Plains Talk Winter 2014

PLAINS
DAKOTA PLAINS COOPERATIVE
talk
KEN’S
CORNER
Page 2
STROLLER SOYBEAN
RESEARCH
Page 12
WINTER 2015
Roots
You know the importance of deep, healthy roots. For years, maybe even
generations, your operation has supported your family and community.
Ours are strong, too. For more than 110 years, we’ve worked hand in hand
with producers to grow crops, farms and profitability in rural North Dakota
Because we value what you value.
Let’s keep our way of life going strong.
contents
02
Ken’s Corner
Ken Astrup, General Manager
04
Gary Wieck, Crop Nutrients Manager
08
Winter Safety Tips for Walking on
Snow & Ice
Casey Wieck, Safety & Compliance Officer
09
Providing Proper Mineral Nutrition
Marie Harris, Livestock Nutriton & Feed Sales
10
Seasons Greetings from the Valley City Store
A Changing Fertilizer Landscape
12
Stroller Soybean Research
Kevin Dockter, Sales Agronomist
14
Feeding Minerals
Dan Fairfield, Feed/Livestock Sales Manager
16
Cenex Automated Fuel Delivery
20
Santa Days!
02
12
ADVERTISERS
First State Bank of North Dakota
14
Dacotah Bank
Common Sense Manufacturing, Inc.
Winfield®
Grotberg Electric Inc.
Cenex®
A Division of CHS, Inc.
16
Plains Talk is published by Results Unlimited Marketing & Advertising for Dakota Plains
Cooperative. For advertising information, please contact Emily Allen at 866.419.3414.
Graphics by Results Unlimited. Visit www.results-unlimited.com.
OUR LOCATIONS
Englevale: 701-973-5854 • Forman: 701-724-3238 • Gwinner: 701-678-2416 | 800-782-3938 • LaMoure Fertilizer Plant: 701-883-5108
Lidgerwood C-Store: 701-538-4586 • Lisbon: 701-683-4183 | 888-628-4183 • Lisbon Agronomy: 701-683-2375 | 701-683-238
Litchville C-Store: 701-762-4251 | 888-444-4251 • Litchville Fertilizer Plant: 701-762-4251 • Milnor Fertilizer Plant: 701-427-5233 | 701-427-5216
Milnor Main Office: 701-427-5233 | 701-427-5216 • Oakes Feeds: 701-742-3081 • Valley City Main Station: 701-845-0812 | 800-288-7922
Valley City Garden Shop: 701-845-1174 • Valley City C-Store: 701-845-0107 • Wyndmere C-Store: 701-439-2263 | 701-439-2264
1
KEN ASTRUP | GENERAL MANAGER
KEN ASTRUP
Ken’s Corn
AS YOU ALREADY KNOW, I ALWAYS STRUGGLE TO DECIDE WHAT I WANT TO WRITE FOR MY
worse, this time, I had to write the column twice! I did the first column a couple of weeks ago
going to review it and then send it. What I didn’t count on was that my computer was going t
to submit it. So, I get to do it again.
This is my favorite time of the year. I love the sights
and sounds of Christmas. The music and decorations
always seem to put most people in a good mood. I like
that most people seem friendlier. There are always a few
“Grinchs”, but I try to avoid them.
they are thankful for. I am thankful for a variety of
things: family, fair health, friends, GREAT employees,
good customers, growth and profitability.
It is also a time to think about next year - what we
think might happen, what we hope to happen and what
“HOW DO WE BUILD ON THE MOMENTUM THAT WE STARTED THIS YEAR
WITH OUR EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND EMPLOYEES?
IT IS AN ONGOING PROCESS THAT WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON.”
If you have been around the co-op in Valley City, you
will have noticed all the decorations. We put them up for
Santa Day and keep them up for a couple of weeks.
There are pictures of the day on page 22. Over 200 kids
had their picture taken with Santa and received a toy out
of the toy box. There were even elves and ‘Olaf’ helping
customers during the day.
This season is traditionally a time when family and
friends get together to celebrate and think about what
2
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
we are going to do to try and make things happen.
How do we build on the momentum that we started
this year with our equipment, facilities, products,
services and employees? It is an ongoing process that
we spend a lot of time on.
