UFA is honoured to have been named the 2026 Large Co-operative of the Year by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), a national recognition that celebrates co-operatives making a meaningful contribution to communities and co-operatives and mutuals across Canada.
This award reflects the strength of UFA's co-operative model and the trust placed in us by our members, customers and the communities we serve. It also speaks to the dedication of our people and their commitment to supporting agriculture and rural life across Western Canada.
In its national announcement, CMC acknowledged UFA as a member-owned agricultural co-operative focused on supporting producers, businesses and communities, and recognized our commitment to reinvestment, long-term value and a strong, resilient future for Canadian agriculture.
"This recognition truly belongs to our members, customers, team members and the communities we're proud to serve," said Fred Thun, President and CEO, UFA. "As a co-operative, our purpose is grounded in supporting those who rely on us every day. We're grateful to see that commitment recognized, and we remain focused on continuing to build something meaningful for agriculture and rural communities."
Please view Fred Thun's acceptance video here.
The award follows a year of strong momentum for UFA. In 2025, the co-operative delivered $2.2 billion in revenue, $167 million in EBITDA and $83 million in net income, enabling a record $36.6 million patronage payout to members. At the same time, UFA continued to invest in strengthening its network and expanding access for producers. This included opening the Emerald Park Farm & Ranch Supply store in Saskatchewan, further growing our presence in the province, and advancing development of a new distribution centre near Leduc to support long-term growth and supply chain resilience.
UFA also took important steps to support producers during a challenging time, including the acquisition of AgraCity assets, helping ensure continuity of supply and greater stability for farmers and ranchers when it mattered most.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects more than business performance. UFA's nomination highlighted its broader contribution to the co-operative sector, from supporting research and governance initiatives across Canada to investing in rural communities, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
The recipients were announced at the CMC Congress Gala on June 9, 2026, held at York University in Toronto, Ontario. Jennifer Wood, Board Chair for UFA, was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the organization. The national announcement from CMC can be viewed here.
We are deeply grateful for this recognition and for the members, customers, employees and partners who continue to shape UFA's story. It's a proud moment, one that reinforces the importance of working together to support agriculture and the communities that depend on it.
