Co-op Corner: Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Faunsdale

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF EF-1 TORNADO

BY JESSIE SHOOK

In March of 2022, Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative of Faunsdale, Alabama, was tragically hit by an EF-1 tornado. The Co-op sustained damage to the warehouse walls, fertilizer house roof, sign, and garage doors. “I didn’t think there was any way we would salvage any of it,” said Bryan Monk, Faunsdale location manager.

Shown here are some of the aftereffects from the devastation that took place at Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

The Faunsdale location is a one-stop shop for many farmers in the area and is one of the largest bulk feed dealers in the state. The continuation of this store has been vital to the community and agriculture in this region. “It is critical that this operation runs because this is a rural part of the state where agriculture is very important,” explained Tim Wood, General Manager of Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative. “We need a source of fertilizer, feed, seed and chemicals.”

The Co-op replaced their 50-foot scale with a new 70-foot scale.

Management and the board of directors reinvested nearly half a million dollars into repairing the damage and making improvements to the Co-op. They upgraded from a smaller, outdated, 50-foot scale to a new 70-foot scale. They also replaced the air-conditioning units, added new roofing and paint, and updated the garden center. About $15,000 worth of work was invested in fertilizer blender equipment which has allowed the Co-op to increase capacity. “We have numerous farmers and large farms in this area, and a lot of cattle. We’re just glad to be back and improved bigger and better than ever for our local farmers,” Monk said.

Faunsdale City Council Member Robert McKee, General Manager Tim Wood, AFC Honorary Director Sam Givhan, Faunsdale Mayor George Kelley and Location Manager Bryan Monk stand in front of the new doors of Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Faunsdale.

Faunsdale Mayor George Kelley described how the recommitment of funds back to the Faunsdale store was important to the whole community. “The tornado was a very, very troubling thing because it involved every business in Faunsdale and in 15 minutes, the town of Faunsdale was shut down and we’ve come back good from it. I think the businesses are better than they ever were,” he said.

The Co-op also has more room for storage, which helps fulfill the needs of their customers.

March 2023 was the one-year anniversary of the tornado. Because of the repair and remodel, the location received a huge improvement in its appearance and functionality. They have come back stronger and ready to fulfill the needs of their customers. “The improved parking, and lawn and garden area has opened our company up to new clientele. With the storage yard size increase, we are able to purchase larger quantities of items to ensure that we have what our patrons need.” Wood explained. “The overall appearance is something that the community can feel proud of.”

The Co-op garden center has expanded and improved after the remodel.