This year we did something a little different at the
annual meeting. For the past few years, we have worked
with the Land O’Lakes Foundation to award grants to
organizations in our trade area that truly make a
KEN ASTRUP | GENERAL MANAGER
erinter ate
w
upd
Y COLUMN. TO MAKE MATTERS
and then didn’t submit it, figuring I was
to lock up and make it impossible for me
difference in peoples’ lives. With the help of the
Foundation, Dakota Plains donated over $100,000 to
groups and individuals during 2014. We contributed to
people suffering from cancer and other diseases.
Donations were also paid to people that suffered
disasters. We had the recipients of the major grants
come to the annual meeting to receive their checks.
Our major contributions this year went to: the Milnor
Community to assist them in building their daycare,
Jefferson Elementary in Valley City to assist with a STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) project, the
ND FFA Foundation to assist them in their leadership
development efforts, Valley City State University to
assist with scholarships, Cowboy Up for Cancer, ND
Special Olympics, Great Plains Food Bank, The Salvation
Army, United Way and the Red Cross.
As you read this, I hope all of you have enjoyed a
merry and blessed Christmas and I hope you all have a
very happy, prosperous and GREAT New Year!
WITH THE HELP OF
THE LOL FOUNDATION,
DAKOTA PLAINS
DONATED OVER
$100,000
TO GROUPS
AND INDIVIDUALS
DURING 2014.
3
GARY WIECK | CROP NUTRIENTS MANAGER
A CHANGING
FERTILIZER
LANDSCAPE
NEW
PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS
SMART
NITROGEN
GARY WIECK
I
coated
The soil is sampled and sent to a
see many articles in the press
nitrogen that delays the release of
laboratory where it is analyzed to
that
fertilizer
the nutrient until the plant demand
determine the soils nutrient content
contaminating our environment and
is there to take it in. Nitrogen is not
and its ability to supply nutrients to
the
some
exposed to the elements to allow it
the plant. Then the lab recommends
fertilizer. What we do not see is
to leach into the ground water or
proper
enough information about what the
release into the atmosphere.
avoid over applying fertilizer.
NITROGEN
STABILIZERS
THE 4R
CONCEPT
These products hold the nitrogen
This is a new concept that has been
in a form that does not release or
introduced by the fertilizer industry
move with moisture.
that will help the grower better
Consists
talk
dangers
about
surrounding
Agricultural Industry is doing to
address these issues.
Smart nitrogen, nitrogen stabilizers,
precision agriculture, soil sampling
and the 4R fertilizer concept are
products and initiatives that are
becoming a bigger part of farming
every year.
of
a
polymer
SOIL
SAMPLING
manage
PRECISION
AGRICULTURE
Consists
of
a
polymer
and
to
fertilizer
Source, Right Time, Right Rate and
coated
Right Placement. All of these can
nitrogen that delays the release of
affect fertilizer efficiency and crop
the nutrient until the plant demand
production.
exposed to the elements to allow it
to leach into the ground water or
release into the atmosphere.
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
fertilizer
applications
application. 4R stands for Right
is there to take it in. Nitrogen is not
4
fertilizer
GARY WIECK | CROP NUTRIENTS MANAGER
“I THINK IT
WILL HELP
US ALL BETTER
UNDERSTAND
PLANT NUTRITION
AND COME AWAY
WITH A NEW
APPRECIATION
FOR THE FOOD
WE EAT AND
THE FERTILIZER
REQUIRED TO
GROW IT.”
The agriculture industry and CHS Dakota Plains
people produce so much food, to feed so many, at such
are engaged with all of these products and concepts.
reasonable prices.” This is a reminder of how efficient
If we will indeed need to feed the ever growing
and
population in the world, we need to develop new
President Kennedy once said, “Our farmers deserve
products
talented
we
are
in
production
agriculture.
fertilizer
praise, not condemnation; and their efficiency should be
applications. These concepts will continue to increase
cause for gratitude, not something for which they are
yields and still protect our environment. Fertilizer is
penalized.” These quotes sum up the attitude we
directly responsible for 60% of the crop’s yield. As
should all share toward the Agriculture Industry. We
your local CHS Dakota Plains Agronomist calls on you
should give thanks every day that we continue to have
to talk about plant nutrition, be willing to have the
full shelves in our grocery stores.
discussion about these products and concepts. If you
have questions, please call your CHS Dakota Plains
State University that addresses the need for fertilizer
representative.
much better than I can. Please read the article. I think
In a message from NDFU President Mark Watne,
it will help us all better understand plant nutrition and
he shared some quotes that bear repeating: President
come away with a new appreciation for the food we eat
Eisenhower once said, “In no other country do so few
and the fertilizer required to grow it.
and
concepts
to
manage
I came across the following article from Washington
CONTINED ON PAGE 6.
