Case Law Index Cooperatives
January 1, 2002 – June 15, 2026
This index provides a comprehensive though not necessarily exhaustive compilation of reported and unreported federal and state court decisions involving cooperatives that were decided between the dates listed above. The cases are listed in reverse chronological order. The “Text” link goes to the freely available Google Scholar text of the opinion. These listings are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal counsel.
FIRST CIRCUIT
Triumph Foods, LLC, v. Campbell, 156 F.4th 29 (1st Cir. 2025) (holding that the Massachusetts Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals is nondiscriminatory and is not preempted). Text
Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc. v. Bernon Land Trust, LLC, No. 1:22-cv-10422-JEK, 2025 U.S. District LEXIS 14748 (D. Mass. 2025) (dairy cooperative, party to contract). Text
Winters v. Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 296 F.Supp.3d 311 (D. Mass. 2017) (holding that growers lacked standing under Clayton Act to bring federal antitrust claim against cranberry grower cooperatives). Text
Sleeper Farms v. Agway, Inc., 506 F.3d 98 (1st Cir. 2007) (confirming arbitration award of damages against cooperative). Text
Northland Cranberries, Inc. v. Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 382 F.Supp.2d 221 (D. Mass. 2004) (applicability of the Capper-Volstead Act). Text
SECOND CIRCUIT
Bldg. & Realty Inst. Of Westchester & Putnam Cntys., Inc., v. New York, No. 21-2526, 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 5905 (2d Cir. 2024) (cooperative conversion remedy in a regulatory taking claim). Text
United States v. Rankin, F. Supp. 3d 523 (D. Conn. 2023) (jury trial, misappropriation of cooperative funds). Text
Sitts v. Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc., No. 2:16-CV-287, 2019 WL 4739533, (D. Vt., 2019) (dairy cooperatives, antitrust, price fixing, monopsony). Text
Allen v. Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc., 748 F. Supp. 2d 323 (D. Vt. 2010) (Dairy cooperative, monopoly price-fixing). Text
Pew v. Cardarelli, 164 F. App’x 41 (2d Cir. 2006) (agricultural supply and marketing cooperative, securities exchange commission).
Ice Cream Liquidation, Inc., v. Land O’Lakes, Inc., 253 F. Supp. 2d 262 (D. Conn. 2003) (standing, filed rate doctrine). Text
THIRD CIRCUIT
United States v. U.S. Sugar Corp., 73 F.4th 197 (3d Cir. 2023) (holding that a claim for a section 7 violation of the Clayton Act fails when the government cannot determine the relevant product and geographic market). Text
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. v. E. Mushroom Mktg. Coop., No. 15-6480 (E.D. Pa. Jan. 26, 2022) (granting plaintiff’s and denying defendant’s motion for summary judgement with respect to the EMMC’s ability to invoke the protections of the Capper-Volstead Act). Text
In re Processed Egg Products Antitrust Litig., 322 F.Supp.3d 599 (E.D. Pa. 2018) (holding that for purposes of determining whether the cooperative had antitrust immunity under the Capper-Volstead Act, value of eggs depended on the price for which they were purchased by cooperative in the domestic market rather than fair market value). Text
In re: Processed Egg Products Antitrust Litig., 206 F.Supp.3d 1033 (E.D. Pa. 2016) (granting in part and denying in part Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment alleging Defendant egg cooperative engaged in anticompetitive behavior). Text
In re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., 54 F.Supp.3d 382 (E.D. Pa. 2014) (holding that mushroom cooperative was not exempt from antitrust claims under Capper-Volstead exemption). Text
In re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., 655 F.3d 158 (3d Cir. 2011) (holding that prejudgment order denying protections of Capper-Volstead Act to agricultural cooperative was not collateral order subject to interlocutory review in antitrust action against mushroom cooperative and its members, officers, and affiliates, alleging illegal scheme to artificially inflate prices in violation of the Sherman Act and the Clayton Act). Text
In re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., 621 F.Supp.2d 274, 2009 WL838490 (E.D. Pa. 2009) (antitrust violations by cooperative and members). Text
In re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., 514 F. Supp. 2d 683 (E.D. Pa. 2007) (antitrust litigation against cooperative and members). Text
In re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., No. 06-CV-0620, 2008 WL 583906 (E.D. Pa. March 3, 2008) (motion to dismiss).
