About 336 eligible patrons of CHS Grand Meadow will share in the distribution of $440,000 in cash patronage and equity redemptions during 2011 based on business they’ve conducted with the company.

“We’re extremely proud that we can provide this tremendous return to our customers and owners,” said Paul Stier, general manager. “This ability to provide a return on their investment, as well as reinvest in the future of a business they own, is one of real advantages of being associated with a cooperative like CHS Grand Meadow on the local level, as well as with the larger CHS Inc. system.”

CHS Grand Meadow is a locally controlled division of CHS, an energy, grains and foods cooperative.

During 2011, CHS Grand Meadow will allocate a total $1.2 million in patronage dividends to its eligible customers based on business done from Sept. 1, 2009 through Aug. 31, 2010, of which $440,000 is being paid out in cash.

Patronage is based on business done with CHS during fiscal 2010, while equity redemptions represent retirement of ownership in CHS earned in past years.

Individuals who have reached age 70 and representatives of the estates of deceased members are encouraged to contact Stier and request redemption of their equity. Upon board approval, CHS makes equity redemptions to eligible individual direct members throughout the year, based on attaining age 70 or estate retirements, but potentially eligible individuals must initiate contact.