Jeff Troike

A native of North Judson, and a 1982 Purdue University graduate in animal sciences, Troike has spent his career shaping the cooperative landscape. His journey began in 1986 when he took on the role of general manager at West Central Indiana Co-op. Through strategic leadership and a keen eye for industry trends, he played a pivotal role in the wave of consolidation that reshaped the agricultural retail channel.

In 2017, he became president and CEO of Ceres Solutions Cooperative, one of the Midwest’s largest cooperatives, serving over 60,000 customers across agronomy, energy, and feed. Troike’s leadership culminated in the historic 2024 merger of Ceres Solutions and Co-Alliance, forming Keystone Cooperative. In his current role as executive vice president, he has continued to influence policy and strategic initiatives to benefit cooperative members and the broader agricultural industry.

“Jeff’s strategic vision and dedication to the cooperative system have left an incredible mark on the agriculture industry,” said Kevin Still, Keystone president and CEO. “For over three decades, I have had the privilege of working in agriculture and energy with Jeff, witnessing firsthand his ability to navigate industry challenges with a forward-thinking mindset and an unwavering focus on the success of our farmer-members. His impact will be felt for years to come.” (Still was a previous manager of the former Pulaski County Farm Bureau Co-op which subsequently became a part of several mergers.)

Troike’s impact extends beyond Keystone, with leadership roles on the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives board and Land O’Lakes board since 2010.

“Jeff’s leadership has always been guided by a deep commitment to the farmer-members he served. His ability to listen, innovate, and lead with integrity has strengthened not only Keystone Cooperative but also the cooperative system as a whole,” remarked Rick Brubaker, Keystone director. “Jeff has never lost sight of what matters most—helping farmers succeed.”

In 2016, Troike was honored with Purdue University’s Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award for his significant contributions to the industry. In 2025, he was awarded the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association’s highest honor—the Certificate of Distinction—which is presented each year to those who have contributed to agriculture, forestry or natural resources through career accomplishments, organizational involvement, community service and other activities.

“Jeff has been instrumental in the formation of Keystone Cooperative, and he always keeps the needs of our farmer-members and employees at the forefront,” remarked Bill Peters, Keystone board chairman. “Beyond the business itself, Jeff has built a culture where both farmers and employees can thrive—one rooted in integrity, service, and a relentless commitment to success. His impact will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of the board, I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

 

Keystone Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned supply and marketing operation delivering innovative solutions for farmer-members and customers across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan specializing in agronomy, propane, fuels, grain, seed, hog production and feed. The customer-focused company strives to deliver on its collective mission to lead with people and innovation, serve customers and local communities, grow profitably with intent, and embrace our cooperative advantage.

  
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Local News Briefs

Burn Ban issued for Pulaski County

A burn ban was issued early Friday afternoon for Pulaski County until further notice.

Eleven Indiana counties are currently reporting active burn bans, including neighboring Starke and White counties. For updated information visit https://www.in.gov/ai/dhs/burnban.pdf

Next Mobile Food Pantry visit March 21

LAFAYETTE - Food Finders Food Bank Mobile Pantry will distribute food, including fresh produce, an assortment of frozen items, essential non-perishable items, and breads to people in need in the Pulaski County area Friday, March 21.

The event will be held at 11 a.m., at the Star City United Methodist Church. This program is available to those in need of food assistance and who meet income guidelines.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours March 24

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County March 24, in Winamac.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in February to assist constituents with casework questions.

'Traditions!' Broadway favorite 'Fiddler on the Roof' returns to Winamac stage April 4-6

 WINAMAC - The Tony award-winning, Broadway favorite Fiddler on the Roof will return to the Winamac Community High School stage the weekend of April 4-6

The school’s drama department will present the classic musical which follows the story of Tevye, a Jewish peasant in pre-revolutionary Russia in the early 1900s. The dairyman father struggles to maintain his traditional values while attempting to marry off three of his daughters who have modern romantic ideals - all while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.

PCPL lists March activities, programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for March. The include free trees for Earth Week, an adult refrigerator magnet craft, and kids’ “spring break bingo.”

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

  

Indiana News

Update: Avian Influenza continues to affect wild birds across Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (March 3) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds throughout Indiana and has currently detected the H5NI virus in 30 counties.

HPAI is also suspected in an additional 32 counties based on reports involving the deaths of raptors, cranes, and waterfowl. Thirteen affected birds have been reported in Pulaski County, with significantly high cases found in neighboring Starke and Jasper counties.

Young receives subcommittee chairmanships, assignments

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 3) – U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) has announced his two subcommittee chairmanships and five additional subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress.

Yakym concludes Indiana Innovation Tour

WARSAW (Feb. 21) - Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) concluded his Indiana Innovation Tour Friday, which included stops across the second district.

At each stop, Yakym talked with Hoosiers about a wide range of issues important to them, including regulations, taxes, jobs, the economy, a secure southern border, government efficiency and more.

Rep. Culp to serve on U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently appointed State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) as a member of its Local Government Advisory Committee.

Culp said there are numerous advisory committees with the purpose to help the president and executive branch better understand key topics. The main job of the committee is to tackle critical problems by working with the different governing bodies to develop common sense, long-lasting solutions.

Indiana COVID-19 News

Respiratory illnesses on downward trend in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported March 5 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 331 statewide from Feb. 19-25, down 57from its previous weekly report. There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, and one (reported) COVID death.

In addition, the CDC reported Feb. 26, that the state's level of respiratory illness activity is "high" for the week ending Feb. 22 - an improvement from "very high" earlier in the month.

  

Post News

New partnership to address mental health, substance use issues in Pulaski County

WINAMAC (March 6) – The newly-appointed State Court Behavioral Health administrator has connected with the Pulaski County Community Navigator program to more fully address mental health and substance use issues in the county.

The new state administrator, Brittany Kelly, is working to gain insight on the county’s Navigator program, located in the superior court, which provides connection services to county residents for a variety of needs/issues.

Keystone’s Troike to retire after 43 years in Co-Op system

INDIANAPOLIS – After a 43-year career in the cooperative system, Keystone Cooperative executive vice president Jeff Troike has announced his retirement which will officially take effect Aug.31.

A steadfast advocate for agriculture and a visionary leader in agribusiness, Troike leaves behind a legacy of innovation, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to farmer-members.

Suspect in custody, but police seek info on possible additional burglaries

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s office reports an arrest was made Wednesday (March 5) in Kentucky of a 48-year-old Louisiana man in connection to a residential burglary early last month north of Winamac.

Sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Seth Barton said the Feb. 8 incident involved a male subject allegedly impersonating a utility company representative who stole a large sum of money from the elderly resident and then fled the area.

Pulaski County Republican, Democrat parties choose officers

Pulaski County’s Republican and Democrat political parties held their reorganizational meetings Saturday (March 1), as required by rules determined by each organization.

Ken Boswell will become the new chairperson of the county’s Republican party, while Doug Denton will continue as chairperson of the Democrat party; both for four-year terms.

Alliance Bank provides tips to protect against check fraud

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has joined forces with the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on an initiative to help clients protect themselves from the growing threat of check fraud.

In support of this initiative, Alliance Bank offers educational materials and personal guidance to ensure customers have the tools they need to safeguard their financial assets and respond if they experience check fraud.