5
GARY WIECK | CROP NUTRIENTS MANAGER
CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 5.
Agriculture
&
REQUIRES FERTILIZER INPUTS thats’
good
ARTICLE BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
ON A BROWN, AUGUST-DRY FIELD IN EASTERN WASHINGTON,
a farmer in a combine cuts a 24- foot swath across a field of wheat. The harvested grain
then begins a journey, first to the storage bin, then to the local elevator, on rail to a flour
mill, by truck to a bakery, by oven to bread and by car to a home where it is eaten.
This is good; our foremost mandate to agriculture is
to produce food. However, with this successful export of
food from farm fields to nearby and distant cities comes
a problem: the nutrients in the bread, the nutrients that
we need from food and that plants need to grow, are now
far from the field they came from. How do we replace
them?
High yields, which we want, increase the problem. A
typical irrigated winter wheat field will yield 140 bushels
per acre; about 5,600 loaves of bread. For a center pivot
circle of 100 acres, the nutrients in those loaves amount
to 182 pounds of N, 70 pounds of P2O5, 49 pounds of
K2O and smaller amounts of other essential nutrients
that do not have to be replaced every year. All this ends
up somewhere else (in people’s bodies or in sewage
treatment plants); it will not be returned to the field.
If we want agriculture to continue producing food,
then replacement nutrients must be physically hauled to
the field. With the possible exception of nitrogen,
discussed below, farmers must then apply fertilizers,
either synthetic or organic, to the field.
Although this is clear to see, confusion on this point
is widespread and often surfaces in statements declaring
that modern agriculture is overly dependent on “expensive
external inputs.” As I see it, there are two alternatives to
being dependent on external fertilizers. The first is that
we mimic natural ecosystems where only 10 percent of
production is generally exported, eaten by migratory
animals, moved by water, wind or lost through other
processes. Typically a wheat harvest removes up to 50
percent of the field’s above ground production (leaving
wheat straw and chaff). If that were reduced to 10 percent
6
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
the unsustainable result would include expensive food for
some and starvation for others. The second option is to
move people out of cities and disperse them across the
countryside so that wastes (both food and human), can
be more easily recycled to farm fields. There are many
reasons this would neither work nor be desirable.
There are, however, proposed biological solutions to
this problem, often promoted by researchers studying
plants in native habitats. Many plants, researchers find,
have adapted an assortment of mechanisms and
associations that allow them to better survive in low
nutrient environments. These include mycorrhizal fungi,
bacteria in root nodules (nitrogen fixing; discussed
below), free-living soil bacteria, and proteoid roots.
Others suggest using cover crops – buckwheat is known
to make phosphorus more available – or compost tea,
presumably full of bacteria and fungi that can get at
nutrients that are unavailable to plants. One such solution
is acclaimed (by a research institution) as “of great
interest for farmers because bacteria-based biofertilizers
constitute an alternative to conventional chemical
fertilizers that are expensive and less sustainable from
an environmental point of view.”
Are these really alternatives to fertilizers? I think not.
Although these adaptations may help improve nutrient
use efficiency of crops (that amount of the nutrient pool
in the soil that crops take up), aside from legume nodules
they fail as fertilizer alternatives due to conservation of
mass, which here can be stated as “nutrients exported
from a field must be replaced by an equal import of
nutrients.” Nutrients are not created in the field through
any mechanism, natural or not. Even nitrogen from
GARY WIECK | CROP NUTRIENTS MANAGER
legumes is imported from the air. None of these so-called
alternatives to synthetic fertilizers create nutrients. They
exist to help plants survive (not thrive) in the nutrient
limited conditions found in natural ecosystems. Since
farmers strive to eliminate such nutrient limitations in
their fields, these mechanisms are not so helpful, and
they are often switched off when high levels of nutrients
are available.
leaching of nitrates), or they may improve the availability
of nutrients already in the soil, like buckwheat does with
phosphorus, but they do not bring in new nutrients.
Without imported fertilizers, these solutions only help
mine the soil of nutrients more effectively.
To avoid mining, we must, because of the conservation
of mass, replace nutrients with inputs, and this is where
those promoting certain “sustainable” systems have a
problem. Unless we implement a large-scale return of
biosolids (and more morbidly, nutrients from dead
bodies) to agricultural fields, we must use other inputs,
such as synthetic and organic fertilizers. The latter is
often portrayed as more sustainable, but as I have argued
before, and research has found, many of the nutrients in
these materials come originally from synthetic fertilizers
applied to fields, harvested in crops, fed to livestock,
excreted in manure and recycled to fields. The problem is
not solved, it just is harder to see
the original source of these
nutrients and so they look more
THE
sustainable.