Cloverland-Green Spring Dairies, Inc. v. Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Bd., 462 F.3d 249 (3d Cir. 2006) (over-order premium and dairy farms). Text
Cochran v. Veneman, 359 F.3d 263 (3d Cir. 2004) (independent producers constitutional rights). Text
FOURTH CIRCUIT
Waller v. Hugh Johnson Enters., No. 4:22-cv-00120, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 124050 (W.D. Va. 2024) (holding that regional director of a cooperative was entitled to damages for a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing). Text
N.C. Mut. Wholesale Drug Co. v. Fed. Ins. Co., 687 F. Supp. 3d 689 (M.D.N.C. 2023) (holding that a cooperative is entitled to general coverage insurance provisions).
Speaks v. US TOBACCO COOP., No. 20-2098 (4th Cir. Apr. 19, 2022). (affirmed decision made by district court in Sharp Farms v. Speaks). Text
Sharp Farms v. Speaks, 917 F.3d 276 (4th Cir. 2019) (holding that members of tobacco cooperative did not meet the adequacy requirement for class certification). Text
Farmers Co-op. Soc. of Sioux Center v. First Nat. Bank of Omaha, 2011 WL 8812379 (E.D. N.C.) (holding that Plaintiffs were entitled to priority to the extent of the difference between the acquisition price of the livestock and the fair market value of the livestock at the time they were sold).
Maryland And Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Ass’n, Inc. v. Crowell Farms, Inc., 102 Fed. Appx. 267 (4th Cir. 2004) (breach of the marketing agreement).
FIFTH CIRCUIT
Miller v. Vilsack, No. 21-11271, 2022 U.S. App. LEXIS 7563 (5th Cir. 2022) (reversing the decision of the District Court). Text
Miller v. Vilsack, No. 4:21-cv-0595-O, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 248420 (N.D. Tex. 2021) (denying the Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ motion to intervene as defendants for failure to demonstrate the inadequacy of defendant’s representation and granting leave to file an amicus brief).
Harper v. SOUTHERN PINE ELEC. COOPERATIVE, 987 F.3d 417 (5th Cir. 2021) (Cooperative boards have the discretion to retain capital reserves and are not required to return all or a specific amount of patronage capital to its members). Text
In re Cent. La. Grain Co-op, Inc., 497 B.R. 229, 2013 WL 4049028 (W.D. La.) (holding that creditor’s privilege was not protected by statute’s safe harbor provision for statutory liens). Text
Casares v. Yoakum Cnty. Cooperative Gin, 2012 WL 13170339 (S.D. Tex.) (denying Defendant’s motion to transfer venue regarding Plaintiffs’ claim that Defendant violated the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act).
Casares v. Yoakum County Cooperative Gin, 2011 WL 13351127 (S.D. Tex.) (denying Defendant’s motion to dismiss regarding Plaintiffs’ claim that Defendant violated the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act).
Am. Rice, Inc. v. Producer Rice Mill, Inc., 518 F.3d 321 (5th Cir. 2008) (trademark infringement by cooperative). Text
Lone Star Milk Producers, Inc. v. Litzler, 370 B.R. 671 (B.A.P. 5th Cir. 2007) (express trust for diary farmer). Text
Nutrasep, LLC v. TOPC Texas LLC, 2006 WL 3063432 (W.D. Tex. 2006) (“know-how” and technology). Text
SIXTH CIRCUIT
R.J. Corman R.R. v. Mallory Alexander Int’l Logistics L.L.C., No. 2:22-cv-2525-JTF-tmp, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 119038 (W.D. Tenn. 2023) (Denying defendant cooperative’s motion to stay and refer the matter). Text
Burnette Foods, Inc. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 920 F.3d 461 (6th Cir. 2019) (holding that since the board members who were affiliated with a cherry cooperative did not direct where the consigned cherries were sold, they were not a part of the cooperative’s sales constituency). Text
Sunrise Cooperative, Inc. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 891 F.3d. 652, (6th Cir. 2018) (holding that the grandfather clause that merged cooperatives meant an organization had an identity separate than its members). Text
DeVries Dairy, LLC v. White Eagle Co-op. Ass’n, 25 F.Supp.3d 1039 (N.D. Ohio 2014) (holding that dairy had no duty to mitigate damages arising from dairy cooperative’s alleged breach of cooperative marketing agreement). Text
In re Se. Milk. Antitrust Litigation, 739 F.3d 262 (6th Cir. 2014) (precluding summary judgment because plaintiffs failed to show antitrust injury). Text
In re Se. Milk Antitrust Litigation, 801 F.Supp.2d 705 (E.D. Tenn. 2011) Sherman Act antitrust action against milk cooperative). Text
Terry v. Tyson Farms, Inc., 604 F.3d 272 (6th Cir. 2010) (Poultry farmer, Agricultural Fair Practices Act). Text
Lay v. Burley Stabilization Corp., No. 3:09-CV-252, , 2010 WL 3397430(E.D. Tenn. Aug. 26, 2010) (disgorgement of funds owed by cooperative). Text
Lay v. Burley Stabilization Corp., 312 F. App’x 752 (6th Cir. 2009) (disgorgement of funds owed by cooperative).
