First Cooperative Association (FCA) builds on a proud heritage of agriculture cooperatives in northwest Iowa. FCA was formed ... in 1997 when four cooperatives unified, including the Farmers Cooperative Association based in Marathon, Agland Coop at Alta, Farmers Cooperative at Aurelia, and Farmers Cooperative in Cleghorn. The “First” in our name reflects a unique legacy that’s tied to the Farmers Cooperative Elevator of Marcus, which became part of FCA in 1997. Recognized as the oldest continuous active cooperative elevator in the nation, the Farmers Cooperative Elevator of Marcus was incorporated on December 12, 1887. This cooperative was formed by 161 grain farmers who invested $20 apiece. Their investment helped build a wooden elevator to handle the wheat, oats, barley, and flax that were grown in the area at the time. read more