Using nitrogen fixation (by certain types of bacteria)
in nodules on legume roots like alfalfa, beans and peas,
is another suggested practice to reduce fertilizer use.
However, time constraints, and water and phosphorus
use by legumes limit their usefulness. While legume
crops do not need much nitrogen fertilizer themselves,
they do not leave much nitrogen after harvest for the
following crops. Legume cover crops however, could
supply nitrogen to following crops. For legume cover
crops, it takes time to fix enough
nitrogen to both pay for the seed
cost and make a significant
“IF
contribution to the nitrogen
NUTRIENTS ARE
requirements for the following
Do farmers sometimes overNOT REPLACED,
crop. Unfortunately, this is time
apply fertilizers? Yes. Do some
THEN AGRICULTURE
that is often needed to grow crops
nutrients from fertilizers end up in
for food. For example, to make this
QUICKLY FAILS TO
streams and lakes and the Gulf of
strategy work in our eastern
Mexico? Yes. But the answer to
DO WHAT WE MOST
Washington wheat field, a legume
these problems is not to ban
WANT FROM IT, AND
has to be planted in late August,
fertilizer. We abuse antibiotics,
THAT IS PRODUCE
which only works after a few crops
but nobody is proposing that we
FOOD.”
like wheat, early sweet corn, or
solve this problem by banning
green peas. The legume cover crop
their use. As WSU’s Craig Frear
must survive the winter and be
points out, we must improve both
allowed to grow at least to mid-May. Here again, fields
the fertilizers themselves and our management of
that will be planted with crops before mid-May, which
fertilizer nutrients (and antibiotics) because they are
includes most crops, are eliminated from using this
required for our survival.
practice. Although not a constraint in irrigated regions,
So then, agriculture is dependent on external inputs,
water use by legume cover crops limits their use in
and this is good because it means that agriculture is
dryland regions where the reduced water can reduce
successful at providing food to people far from the farm.
yields of the following crop, no matter how much nitrogen
Attempts to avoid these inputs are not realistic. Back at
the cover crop provides. Finally, although growing a
that straw and chaff covered field, the farmer must
legume crops does not require a farmer to provide
figure out how to replenish the nutrients that were
nitrogen, they still must provide these crops with
removed. It does not matter whether the farm is organic
significant amounts of phosphorus, which must be
(organic fertilizers are also “expensive external inputs”
imported to replace that removed in harvest thwarting
due to the transport costs of their higher bulk and
the replacement fertilizers.
weight compared to synthetic fertilizers) or conventional,
How about the biodiversity strategy to increase the
whether the bread was baked at home, sold at Whole
ecosystem function of maintaining soil fertility? Will it
Foods, or in a sandwich vending machine. If the nutrients
help to increase the diversity of plants grown on a field,
are not replaced, then agriculture quickly fails to do
either through a more diverse crop rotation or by adding
what we most want from it, and that is produce food.
cover crops and green manures? These too fail as
Some biosolids do make it back to farmers’ fields,
alternatives to fertilizers, because they do not add new
but there are challenges to increasing this, beyond the
nutrients to the field. They may help scavenge nutrients
public’s general queasiness with the practice.
that would otherwise be lost to the system (e.g. via
7
CASEY WEICK | SAFETY & COMPLIANCE OFFICER
winter
SAFETY TIPS
O
ur recent, although not unexpected,
FOR WALKING ON
SNOW & ICE
winter weather has presented us with
the typical snow and cold issues we see every
year. We all try to stay ahead of the snow and
ice around our homes and businesses by
shoveling, sanding and deicing. These are all
good first steps, but take care to remember that
the melted snow and ice of today will more than
likely refreeze overnight and become an icy
hazard by morning. It is important for all of us
to be aware of the slip and fall hazards we are
now faced with on a daily basis. There are many
things that can be done to reduce your risk of
falling during the wonderful winter season.
Listed below are some of the helpful hints:
PROPER FOOTWEAR
WALK LIKE A PENGUIN
Proper footwear is the key. Wearing boots or shoes with a
rubber or neoprene composite sole will greatly reduce
your risk of falling when compared to leather or plastic.
Additional traction aides can do just that, aide you in
walking on icy surfaces.