In re Se. Milk Antitrust Litg., 555 F. Supp. 2d 934 (E.D. Tenn. 2008) (antitrust violations). Text
United States ex. rel. Fellhoelter v. Valley Milk Products, L.L.C., 617 F. Supp. 2d 723 (E.D. Tenn. Jan. 24, 2008) (False Claims Act). Text
Chavez v. Riceland Foods, Inc., 475 F. Supp. 2d 617 (W.D. Tex. 2007) (farm worker rights employed in an agricultural cooperative, migrants and seasonal employment). Text
Rutherford Farmers Coop. v. MTD Consumer Group, Inc., 124 F. App’x 918 (6th Cir. 2005) (inventory repurchase upon the contract’s termination).
United States v. Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc., 426 F.3d 850 (6th Cir. 2005) (violation of Clayton Act). Text
SEVENTH CIRCUIT
Nationwide Agribusiness Ins. Co. v. AGCO Corp., 793 F. Supp. 3d 999 (C.D. Ill. 2025) (insurance coverage for grain bin purchased by cooperative). Text
In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litig., 702 F. Supp. 3d 635 (N.D. Ill. 2023) (dismissing in part and granting in part defendants’ motions for summary judgement on Sherman Act violation claims in conspiring to reduce chicken supply and raise prices brought by a class action in which several cooperatives joined). Text
Olean Wholesale Grocery Coop. v. Agri Stats, Inc., No. 19 C 8318, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 193318 (N.D. Ill. 2020) (granting Sherman Act violation claim from grocery cooperative to proceed against leading turkey suppliers). Text
Ceres Sols. Coop., Inc. v. Voreis, No. 3:19-CV-614 RLM, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 250134 (N.D. Ind. 2019) (affirming the decision of the bankruptcy court in holding that a farmer was entitled to net loss in revenue from the premature sale of grain when a cooperative had bad faith in delaying on a lien waiver request). Text
Winfield Sols., L.L.C. v. WSAG Ctr., Inc., No. 17-cv-942-slc, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71340 (W.D. Wis. 2019) (holding that an agricultural cooperative can recover damages for breach of contract claim when an owner buys product on credit). Text
Hugunin v. Land O’ Lakes, Inc., 815 F.3d 1064 (7th Cir. 2016) (affirming the district court’s decision to dismiss trademark infringement case between a fishing tackle company and a dairy cooperative). Text
Dutch Valley Growers v. Rietveld, No. 16-2085, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 200569 (C.D. Ill. 2016) (denying motion for protective order for parties that were shareholders in an agricultural cooperative).
In re Central Illinois Energy Cooperative, 561 B.R. 699, 2016 WL 7099783 (holding that officers of an agricultural cooperative owe the same fiduciary duties to creditors upon insolvency that they owe to the association at all times without regard to solvency). Text
First Impressions Salon, Inc. v. National Milk Producers Fed’n, 214 F.Supp.3d 723 (S.D. Ill. 2016) (holding that direct buyers had standing to bring an antitrust claim against milk producers). Text
White Eagle Coop Ass’n v. Conner, 553 F.3d 467 (7th Cir. 2009) (challenging federal milk marketing order). Text
White Eagle Co-op Ass’n v. Johanns, 508 F.Supp.2d 664 (N.D. Ind. 2007) (dismissing review of milk marketing order). Text
In re StarLink Corn Products Liability Litigation, 2005 WL 327020 (N.D. Ill. 2005) (non-genetically modified corn). Text
White Eagle Co-op. Ass’n v. Johanns, 396 F.Supp.2d 954 (N.D. Ind. 2005) (price of milk on an “emergency” basis). Text
EIGHTH CIRCUIT
In re Crop Inputs Antitrust Litigation, 172 F.4th 570 (8th Cir. 2026) (affirming the district’s dismissal for failure to plead Sherman Act and RICO claims). Text
Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc. v. Ward, No. 4:22-cv-501-JM, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 197198 (E.D. Ark. 2024) (cooperative claim that Arkansas law violates the contract, supremacy, and dormant commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution). Text
Lammers v. Ag Valley Coop. Non-Stock, No. 8:21-CV-354, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 172472 (D. Neb. 2023) (dismissing disability discrimination complaint against co-op employer). Text
Cent. Valley Ag Coop. v. Leonard, 986 F.3d 1082 (8th Cir. 2021) (affirming the decision of the district court in holding that the co-op failed to prove a fiduciary relationship). Text
Landus Coop. v. New Coop., No. 21-CV-3003-CJW-MAR, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56077 (N.D. Iowa 2021) (granting a temporary restraining order prohibiting former employees from disclosing former employer’s confidential information to competing co-op).
