Sustaining Sponsor Spotlight: United Producers, Inc.
The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is pleased to feature our Sustaining Sponsors in the 2025 Spotlight Series. This week, the focus is on Bronze Sponsor: United Producers, Inc.
Location (Main Headquarters): Columbus, OH
Year started: 1932
Number of employees: Approximately 130 Full-Time, 235 Part-Time
Number of facilities: 17 Auction Facilities, 10 Collection Points (27 total facilities)
Type of services offered: Livestock Marketing, Risk Management and Credit Services
Company history: In its current state, United Producers, Inc. took shape in 1999 through the consolidation in operations of Producers Livestock Association (Ohio/Indiana) and MFA Livestock (Missouri). Over the next two years, UPI brought into its operations the Interstate Producers Livestock Association (Illinois) and the Michigan Livestock Exchange (Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky). In 2020, UPI assumed operations of Tennessee Livestock Producers from the Tennessee Farm Bureau. Through our original identities, we have provided livestock services to our farmer members for over 70 years.
How has your company changed over the years? UPI has worked to incorporate video and internet sales to provide more service and convenience to our customers. In 2024, UPI invested in the startup company LiveAg , an online marketplace specializing in the sale of livestock and agricultural equipment. Within the last three years, UPI purchased a new facility in Harned, KY and is working to strategically upgrade other facilities. Through our risk management department, we have placed emphasis on helping members understand how to minimize risk and protect themselves against market volatility. Finally, we offer a full range of credit solutions to our members, and are some of the foremost experts in fully understanding the uniqueness and nuisances of livestock lending.
How do you see your company growing in the future? The livestock industry continues to change rapidly. All segments, including cattle, are consolidating. UPI’s focus has evolved to include; traceability, risk mitigation, value creation through special programs, better data/technology usage, customer experience, etc. UPI’s future will continue to not only be rooted in these aspects, but others as they mature.
Interesting tidbits about your business: UPI is a farmer-member-owned and operated cooperative with a passion for the agricultural industry. We handle approximately 3 million head of livestock annually and generate over $1 billion in sales.
How has OABA helped your business or the agribusiness industry? OABA has a vital role to serve in our industry / business. This service comes through lobbying, representing the industry at the State House and in DC, providing leadership/mentoring opportunities for employees, and connectivity to the industry.
Anything else you would like to share:
Our Mission: United Producers, Inc. provides livestock marketing solutions that assure a prosperous future for the cooperative, our members and end-users.
Our Vision: To be the leading provider of livestock marketing solutions, credit and related services.
Interested in becoming a Sustaining Sponsor?
Click here to learn more about the program or contact Lauren Prettyman at lprettyman@oaba.net. Sustaining sponsors will automatically be promoted as such at all OABA events and will not be approached for sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Note that because the OABA Educational Trust is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, sponsorships related to this trust are separate from OABA.