Enhanced content Photos by 4-H and FFA members The Cooperator offers new distribution option

Beginning with this issue of The Cooperator, we are excited to offer an enhanced digital copy of the publication sent directly to your email address. It's very simple. All you will have to do is provide a valid email address and agree to our terms of delivery. There is no extra charge for this service.

A digital version of The Cooperator in a page-flip format is already available on the Co-op website at www.ourcoop.com. However, that version does not allow us to utilize SEO — search engine optimization — tools that allow us to effectively drive traffic to our website and gather analytics to monitor the effectiveness of content. We hope to use these tools to help us tailor content that will better appeal to our readers.

This enhanced approach will allow us to build a larger audience of potential customers and encourage them to learn more about Co-op and what we offer. We’ll be able to share more pictures from stories and, in some cases, videos that we believe you will enjoy.

This does not mean we are discontinuing our printed magazine which is so important to our customers. We recognize that many of our readers still prefer to receive a printed copy. However, other customers are eager to access information via phone and computer. Print and electronic delivery will help us better serve a greater portion of our audience.

The Cooperator has been the voice of Co-op, connecting our community of farmers, customers, employees, and the agriculture industry, since its inception in May 1959. We hope that each issue is informative, fun to read, and reminds you of your relationship with your local Co-op when it arrives in the mail each month. You can sign up for email delivery as an option at this link: tinyurl.com/thecooperatordigital.

We hope to add new features and additional content in the coming months as we gather information about your preferences and explore the capabilities this platform will offer. We look forward to continuing to share the stories of our Co-op community.

Story by Glen Liford,

Contact gliford@ourcoop.com