Stokes v. S. States Coop., 651 F.3d 911 (8th Cir. 2011) (reversing the decision of the district court in granting summary judgement for cooperative on claim of malicious prosecution). Text
Schwartz v. Bayer CropScience, 718 F.Supp.2d 950 (E.D. Ark. 2010) (action by farmers against farming cooperative regarding genetically modified rice). Text
Farmers Coop. Co. v. Senske & Son Transfer Co., 572 F.3d 492 (8th Cir. 2009) (cooperative’s action against truck dealer for violations of Federal Odometer Act). Text
Corn Plus Coop. v. Cont’l Cas. Co., 516 F.3d 674 (8th Cir. 2008) (negligent welding at an ethanol coop). Text
Farmers Bank of Hamburg, Ark. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 495 F.3d 559 (8th Cir. 2007) (review of denial of claims by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service). Text
Willman v. Riceland Foods, Inc., 630 F. Supp. 2d 999 (E.D. Ark. 2007) (co-op member’s negligence claim against co-op). Text
In re Wright, 353 B.R. 627 (B.A.P. 8th Cir. 2006) (preferential and fraudulent transfers). Text
Scherbart v. Comm’r, 453 F.3d 987 (8th Cir. 2006) (deferring of value-added payments). Text
In re Corn-Pro Nonstock Coop., Inc., 318 B.R. 153 (B.A.P. 8th Cir. 2004) (nonstock cooperative qualified as “farmer”). Text
Smithfield Foods, Inc. v. Miller, 367 F.3d 1061 (8th Cir. 2004) (violation of commerce clause). Text
Smithfield Foods, Inc. v. Miller, 241 F. Supp. 2d 978 (S.D. Iowa 2003) (violation of commerce clause) (vacated and remanded, below). Text
In re DLC, Ltd., 295 B.R. 593 (B.A.P. 8th Cir. 2003) (rights to the transferred property). Text
S.D. Farm Bureau, Inc. v. Hazeltine, 340 F.3d 583 (8th Cir. 2003) (land use for farming restrictions). Text
Top of Iowa Coop. v. Schewe, 324 F.3d 627 (8th Cir. 2003) (hedge-to-arrive contracts). Text
Bot v. Comm’r, 353 F.3d 595 (8th Cir. 2003) (self-employment tax on value-added payments). Text
Asa-Brandt, Inc. v. ADM Investor Servs., Inc., 344 F.3d 738 (8th Cir. 2003) (hedge-to-arrive contracts). Text
Racicky v. Farmland Indus., Inc., 328 F.3d 389 (8th Cir. 2003) (feed injured the dairy cows). Text
NINTH CIRCUIT
Bee Sweet Citrus Growers Coop. v. Villa Producers, Inc., No. 1:26-cv-02814-KES-SKO, 2026 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91171 (E.D. Cal. 2026) (holding that coop established all elements of a prima facia case for a Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act violation claim). Text
Sundance Slope, LLC v. Trout-Blue Chelan-Magi, LLC, No. 2:23-CV-00083-SAB, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 7889 (E.D. Wash. 2024) (finding that co-op member sufficiently alleged contractual injury for lost SugarBee trees against another party contracted through coop). Text
Short v. Park Elec. Coop., Inc., No. CV 19-31-BLG-TJC, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 247504 (D. Mont. 2021) (holding that electric co-op did not unreasonably deny service when an easement did not allow it). Text
AMC, LLC v. Nw. Farm Food Coop., 481 F. Supp. 3d 1153 (D. Or. 2020) (mass death of minks due to contaminated spent hen feed from NW Farm, an agricultural cooperative. Court held it is customary amongst these cooperatives to include disclaimers of the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness in contracts for sale of feed). Text
Carlin v. DairyAmerica, Inc., 380 F.Supp.3d 998 (E.D. Cal. 2019) (holding that a $40 million settlement for dairy farmers who alleged Defendant misreported milk price data to the USDA in order to underpay farmers was fair). Text
Carlin v. DairyAmerica, Inc., 328 F.R.D. 393, 2018 WL 4385809 (E.D. Cal.) (holding that the requirements for class certification were met by the Plaintiffs alleging the Defendant misreported pricing data of milk to the USDA).
