(KNZA)--Stockholders of Hiawatha-based Ag Partners Cooperative and Seneca-based Nemaha County Cooperative Association voted Thursday on a proposed merger, and according to representatives close to the coops, the merger is approved.

The voting happened at separate meetings at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha and Corning Community Center in Corning.

A two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at each meeting was required to pass the unification.

Now that it's approved, the merger becomes effective September 1st.

The new consolidated company will be known as Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc. and the corporate office will be located in Seneca.

The new unified cooperative will be overseen by a 14 member board consisting of seven current members from each cooperative.

The board of directors of both cooperatives agreed unanimously in May to pursue the merger, citing economic dynamics, pressures and competition.

The boards say the merger will strengthen both companies and provide a more efficient utilization of assets.