CoBank customer Meeker Energy and its Vibrant Broadband service participated in CoBank's Sharing Success program nominating the Meeker County Agricultural Society for a matching contribution to upgrade its horse barn in 2025. Located on county fairgrounds and built in 1966, the barn serves the community as a long-standing, multi-use facility.
The barn welcomes members of 4-H and FFA during the county fair held each August. The fairgrounds also host wedding receptions, conferences, motorcycle rallies and training activities for dogs and horses. A group of 30 local volunteers run the fairgrounds and manage the barn year-round. “I would say the most beneficial thing the Ag Society provides is this: throughout the county, there are about 400 kids involved in 4-H, and they get to use the grounds whenever,” said Greg Nelson, president of Meeker County Agricultural Society.
The conditions of the barn felt dark, stuffy and antiquated in recent years, prompting the Ag Society to seek support. “When we heard a need that the Ag Society had for upgrading the electrical systems, lighting and ventilation in the horse barn, it seemed to fit perfectly with our mission. We want to give back to all of our members that we serve in this area,” said Luke Johnson, CEO and general manager at Meeker Energy and Vibrant Broadband, a wholly owned subsidiary. CoBank matched Meeker Energy's $6,000 contribution to do the electrical upgrades needed to install LED lighting and ventilation fans at the facility. These improvements make the horse barn more accessible, safer and healthier to use.
Visitors to the 2025 Meeker County fair were met with a more vibrant, inviting and better ventilated horse barn where future leaders could showcase their passion for animals and farming. “We were thrilled when Meeker Energy stepped up and said they were interested in doing this and helping us with this project. We thank them very much and appreciate their support through this, and CoBank as well for matching their grant,” said Nelson.
Providing electric distribution to about 8,000 members and broadband services to nearly 8,000 subscribers in six south central counties in Minnesota, Meeker Energy focuses on the cooperative value of concern for the community. “We're concerned about people's well-being,” Johnson said, “not only with the energy or the broadband that we deliver to them, but also by giving them the ability to expand and grow their businesses or the organizations that they are a part of.”
Meeker Energy invests in its community to create new opportunities for young people and promote the long-term prosperity of their rural communities. “If we can infuse dollars, whether it's with donations or expanding economic development and keeping jobs in these rural areas, those dollars help rural America thrive,” said Johnson.