Carlin v. DairyAmerica, Inc., 705 F.3d 856 (9th Cir. 2013) (holding that the filed rate doctrine applies to the minimum rates for raw milk set under federal milk marketing orders pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, and the filed rate doctrine did not bar the Plaintiffs from pursuing their claims). Text
Carlin v. DairyAmerica, Inc., 978 F.Supp.2d 1103 (E.D. Cal. 2013) (holding that milk producers sufficiently alleged negligent misrepresentation claim against the dairy handlers cooperative when the cooperative misreported data to the United States Department of Agriculture). Text
Land O’Lakes v. Gonsalves, 281 F.R.D. 444 (E.D. Cal. 2012) (holding that Dairy cooperative did not breach implied duty of good faith by inducing producers to enter into contract).
In re Fresh and Process Potatoes Antitrust Litig., 834 F. Supp. 2d 1141 (D. Id. 2011) (holding that applicability of antitrust exemption for agricultural cooperatives could not be decided on a motion to dismiss). Text
Bybee Farms, LLC v. Snake River Sugar Co., 563 F.Supp.2d 1184 (E.D. Wash. 2008) (breach of oral agreement to buyout member shares). Text
Lopes v. Viera, 543 F.Supp.2d 1149 (E.D. Cal. 2008) (motion to dismiss). Text
Bybee Farms, LLC v. Snake River Sugar Co., 625 F. Supp. 2d 1073 (E.D. Wash. 2007) (breach of fiduciary duty by cooperative officer). Text
Andrews Farms v. Calcot, Ltd., 527 F. Supp. 2d 1239 (E.D. Cal. 2007) (motion to dismiss fraud claims). Text
College of the Sequoias Farm v. White Gold Assoc., Inc., 2007 WL 2022040 (E.D. Cal. July 09, 2007) (conspiracy and fraud in marketing and sale of cotton).
Andrews Farms v. Calcot, Ltd., 2007 WL 1701915 (E.D. Cal. June 08, 2007) (RICO and fraud claims, fiduciary duty, accounting). Text
Lopes v. Vieira, 488 F. Supp. 2d 1000 (E.D. Cal. May 30, 2007) (“milk for equity” interest). Text
United Dairymen of Ariz. v. Veneman, 279 F.3d 1160 (9th Cir. 2002) (producer-handler exemption). Text
TENTH CIRCUIT
Othart Dairy Farms, LLC v. Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc., 720 F Supp. 3d 1087 (D.N.M. 2024) (holding that Sherman Act violation claim was sufficiently plead and Capper-Volstead Act did not immunize dairy co-op from antitrust liability). Text
San Diego Cattlemen’s Coop. Ass’n v. Vilsack, 318 F.R.D. 646 (D.N.M. 2015) (granting motion to intervene by co-op in case seeking competing land management interests from the same federal defendants).
Vestring v. Halla, 920 F. Supp. 2d 1189 (D. Kan. 2013) (dismissing claim against co-op for failure to meet pleading standard for a claim involving agricultural services of an employee). Text
Luft Farms, LLC v. Western Sugar Coop., No. 08-cv-02014-WYD-CBS, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 1658 (D. Colo. 2011) (dismissing member’s Agricultural Fair Practices Act complaint and related state claims against co-op). Text
In re Bergman, No. 07-40285, 2007 WL 2693641 (Bankr. D. Kan. Sept. 10, 2007) (co-op not entitled to relief from automatic stay).
Gregory v. Fort Bridger Rendezvous Ass’n, 448 F.3d 1195 (10th Cir. 2006) (antitrust liability exemption). Text
CoBank, ACB v. Reorganized Farmers Coop. Ass’n, 334 F. Supp. 2d 1273 (D. Kan. 2004) (default of loan agreement). Text
Bell v. Fur Breeders Agric. Coop., 348 F.3d 1224 (10th Cir. 2003) (antitrust protections). Text
ELEVENTH CIRCUIT
Cullman Elec. Coop. v. City of Cullman, 576 F. Supp. 3d 942 (N.D. Ala. 2021) (dismissing electric co-op’s claim against city for imposing a tax for lack of subject matter jurisdiction). Text
Winn-Dixie Stores v. Se. Milk, No. 3:15-cv-1143-J-39JBT, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 239539 (M.D. Fla. 2019) (applying the rule of reason rather than per se rule to antitrust violation claims against multiple co-ops).
Ramirez v. Statewide Harvesting & Hauling, LLC, No. 8:17-CV-1753-T-35AEP, 2019 WL 3383622 (M.D. Fla. May 24, 2019) (agricultural cooperative employee rights and exemptions).
