Q&A with Dean Snyder of the MFA Oil Board of Directors

June 21, 2024

Written By Dean Snyder

Dean Snyder is a lifelong farmer from Hamilton, Mo., in Caldwell County. He has been a delegate for the MFA Oil bulk plant in Hamilton for many years, ensuring it provides excellent service to members. He was elected to the MFA Oil Board of Directors in 2024.

Q: How would you describe yourself and your farming operation?

A: Agriculture has been important to several generations of my family. I grew up on my family’s farm in Caldwell County, and farming is a lifestyle I’ve been proud to grow up with and continue to promote. Fortunately, the opportunity came after high school, and I’ve been blessed to be able to farm ever since. We are a family-operated farm. My wife, Nancy, helps in daily operations and bookkeeping. Our son, Creston, and his family farm with us full-time. Our daughters, Kari and Emily, have careers off the farm but help on the farm when they can.

We raise soybeans, corn, hay and a cow-calf commercial herd. We had the opportunity to acquire my wife’s childhood home and farm, keeping it in our family and ensuring it became a Century Farm.

I enjoy supporting family, church, community, and agricultural events and organizations. I currently serve as president of the Hamilton Lions Club, president of the Hamilton Fire Protection Board, trustee for Kingston Township and treasurer at Kendall Chapel. I’ve been involved with MFA Oil and MFA Incorporated for many years, serving as a delegate and on advisory boards.

Q: You were elected to the Board of Directors in February. How do you view your new role and responsibilities?

A: My main responsibility is to be a voice for the farmers and delegates in my district, work with other board members and represent my district’s interests to the executive team. As we look to the future needs of the cooperative, it’s important to consider what will be needed to keep it successful now and 20 to 40 years down the road.

I am committed to doing my best for everyone in the organization. Whether that be promoting the cooperative and its values, getting to know the delegates, or supporting our employees, I will do whatever I can to ensure my obligations as a director are met.

Q: What motivated you to serve on the MFA Oil Board of Directors?

A: Serving on the MFA Oil Board of Directors is something I have wanted to do for several years. MFA Oil has had good leadership over the years, and I will work to continue its success.

I value the cooperative model, and I enjoy working together with positive, motivated people to help grow the business. I like the fact that our members can voice their ideas and be heard.

I appreciate that MFA Oil and its employees give back to the communities it serves through scholarships and grants. I also like how the co-op’s business generates significant tax revenue for our local communities while the patronage returns we share with our farmer-members help contribute to the local economy.

Q: MFA Oil has served the needs of its members for nearly 100 years. Why do you believe the cooperative remains an essential service for its farmer-owners?

A: MFA Oil is known for providing top-notch products, which have been essential for building a strong company reputation. Delivering high-quality products and services is a win-win for the company and its member-owners because it builds trust and loyalty. In many farm families, the long-term relationships MFA Oil has built with its members have been passed down from generation to generation.

The need for dependable suppliers is as important now as ever. As we prepare for the next generation of agriculturalists, MFA Oil is working to ensure young farmers know of the quality products and services it provides and the benefits of cooperative membership. The company hosts the Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Conference to gather feedback about the needs and expectations of younger producers. It also encourages young farmers to get involved in cooperative governance as delegates. Building on these relationships is key to maintaining the cooperative’s role as an essential service provider.

Q: What have you learned in your time on the board that you weren’t aware of before your election?

A: From my time on the board, I have learned several things. I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the dedication of the co-op’s employees, who work hard to provide the best results for the company. The teamwork among the employees— from our local field staff to the executives—is crucial for the continued success of the cooperative.

I have been impressed by the vast knowledge base that the Board of Directors shares collectively. We all bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The board strongly desires to keep the cooperative moving forward, and we know that by looking for long-term investments, the business will continue to grow and serve future generations.

I am also learning how diversified MFA Oil is, not only as a fuel supplier but also through its non-member investments in Big O Tires, Break Time, BluSphere Energy and other opportunities to build a solid, well-rounded company.