Walk like a penguin. Take short even steps with your
weight centered over your front leg versus the middle of
your stride as during normal walking conditions.
CHECK GROUND CONDITION
Be aware of the surface you are on. In icy conditions your
full attention should be on just that, walking. Digging in
your pocketbook, backpack or purse may cause you to
lose focus and increase your risk.
When entering or exiting your vehicle be sure to check the
ground condition. Use your vehicle as support and brace
yourself with your arms to give you some added stability.
WEAR GLOVES
Wear gloves, not only will it keep your hands insulated
and warm, but it will keep your hands out of your pockets
while walking. This in turn keeps your hands and arms
free to help steady your balance.
BE AWARE
KEEP WALKWAYS CLEAR
Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and snow for
your own safety and anyone else that may be walking in
your area.
“...THE MELTED SNOW AND ICE OF
TODAY WILL MORE THAN LIKELY
REFREEZE OVERNIGHT...”
8
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
MARIE HARRIS | LIVESTOCK NUTRITION & FEED SALES
PROVIDING PROPER
MineralNutrition
MARIE HARRIS
M
ineral nutrition is a vital
Along with the high quality
for
part of cattle diets and the key to
Payback® mineral package, there are
breeding time along with improved
formulating
ration.
various products that can be added
mineral absorption in the presence
However, minerals are often forgotten
to the minerals to address or prevent
of high sulfates, molybdenum or
or deemed unnecessary at certain
other livestock issues. Bio-Mos can
iron in forage and water sources.
times of the year. Proper mineral
be added before and after calving
Additionally,
nutrition year-round ensures the
for improved gut health along with
levels of ethanol by-products are
diet effectively meets the animal’s
the reduced incidence of scours and
used in the diet, we have a Distiller’s
nutritional requirements, improving
respiratory issues in calves, among
Pro Cattle Mineral available with a
nutrient absorption and digestion.
other benefits. Altosid® IGR can be
greater concentration of calcium to
Forages alone will not supply enough
added in the warm months to interrupt
offset the high level of phosphorus
minerals to meet the requirements
the horn fly cycle. Aureomycin® (CTC)
in distiller’s grains. There is also
of the animal, whether in gestation
can be supplemented for foot rot and
added thiamine to minimize the
or lactation.
pink
chance of sulfur toxicity.
a
balanced
®
eye
issues.
Rumensin®
or
reproductive
soundness
when
at
increased
®
With Payback minerals, we can
Bovatec may be added for improved
help you meet the needs of the
feed efficiency in beef cows and to
mineral for the fast approaching
animal to maintain body condition
prevent the shedding of cocci for
calving season, feel free to contact
score, reproductive health and fetal
possible transfer to newborn calves.
us with any questions or issues that
development.
®
As you start to select your
We can also provide organic
may arise. Together we can develop
are highly palatable with Diamond
(chelated) minerals when needed to
a customized feeding program to
V Yeast® for improved digestion
increase
semen
determine which mineral supplement
and consumption. Xtra-Dry is also
quality and improve availability of
is necessary to effectively meet the
added to the minerals for protection
the mineral to the animal. Payback
needs of your individual system.
from the elements.
Ultramin minerals contain Zinpro®
Payback
®
minerals
®
breeding
rates,
®
organic copper, zinc and manganese
9
VALLEY CITY STORE | DAKOTA PLAINS COOPERATIVE
VALLEY CITY STORE
GREETINGS FROM THE STORE CREW AT DAKOTA PLAINS
COOPERATIVE. HOPEFULLY YOU AND YOURS HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY
SEASON AND THE NEW YEAR WILL BE GOOD TO YOU.
I
f you are reading this, chances are you’re enjoying
our North Dakota winter. As we all know, the winter
wonderland, along with its beauty, brings us many
challenges. We have been helping
our customers deal with these
challenges for over 29 years, and
look forward to continuing to
help our customers.
styles of bird feeders. For all the dog and cat lovers, we
carry NutriSource®, Diamond®, GREENIES®, Supreme and
Tuffy’s pet foods and treats. We also offer Weaver®horse
tack, a high quality and reasonably
priced brand.
Season
s
g
n
i
t
e
e
Gr
A few of the winter season
products we carry are power
service diesel additives, Reddy
Heaters (duel fuel and propane),
propane
cylinders,
welding
supplies and various welding
gases. We also carry centennial
batteries, Polar King insulated
jackets, coats, bibs and flannellined jeans as well as Georgia
and Rocky® insulated boots. One
of our biggest sellers is Arctic
Muck Boots which have a comfort zone of -40° to 60° F.