Golden Gem Growers, Inc. v. Ferguson (In re Golden Gem Growers, Inc.), Bankr. No. 6:01-bk-09028-ABB, Adv. No. 6:07-ap-00095-ABB, 2010 WL 745476 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Mar. 2, 2010) (breach of contract against members of cooperative). Text
Rigby v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op Stabilization Corp., No. 7:07-CV-85-HL, 2007 WL 3285599 (M.D. Ga. Nov. 6, 2007) (remanding to state court a cause against cooperative for accounting and distribution of member interest).
Swain v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op Stabilization Corp., No. 7:07-CV-86-HL, 2007 WL3285707 (M.D. Ga. Nov. 6, 2007) (remanding to state court a cause against cooperative for accounting and distribution of member interest). Text
Griffis v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op Stabilization Corp., No. 7:07-CV-84-HL, 2007 WL3285749 (M.D. Ga. Nov. 6, 2007) (remanding to state court a cause against cooperative for accounting and distribution of member interest).
Lee v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op Stabilization Corp., No. 7:07-CV-82-HL, 2007 WL 3286397 (M.D. Ga. Nov. 6, 2007) (remanding to state court a cause against cooperative for accounting and distribution of member interest). Text
Altman v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op Stabilization Corp., No. 7:07-CV-83-HL, 2007 WL 3286413 (M.D. Ga. Nov. 6, 2007) (remanding to state court a cause against cooperative for accounting and distribution of member interest).
Sariol v. Fla. Crystals Corp., 490 F.3d 1277 (11th Cir. 2007) (agricultural exemption from overtime-pay rules). Text
Rigby v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Coop. Stabilization Corp., 2006 WL 1312412 (M.D. Ga. 2006) (distribution of the cooperative’s equity).
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
Thompson v Comm’r of Internal Revenue, T.C.M 2024-14 (2024) (unreported cooperative distribution income). Text
Growmark, Inc. v. Comm’r of Internal Revenue, 160 T.C. 475 (2023) (claimed credit against fuel excise tax). Text
Ag Processing, Inc. v. Comm’r of Internal Revenue, No. 23479-14, 2019 WL 5212789 (T.C. Oct. 16, 2019) (tax exemptions for non-exempt agricultural cooperatives). Text
Growmark, Inc. & Subsidiaries v. Comm’r of Internal Revenue, 118 T.C.M. (CCH) 466 (T.C. 2019) (computation of tax exemptions). Text
Affiliated Foods, Inc. v. Comm’r, 128 T.C. 62 (2007) (redetermination of income tax deficiencies and “trade discounts”). Text
Scherbart v. Comm’r, No. 3345-00, 2004 WL 1354120 (2004) (deferring of value-added payments). Text
ARIZONA
Agric. Hydroponic Coop., LLC v. Paredes, No. 1 CA-CV 24-0585, 2025 Ariz. App. Unpub. LEXIS 672 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2025) (contract dispute for medicinal marijuana cultivation site).
United Dairymen of Ariz. v. Rawlings, 177 P.3d 334 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2008) (enforcement of liquidated damages clause against member). Text
United Dairymen of Arizona v. Schugg,128 P.3d 756 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2006) (implied covenant). Text
CALIFORNIA
LION RAISINS, INC. v. Ross, 64 Cal. App. 5th 718 (Ct. App. 2021). (Bloc-voting provisions are rationally related to the legitimate governmental purposes of encouraging producers to join cooperative marketing associations, which would not require strict scrutiny). Text
Scheenstra v. California Dairies, Inc., 213 Cal. App. 4th 370 (2013) (holding that supply management program adopted by the dairy cooperative was not fair and uniform as required by law). Text
People v. Solis, 217 Cal. App. 4th 51 (2013) (holding that the Defendants’ dispensary did not qualify as a cooperative or collective under the Medical Marijuana Program Act (MMPA)). Text
Traudt v. City of Dana Point, 131 Cal. Rptr. 3d 887, 889 (Ct. App. 2011), 268 P.3d 1064 (Cal. 2012) (medical marijuana cooperatives). Text
W. Hills Farms, Inc. v. RCO Ag Credit, Inc., No. F054539, 2008 WL 5341350 (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 23, 2008) (failure to make demand on board of directors). Text
Nunes v. Downey Brand LLP, 2006 WL 2147613 (Ct. App. 2006) (cooperative’s failure to make payments).
