A hacking group with ties to Russia launched a ransomware attack on Fort Dodge-based NEW Cooperative’s computer systems in mid-September, reportedly de­manding $5.9 million to unlock the company’s files.

A separate cyberattack infected computer systems at Crystal Valley Cooperative in southern Minnesota, leaving the co-op un­­able to mix fertilizer or fulfill orders for livestock feed.

NEW Cooperative said in a statement that it took its computer systems offline to contain the attack and was working with data security experts to investigate and remedy ...