We have them available for all: women, kids and men
sizes are available. We also carry Wells Lamont® and
Golden Stag winter gloves. For the ranchers, we offer a
full line of Gallagher™ fencing equipment, Mirafount
fountains, stock tank heaters and all the accessories to
keep you up and running in the winter months.
Customer service is our
first priority here at Dakota
Plains. We prefer the old-school
way and offer full-service at our
gas islands. We fill your tank,
clean your windows, check your
fluid levels and tire pressure
and even check your battery if
needed. If your wipers are wiped
out, we’ll replace them for you.
If you have little passengers
with you, there is always a
complimentary lollipop for them.
If your dog is along for the ride,
we love giving them a scratch
behind the ears and of course, a few treats.
FROM THE
VALLEY CITY
STORE!
If you like to feed our feathered friends that brave the
North Dakota winter, we have bird food in bags and many
10
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
If you enjoy making sausage or jerky, grilling and
cooking, we have Leo’s seasoning for all those delectable
treats. We even tested a couple of the grill seasonings
during our lunches and can verify they are very tasty.
Thanks Rydell for your grill master chef work!
Come on in for some free coffee (That’s right, free
coffee all the time!) and check out our weekly specials.
We look forward to seeing you!
A VALUE ADDED
OPPORTUNITY FOR
A Division of CHS, Inc.
DAKOTA PLAINS
COOPERATIVE MEMBERS
ORDER YOUR NEW 2015 VEHICLES NOW
ALL NEW - 2015 Ford F-150 High Strength Aluminum Now Available
2015 GM Silverado and Sierra HD Models Available
2015 Chrysler (RAM) Model Orders Banks Available
Don’t wait for deals on last year’s trucks - order now and save on the 2015 models!
Who Qualifies?
n Dakota Plains Cooperative Equity Members
Quotation Process
n Contact Account Manager Marcia Pruitt directly
at 651-312-1808 or 1-800-456-1265, ext. 1808
or email [email protected]
n Saxon Fleet Services will verify eligibility and
enroll your business
n You will be contacted promptly to gather the
information for vehicle selection and application
Purchase Process
n Specifications will be professionally evaluated to ensure compatibility with your local application
n Orders will be confirmed in writing to ensure specs and pricing and that terms are correct
n Vehicles will be invoiced net 5 days from date of billing invoice
n Courtesy delivery to local auto dealer is included in purchase price unless otherwise noted on order
n Vehicles purchased through this program must remain in service for 12 months with original owner
Items to Note
n Discounts on Ford, GM and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram Vehicles
n All savings are passed to you up front in the sale price
n Purchasing, financing, and leasing available
n We welcome trades
n Truck equipment available: Flatbed, Platforms, Specialty Bodies
n Vehicles must be titled in a business or farm name
n Factory order the vehicle built to your specifications
n Typical time frame from order to local delivery is 10 weeks
HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AVAILABLE
n
n
n
n
Freightliner
International
Kentworth
Peterbilt
Contact Greg Nelson
1- 866-377-4652
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ACCOUNT MANAGER:
MARCIA PRUITT, Saxon Fleet Services
Direct: 651-312-1808
Toll-free: 1-800-456-1265,
ext. 1808
The Local Co-op Truck Purchasing Program is managed by Northwest Food Products Transportation, a
wholly owned LLC of Land O’Lakes, Inc. If you have questions, please call Greg Nelson at 1-866-377-4652.
KEVIN DOCKTER | SALES AGRONOMIST
Stroller Soyb
StollerUSA | UPDATED:
09/11/2014
Stollerusa.com 2014
H
OUSTON
(September
8,
2014) – Soybean research
trials conducted by members of the
Stoller Enterprises research and
product development team have
produced a 214.7 bushel-per-acre
yield in the Rio Grande Valley, near
Weslaco, Texas. The two hundred
plus bushel-per-acre yield may be
highest yield achieved in replicated
soybean plot trials.
The research focused on the
yield response to application of
supplemental nitrogen during the
growing season and was conducted
by
Stoller
Enterprises
under
contract with Plant Power Products,
Inc., an entity with which Stoller
Enterprises
does
research
and
product development. The research
utilized replicated plots and was
conducted in the same manner as
research done by major agricultural
universities and companies.