COLORADO
Arnold v. Anton Co-op. Ass’n, 293 P.3d 99 (Colo. App. 2011) (grocery cooperative member barred from cooperative, cooperative membership rights). Text
CONNECTICUT
State ex rel. Baker v. Fifteen Horses, No. HHD-CV-25-6203979-S, 2025 Conn. Super. LEXIS 2048 (Conn. Super. Ct. 2025) (petition for custody of thirteen horses owned by co-op).
DELAWARE
United States v. UNITED STATES SUGAR CORPORATION, CA No. 21-1644 (MN) (D. Del. Sept. 28, 2022) (Court found government failed to prove acquisition of Imperial sugar by U.S. Sugar is likely to create a monopoly under Section 7 of the Clayton Act). Text
GEORGIA
AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA v. West, 835 S.E.2d 730 (Ga. Ct. App. 2019) (Membership in an agricultural lending cooperative does not automatically give rise to a fiduciary relationship). Text
Rigby v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Co-op., 755 S.E.2d 915 (2014) (holding that tobacco cooperative owed a fiduciary duty to the former members but accounting claim was time-barred). Text
Rigby v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corp., 794 S.E.2d 413 (Ga. Ct. App. 2016) (holding that no fiduciary relationship arose under North Carolina law between Georgia tobacco farmers and a North Carolina Tobacco cooperative). Text
Gold Kist, Inc. v. Moody, 575 S.E.2d 509 (Ga. Ct. App. 2002) (valuation of equity accounts). Text
Rushing v. Gold Kist Inc., 2002 WL 1363976 (Ga. Ct. App. June 25, 2002) (arbitration). Text
ILLINOIS
Richter v. Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., 53 N.E.3d 1 (Ill. 2016) (holding that farmers did not permissibly split claims against agricultural cooperative for shareholder remedies, misrepresentation, common-law fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty). Text
Richter v. Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., 34 N.E.3d 617 (Ill. Ct. App. 2015) (holding that Plaintiff’s action against the agricultural cooperative was not time-barred). Text
INDIANA
Keystone Coop., Inc. v. Frasch, 275 N.E.3d 902 (Ind. Ct. App. 2025) (venue transfer for cooperative’s claims of breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, civil conversion, and tortious interference with business relationships).
Forty Acre Coop. v. Delliquadri, 225 N.E.3d 175 (Ind. Ct. App. 2023) (service of process on co-op).
Farmers Elevator Co. of Oakville, Inc. v. Hamilton, 926 N.E.2d 68 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010) (breach of fiduciary duty claim). Text
IOWA
Heartland Co-op v. Nationwide Agribusiness Ins. Co., 18 N.W.3d 729 (Iowa 2025) (insurance coverage for derecho damage).
Wollesen v. Wixted, Inc., 998 N.W.2d 886 (Iowa Ct. App. 2023) (claims for defamation after an employee defrauded co-op employer).
KANSAS
Ihrig v. Frontier Equity Exch. Ass’n, 35 Kan. App. 2d 123 (Kan. Ct. App. 2006) (inspection of documents request). Text
In re Nat’l Coop. Refinery Ass’n, 273 Kan. 500 (Kan. 2002) (combined report method of allocating income). Text
Hall v. Kan. Farm Bureau, 50 P.3d 495 (Kan. 2002) (termination of officer). Text
LOUISIANA
Farmers Rice Milling Co. v. Harbor, No. 25-568, 2026 L.A. App. LEXIS 581 (La. App. 2026) (ground lease agreement between political subdivision and rice cooperative).
MICHIGAN
County of Mason v. Indian Summer Co-op, Inc., 2012 WL 3536789 (Mich. Ct. App.) (holding that cooperative was not exempt from obtaining a building permit before beginning construction of a warehouse and processing-plant addition).
Donaldson v. United States, 268 F. Supp. 2d 812 (E.D. Mich. 2003) (Cooperatives allowed within scope of grant applications). Text
MINNESOTA
Thomas Brule Trucking, LLC v. QTE By-Products, LLC, No. A25-1010, 2026 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 351 (Minn. Ct. App. 2026) (contract dispute to dispose of beet byproduct materials from a beet cooperative).
Johnson v. Paynesville Farmers Union Co-op. Oil Co., 817 N.W.2d 693 (Minn. 2012) (holding that drift of pesticides sold by Defendant cooperative did not constitute trespass). Text
MONTANA
Farmers Union Ass’n v. Paquin, 217 P.3d 74 (Mont. 2009) (tort claims and breach of contract claims against former manager of coop). Text
NEBRASKA
McCartney v. Zurcher, No. A-24-342, 2025 Neb. App. LEXIS 595 (Neb. Ct. App. 2025) (tractor accident injury with cooperative employee).
