MFA representative or use our Store Locator to find information for the location nearest you.