CCF: Farmers first – always – through the power of co‑operation

Founded in 1904 by a group of farmers looking to reduce costs by buying together, Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers (CCF) was built on one simple idea: collective strength delivers better value. 

More than a century later, that ethos still shapes everything the organisation does – pooling supplies, buying power and expertise to provide products and services that support its members to do what they do best: farming. 

CCF currently supports some 3,900 active members in Wales across a network of 19 retail branches, employing around 180 staff, some of which have up to 60 years’ service – a loyalty that’s testament to an organisation living its co‑operative values. 

Their branches supply everything a farmer might need – from feed and fertiliser to fuel and everyday essentials – with a focus on being within reasonable travel distance of the farms it serves.

“We try to make sure there’s always a branch nearby,” said Chief Financial Officer Andrew Williams. “And recently we’ve expanded further east with a new site, helping us reach even more members.”

It’s a business that’s committed to delivering value through economies of scale. From blending animal feed centrally to negotiating fertiliser purchases collectively, CCF helps members reduce costs and improve productivity. “By doing things together, we can deliver it more efficiently and cost effectively,” Andrew said.  

That responsiveness to its members’ needs has driven the co‑operative’s growth over time. Services have evolved alongside changes in farming, with a delivery fleet, technical support and custom feed blending all developed in response to demand. “As businesses change, we change.”

But what sets CCF apart is how it operates. As a co‑operative, profits are reinvested or returned directly to members. “Sixty percent of our profits go back as a dividend,” Andrew said. “Thirty percent is retained for future investment and 10 percent is shared with employees.”

This model also shapes decision‑making. “First and foremost, we want the best value for our members and customers. That’s a different ethos to sole traders and PLCs where shareholders come first.”

Transparency is a key part of that relationship. For example, legislation allows the nutritional value of animal feed to deviate 5‑10% from the declared amount on the label. Customers buying Centenary feed from one of CCF's outlets, however, will always know what they are getting with 100% accuracy.  

“We’re completely open about what’s in our feed,” Andrew explained. “It’s the farmers’ businesses – they have a right to know exactly what they’re buying.”

Beyond business, CCF plays an important role in rural communities. Its branches are not just retail spaces, but social hubs. “You see the same farmers coming in each week,” said Andrew. “It’s part of the community.”

That strong connection to members has driven recent investment – the opening of a new branch in Carmarthen. The decision was made through CCF’s democratic structure, with elected farmer directors approving the investment on behalf of the membership. 

Early feedback has been positive. “Because it’s situated close to a market where farmers buy and sell livestock, it’s made their lives easier. They can buy livestock ear tags, trade animals and pick up supplies on the same day, all in one journey.”

Alongside physical expansion, CCF has launched a new subsidiary, Amaeth‑i, to support members facing increasing regulatory pressures. This advisory service provides technical expertise on issues such as environmental compliance and land management.

Amaeth‑i is already developing further, helping farmers explore new technologies and improve efficiency. “It’s about making that expertise accessible and adding value to our members,” Andrew added.

For CCF, these developments are a continuation of a long‑standing approach: listening to members and adapting to meet their needs. “Everything we do is driven by our members,” Andrew said. “We’re always looking at how we can support them better.”

From its origins in a rented shed by a railway depot to a modern, multi‑service agricultural co‑operative, CCF remains rooted in its founding principle: working together makes us stronger. 

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