Farmers Cooperative v. State, 893 N.W.2d 728 (Neb. 2017) (holding that agricultural cooperatives failed to establish that they purchased depreciable repairs and parts that were eligible for a sales and use tax refund). Text
Lesiak v. Central Valley Ag. Co-op., Inc., 808 N.W.2d 67 (Neb. 2012) (holding that economic loss doctrine did not apply to bar farmers’ claim against farm cooperative for negligent application of herbicide). Text
NEW JERSEY
E. Dickerson & Son, Inc. v. Ernst & Young, LLP, 179 N.J. 500, 505, 846 A.2d 1237, 1240 (2004) (determining whether a business is an agricultural cooperative or corporation). Text
NEW YORK
Cornhusker Farms, Inc. v. Hunts Point Coop. Mkt., Inc., 769 N.Y.S.2d 228 (N.Y. App. Div. 2003) (merger clause, no-oral modification clause, constructional budget). Text
NORTH CAROLINA
Bailey v. Flue Cured Tobacco Coop. Stabilization Corp., 581 S.E.2d 811 (N.C. Ct. App. 2003) (exemption from antitrust laws). Text
Bailey v. Flue-Cured Tobacco Coop. Stabilization Corp., 2002 WL 31003721 (N.C. Super. Ct. 2002) (exemption from antitrust laws).
NORTH DAKOTA
Dixon v. McKenzie County Grazing Ass’n, 675 N.W.2d 414 (N.D. 2004) (change the rancher’s headquarters). Text
OHIO
DeVries Dairy, L.L.C. v. White Eagle Coop. Assn., Inc., 132 Ohio St. 3d 516 (2012) (breach of cooperative marketing agreement). Text
Meyer v. Minster Farmers Coop. Exch. Co., NO. 17-09-06, 2009 WL 29866971, 2009 -Ohio- 4933 (Ohio Ct. App. Sept. 21, 2009) (dismissal of counterclaim against elevator). Text
Dairy Farmers of Am., Inc. v. Wilkins, 101 Ohio St.3d 100 (2004) (subsidiary company and use taxes). Text
Harvest Land Co-Op, Inc. v. Hora, 2012-Ohio-5915 (cooperative accepted a promissory note forbearance of its rights to collect the amount due, owing, and unpaid on member’s account.
PENNSYLVANIA
Am. Mushroom Coop. v. Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP, 297 A.3d 703 (Pa. Super. 2023) (legal malpractice claim).
SOUTH CAROLINA
McMillan v. Gold Kist, Inc., 577 S.E.2d 482 (S.C. Ct. App. 2003) (arbitration clause). Text
SOUTH DAKOTA
Nelson v. Estate of Campbell, 987 N.W.2d 675 (S.D. 2023) (estate dispute in cooperative grazing association).
Veblen Dist. V. Multi-Community Co-op. Dairy, 813 N.W.2d 161 (S.D. 2012) (holding that minority shareholders of dairy cooperative failed to show that the majority shareholders engaged in wrongdoing). Text
Jorgensen Farms, Inc. v. Country Pride Corp., Inc. 824 N.W.2d 410 (S.D. 2012) (holding that cooperative did not have a duty to inspect trucks used by third party company to ship ammonium sulfate and later farm products). Text
Coop. Agronomy Servs. v. S.D. Dep’t of Revenue, 668 N.W.2d 718 (S.D. 2003) (sales tax assessment). Text
WASHINGTON
Brewster 9, LP v. Trout-Blue Chelan-Magi, LLC, No. 39507-3-III, 2024 Wash. App. LEXIS 1673 (Wash. Ct. App. 2024) (fiduciary duty between cooperative and member).
Nakata v. Blue Bird, Inc., No. 26434-3-III, 2008 WL 2623970 (Wash. Ct. App. July 3, 2008) (failure to distribute equity; right to inspect records; attorneys’ fees). Text
WISCONSIN
Wis. Dairy All. Inc. v. Wis. Dep’t of Nat. Res., 26 N.W.3d 788 (Wis. Ct. App. 2025) (cooperatives seeking to invalidate rules that regulate concentrated animal feedings operations and define agricultural storm water discharge).
Leach Farms, Inc. v. Valley Bakers Coop. Ass’n, No. 2007AP997, 2008 WL 2185438 (Wis. Ct. App. May 28, 2008) (insurance policy coverage of cooperative’s leased premises). Text
Shea v. Foremost Farms USA Co-op., 739 N.W.2d 491 (Wis. Ct. App. 2007) (dismissal of breach of contract suit). Text