Abstract: The article discusses the results of a study design to define the role of agricultural cooperatives to form the nucleus for a transportation company that would integrate the usage of all modes. An overview on the role of agricultural cooperatives in rural regions is provided. The authors explain the concept of a transportation company which would organize, control and operate a transportation system. They use Iowa as an example to illustrate the export of grains from the state along two major routes. In conclusion, the authors claim that problems of reduced transportation cost and higher quality of service and commodity will continue to affect the agri-business firms involved in grain movements.

　　Subject Terms: AGRICULTURE Cooperative; COOPERATIVE societies; TRANSPORTATION; GRAIN trade; AGRICULTURE; AGRICULTURAL industries; EXPORTS; FOOD industry & trade