INVER GROVE HEIGHTS (LEARFIELD) — Minnesota-based C-H-S, the nation’s highest-grossing ag cooperative, is paying out one billion dollars to its members — four times last year’s number and by far the largest annual payout in its history.

C-H-S says it reflects a windfall the cooperative received as farmers in much of the U-S saw a large jump in their income, fueled by the war in Ukraine and surging global demand for food and fuel — another area where C-H-S has significant operations.

C-H-S member-owners will receive 500 million dollars in cash over the coming year, with a like amount to be distributed in equity redemptions.