The 214.7 bushel-per-acre yield
was achieved from soybean seed
planted at a population of 105,000
plants per acre. An initial broadcast
application of nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium was applied prior to
planting with additional fertilizer
applications made throughout the
12
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
KEVIN DOCKTER | SALES AGRONOMIST
ean Research
PRODUCES 214 BUSHELS PER ACRE >>>
KEVIN DOCKTER
“In order to achieve this high
the products that make it possible
irrigation system. The cumulative
yield, our Plant Power Products were
for farmers to maximize the genetic
amount of fertilizer applied during
applied to help maintain energy to
potential in the seed they plant.”
the growing season totaled 610
the nodules throughout the entire
All
pounds of nitrogen, 40 pounds of
growing season,” adds Stoller. “The
trials were conducted using a
phosphorus and 200 pounds of
root nodules never dried up or lost
vernal soybean variety seeded at
potassium.
their ability to fix more nitrogen.”
populations ranging from 105,000
growing
season
using
a
drip
the
soybean
research
The Stoller research trials also
to 278,000 seeds per acre. There
long believed soybeans need four to
showed that as plant populations
were replicated studies of each
six pounds of nitrogen to produce a
increased, yields decreased slightly.
population rate, and all the trials
bushel of grain and the nodules on
Stoller says he plans to continue
were
“The agronomic community has
analyzed
for
significant
differences. Yield differences were
“THE 214.7 BUSHEL-PER-ACRE YIELD WAS
ACHIEVED FROM SOYBEAN SEED PLANTED AT A
POPULATION OF 105,000 PLANTS PER ACRE.”
also expressed in the diameter of
the stalk, extensiveness of root
systems and the number of pods
per raceme on the soybean plants.
the soybean roots would become
research to find what is causing
lazy if excess nitrogen was present,”
the drop in yield. “The highest
under the direction of Dr. Albert
says Jerry Stoller, president of Stoller
yield
Liptay, director of
Enterprises, Inc. “Our research trials
lowest plant density – not the
Stoller Enterprises, Inc. at the
clearly
supplemental
highest density. Stoller Enterprises
Texas
nitrogen can provide a significant
is committed to understanding how
center in Weslaco, Texas.
yield increase and nodules don’t
to help the plant utilize more nitrogen,
become lazy throughout the entire
the relationship between yield and
growing season.
plant density as well as developing
show
that
was
obtained
from
the
The research was conducted
A&M
research for
AgriLIFE
Research
13
DAN FAIRFIELD | FEED/LIVESTOCK SALES MANAGER
FEEDING
every manufacturer has a variation
of this type. Ground feeders are
seeing
more
use
because
they
cannot be as easily tipped over or
pushed into the fence or pond. One
F
the flap off to get a few cattle
eeding minerals to an animal
started,
because
they
are
not
is a very important part of
familiar with lifting a flap. Then
balancing their nutritional needs.
replace it and curiosity will do the
We don’t always look at the many
rest. Lick tubs are another way
ways minerals can be fed. We can
to
start with dumping a 50 lb. bag into
offered with many variations to
the end of a feed bunk. Animals are
accommodate the needs of animals
usually curious about what you
in your location and balance their
might be bringing to the dinner
needs with other products you are
table.
already feeding. Minerals can be
The
ease
of
monitoring
supply
minerals.
They
are
the
ordered in bulk so they can be easily
conveniences of using bags. You
added to your TMR wagon for fence
can monitor consumption by the
line
number of heads, number of days
supplements
and number of bags to see if
dispensing systems. We can supply
they’re
consumption
14
thing I would recommend is to take
DAN FAIRFIELD
is
one
of
feeding
as
well
as
liquid
in
bulk
for
liquid
below
these dispensing systems to you to
recommendations. Vane feeders have
add to your TMR right at your farm
been around a long time and almost
or feedlot.
eating
above
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
or
DAN FAIRFIELD | FEED/LIVESTOCK SALES MANAGER
MINERALS
WHY THE PICTURE OF THE TM BLOCK?
Trace mineral blocks are usually around 98% salt. Salt is a very
necessary ingredient in an animal’s diet, but a trace mineral block does
not cover all the mineral needs of animals. In addition, it takes 3,000 licks
by a cow on a salt block to get 1 ounce of salt. Minerals can have many
products added to them, such as antibiotics and fly control, to help
increase health and prevent problems both in the pasture and feedlot. We
stock a good supply of quality minerals and equipment to offer these
products to your animals. Please call Dan Fairfield or Marie Harris for any
questions on nutrition or equipment for your livestock.
15
CENEX | AUTOMATED FUEL DELIVERY
how does
AFD WORK?
