Patronage: A Co-operative Benefit
When you become a UFA member for $5, you earn a share in UFA and become a part owner of our co-operative. But what starts as a single share can grow into so much more over time. Each year's patronage allocation contributes to your overall equity, strengthening your ownership stake and reinforcing the same co-operative model that has supported farmers, ranchers and rural communities for over a century. And as you continue to purchase eligible products and services over the years, your equity will only keep growing.
When members spend with UFA, the value comes back to them. 2026 marks nine straight years of reliable, growing returns, capped off by a record $36.6 million payout in 2026. Patronage puts money back into our members' operations while funding growth, expanding UFA's network and strengthening rural communities across Western Canada.
* Minimum purchase(s) of $5,000 combined on all categories to qualify for patronage. Subject to UFA Board approval and ratification by the Assembly.
Patronage Promise
2027 Payout for 2026 Purchases*
Your purchases. Your payout. That's the Patronage Promise.
When you do business with UFA as a member, you aren't just making a purchase—you're investing in your future. We share our profits with our members. The more eligible items you buy, the more equity in the co-operative you build and the more patronage you end up earning. It's our way of saying thank you for being part of UFA.
Did you know that you can track your patronage and equity progress in every category, down to the cent, with the UFA App? Click here to learn more.
Discover the pluses of membership. Join today!
UFA is proudly owned by over 110,000+ members across Western Canada. As a co-operative you can become a member and enjoy many benefits of membership.
Membership is open to any individual, co-operative association, or partnership and corporations carrying on the business of farming or ranching. And, it's easy to become a member and start getting the benefits of being part of our co-operative.
You can easily apply for your membership online by clicking below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patronage?
Patronage is the Members' share of UFA's earnings. As a co-operative, we give back to our members through patronage refunds. When you buy fuel, supplies, or fertilizer through UFA, you're not just doing business - you're helping your co-op grow. And when we do well, you do too.
Patronage is the Members' share of UFA's earnings.
UFA members who have purchased a $5 member share are eligible to earn a Patronage dividend based on their purchases.
At the annual general meeting or a special meeting of the assembly, the board of directors and member-elected delegates may declare a Patronage dividend.
Patronage is paid based on member purchases in the previous year. After a Patronage dividend is declared at the AGM, payment is issued in April. 40% of Patronage dividends are paid to members in cash. The rest is issued as member share equity. Member share equity represents the member's ownership in the co-operative. Statement of Equity and Patronage Dividend Statements are available through myUFA. Members are also encouraged to sign up for direct deposit.
There is no limit on how much you can earn. And, once a member has earned $30,000 worth of member share equity, 100% of subsequent Patronage is paid in cash.
Visit myUFA to sign-in or register for online benefits including:
- Email notification when your statement is ready;
- View account balances and payment history;
- View and print detailed purchase reports, invoices and statements;
- View your Statement of Equity, Patronage Dividend Statement and investments;
- Link multiple accounts and share account information; and
- Update your account details and contact information.
Yes, the UFA app shows your estimated Patronage earnings throughout the calendar year (January to December) based on eligible purchases. This gives you a cumulative summary of the spending that contributes to your annual return. Your estimated Patronage information is refreshed at 10 a.m. the next day after your transactions are processed, ensuring your summary stays up to date.
What is Equity?
Member equity refers to the investment you have made in UFA. This investment is made up of membership shares, and investment shares that you have earned through your purchases. When patronage is declared, 40% is allocated to cash and 60% is allocated to member shares. Member share equity represents member's ownership in the co-operative and is used to finance the business.
Members who earned investment shares prior to 2020 earn interest equal to the bank prime rate less 0.5 percentage points. Investment share equity can be redeemed at any time.
Members can withdraw member share equity when they meet one of the following criteria
- Moving out of UFA's trading area;
- Reaching age 70;
- Winding down your corporation or individual operation;
- The farm or ranch corporate principals all reach the age of 70;
- Bankruptcy; or
- Upon death, the equity is then paid to the member's estate.
Once a member has earned $30,000 worth of member share Equity, 100 percent of subsequent Patronage is paid in cash.
- Forms to withdraw Equity are available online at myUFA.
- Members can email Customer.Support@UFA.com or call UFA's customer support team at 1 (877) 258-4500 to request a withdrawal and get questions answered.
Members can access and manage all of their account information and access forms online.
Visit myUFA to sign-in or register for online benefits including:
- Email notification when your statement is ready;
- View account balances and payment history;
- View and print detailed purchase reports, invoices and statements;
- View your Statement of Equity, Patronage Dividend Statement and investments;
- Link multiple accounts and share account information; and
- Update your account details and contact information.
Your final Patronage Return - including equity and any earnings, are updated in the app once UFA's year-end financials are completed and approved by the board of directors and member-elected delegates. (ESTIMATE ONLY) If something doesn't look right or you're unsure about your Patronage information, contact Customer Support at 1-877-258-4500 for assistance.
Download the app
Users with a myUFA profile linked to an account can:
- Track your current Patronage & Equity earnings
- Access personalized fuel pricing
- Browse all locations and get directions
- Get location details quickly
- View a summary of recent fuel transactions and details
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To qualify for Patronage on 2026 purchases paid out in 2027, a minimum purchase(s) of $5,000 combined on all categories to qualify for patronage. Subject to UFA Board approval and ratification by the Assembly; exclusions include: Fuel, Canola seed, select Micro Technologies Feedlot Solutions products, select petroleum products, bulk fertilizer (other than micronutrients) and leased purchases. © 2026 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved. UFA By-laws