Longevity of leadership earns MFA’s Rick Brune a place in the MIC Hall of Fame
Photo by Steve Fairchild – Members of Rick Brune’s family were on hand to see the retired Meta MFA manager inducted into the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives’ Hall of Fame on June 6 in Branson. Pictured are, seated from left, Violet Nelson, Rick and Peggy Brune, Emma Nelson and Clara Brune. Standing, from left, are Sam Nelson, Josie Nelson, Ben Nelson, Micki and Justin Wooten, Tony Brune, Beth Linnenbrink, Will Brune, Roland Nivens and Reese Nivens.
Named manager of the Meta location at the age of 24 in 1984, Brune’s leadership was marked by a conservative fiscal approach and unwavering dedication to the cooper- ative’s success. Meta, a local affiliate of MFA Incorporated, flourished under his guidance, expanding its infrastructure with strategic investments in feed mills, fertilizer plants and pioneering initiatives like the installation of solar pan- els in 2017, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Throughout his tenure, Brune prioritized reinvesting profits into the cooperative, steering Meta toward debt- free operations and steady growth. His tireless work ethic and visionary leadership motivated Meta’s employees, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Brune’s retirement in 2023 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a cooperative stronger and better posi- tioned to serve the region’s agricultural producers for generations. His legacy is not just one of business success but of community empowerment and the transformative potential of cooperative principles.
“Through Rick’s leadership, vision and abilities to work with a cooperative board, Meta MFA was strengthened through continued growth and re-investment,” said Ernie Verslues, MFA Incorporated CEO. “I think it’s fair to say that Rick’s tenure benefited the cooperative movement in that region and that his example is one that speaks for all of us as we seek to highlight the spirit of cooperatives.”
The MIC Hall of Fame honors leaders of Missouri’s co- operatives and is updated each year through a nomination and selection process. The program was officially created “to ensure a permanent, prestigious recognition for future generations of cooperative leaders with exemplary service and lasting achievements.”
Joining Brune in the MIC Hall of Fame for 2024 were Joel Bullard, who helped lead Boone Electric Cooperative for nearly three decades, including terms as vice president and president; and Scott Gardner, whose 37-year tenure at FCS Financial exemplifies a lifelong commitment to coop- erative values and community service.
MFA is a member of the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the cooperative form of enterprise. MIC places special emphasis on director development programs and youth education to promote a broader understanding of cooperatives.
MORE - IN THIS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF TODAY'S FARMER MAGAZINE - CLICK HERE.