Open for Business: 40 Square’s renewal season begins 40 Square Cooperative Solutions’ health plan model is one of a kind – and second to none. 40 Square is rooted in Minnesota’s proud farming tradition and remains the state’s only agricultural co-op focusing exclusively on providing farm families, agribusiness – and their employees – along with…
The wait was worth it. For the first time since 2019, 40 Square Cooperative Solutions held its in person Informational Meeting (because a quorum wasn’t reached, the board couldn’t hold an annual meeting) and its first in person board meeting since Amanda Beavens became executive director in July 2022. The meeting was held at the…
Agriculture is known as one of the most dangerous industries in America and abroad. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately two million full-time workers were employed in production agriculture in the US in 2018. About 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day. National Farm Safety and Health…
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are teaming up to offer conferences on Suicide Prevention for Rural Faith Leaders in Brainerd on September 27, 2022 and in Mankato on Sept, 29, 2022. Rural clergy and lay leaders of all faiths and denominations are welcome. “Suicide can be prevented, and…
40 Square Cooperative Solutions is pleased to announce that Amanda Beavens is joining the organization as its new executive director. “I’m honored to be part of the 40 Square team and continue Minnesota’s long tradition of supporting cooperatives,” Beavens said. “I’m eager to lead the growth of 40 Square as we take a new approach.…
Now, being a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association comes with an additional benefit. For years, members of Minnesota agricultural trade associations (ATAs) and cooperatives were unable to access health plans through 40 Square Cooperatives Solutions. Through advocacy efforts, that roadblock has been removed. Starting in summer 2022, members of MSGA can now join 40…
Sun safety 101 This May is Skin Cancer Awareness, and the team at 40 Square wants you to practice skin safety during these months when we all want to enjoy the outdoors. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer. To lower your skin cancer risk, protect…
Amidst a growing crisis, 40 Square Cooperative Solutions joins the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in urging that we all come “Together for Mental Health” — NAMI’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month in May — to fight stigma, raise awareness and advocate for a better mental health care system. While the COVID-19 pandemic is…
40 Square Cooperative Solutions is evolving with the times. The member-owned, member-governed organization is the first of its kind. 40 Square is Minnesota’s only agricultural co-op focusing exclusively on providing farm families, agribusinesses, qualified ag trade associations and cooperatives – and their employees – access to self-funded health plan options. Plan participants are eligible to…
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the establishment of a program under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to expand rural hospitals and providers’ access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing and supplies, while helping rural health care providers stay financially solvent in the long-term. The initial awards of the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants total $43 million…