Delta Growers Association, a cooperative of about 280 growers in Mississippi, Scott and New Madrid counties, and Cargill Inc., a giant grain marketer, processor and distributor of agricultural, food, financial and industrial products, have announced a proposal to form a 50-50 venture that would combine to two groups assets in Southeast Missouri.

Delta Growers will schedule a series of meetings the next two months to answer questions about the proposal before members are asked to vote.

Cargill of Minneapolis has grain facilities at Bell City, Buffalo Island, Sikeston and Dexter in Southeast Missouri. The company also has fertilizer and fuel facilities in New Madrid, Charleston, East Prairie, Kewanee, Matthews and a fertilizer storage facility at Cairo, Ill.

The proposed join venture is subject to appropriate governmental approvals.