There was a net decline of 52 U.S. dairy cooperatives between 1992 and 2000. Eightyfour cooperatives went out of existence via dissolution, merger, acquisition, or by reducing dairy to a minor share in their operations. During this same period, 32 new dairy cooperatives were formed, either by new groups of producers or by consolidation of existing cooperatives. Structure of the dairy cooperatives sector headed in two divergent directions. Some cooperatives became more vertically integrated (engaging in further manufacturing and processing, differentiating their products and strengthening ties in the marketing chain). In contrast, others focused their operations on bargaining only.