MONITOR:
A monitor will be installed on your
AFD
to Start the
Middle of January
fuel tank. The monitor may use a
landline phone or cellular
technology.
MONITOR
READINGS:
THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR PATRONS,
the dedicated work from both our employees and our
AFD partners at CHS, our Automated Fuel Delivery
program will be officially starting the middle of January.
All tank inventory on AFD system
is reviewed DAILY and orders are
It is an exciting opportunity for all
new
of us involved. The AFD program
challenges. We know going forward
offers our patrons many benefits,
as a team; patrons, employees and
including the ability to login to their
CHS partners, we will work together
Delivery routes are created in
monitored tanks and check the
to quickly meet and overcome these
the evening and uploaded to the
levels. We realize that with anything
challenges.
prioritized based on demand.
ROUTING:
delivery truck for AM delivery.
METERED TICKETS:
Delivered volume is metered and a
stamped delivery ticket left at the
tank site.
DEFERRED
INVOICING:
The customer will receive an invoice
once per month. The invoice will be
based on the fuel used for the
month not delivered. (Similar to
how we are invoiced for electricity).
PRICING:
The fuel is priced on the
monthly average.
16
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
there
are
going
to
be
CENEX | AUTOMATED FUEL DELIVERY
CHALLENGES
when purchasing fuel
“MARKET VOLATILITY”
AVERAGE MONTHLY PRICING: A valuable risk
management tool. Rather than paying the price posted
on the day the fuel was delivered (or used), you’ll be
charged the average price for that entire month.
“REMEBERING TO ORDER”
AUTOMATED DELIVERY: An electronic monitoring
system is installed in your bulk fuel tank. When the fuel
drops below your predetermined level, the monitor sends
a signal to our fuel distribution center.
“CASH FLOW”
“QUALITY”
HIGH-PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS: Cenex®
delivers top quality fuels that keep your equipment in top
shape including Cenex Roadmaster XL® and Ruby
Fieldmaster® Premium Diesel Fuels.
DEFERRED BILLING: Each month, the monitor in
your tank estimates the amount of product you have
used, and you are billed for that amount only.
“TIME / BIDS”
ONLINE TANK MONITORING: Authorized users
in your business can log onto cenex.com to access tank
level information, average fuel usage and historical fuel
usage at any time, right from a desktop.
INVENTORY COST SAVINGS ON AFD
NUMBER OF MONTHS YOU STORE FUEL
FUEL COSTS
2
4
6
8
10
12
$2.00
$0.023
$0.047
$0.070
$0.093
$0.117
$0.140
$2.50
$0.029
$0.058
$0.088
$0.117
$0.146
$0.175
$3.00
$0.035
$0.070
$0.105
$0.140
$0.175
$0.210
$3.50
$0.041
$0.082
$0.123
$0.163
$0.204
$0.245
$4.00
$0.047
$0.093
$0.140
$0.187
$0.233
$0.280
$4.50
$0.053
$0.105
$0.158
$0.210
$0.263
$0.315
INTEREST RATE PERCENT 0.07
“IT IS AN EXCITING
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
OF US INVOLVED.”
CONTINED ON PAGE 18.
17
CENEX | AUTOMATED FUEL DELIVERY
CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 17.
You’ve We’ve
Changed Accommodated
AVERAGE RACK PRICE – RACK PRICE
PRICE
GREEN BAY - WST (19) GREEN BAY, WI - ULSD FLD
(01/01/13 - 7/10/2013)
BILLING CYCLE:
$3.45
Compiled of 30 days.
$3.35
BEST TERMINAL
PRICING:
• Each day the best price to your
$3.25
specific site is determined
from all the fuel supply terminals
$3.15
in the area.
• Freight to that tank is specific from
terminal to your tank coordinates.
$3.05
$2.95
AVERAGE PRICE:
JAN - 13
FEB - 13
MAR - 13
APR - 13
MAY - 13
JUN - 13
JUL - 13
DATE
At the end of the 30 day cycle each
daily best-laid-in-price is averaged.
HOW WILL THE DEFERRED BILLING FOR THE MONTH BE RECONCILED?
STATEMENT OF TRANSACTION - EXAMPLE (GENERIC)
ACTION
ORDER ID/
SETTLEMENT ID
DATE
CENEX
COOP
CUSTOMER
COOP ACCOUNT: 123456 CUSTOMER: ABC FARMS SITE: 1 TANK: 1
Beginning Balance
4/15/2013 8:07:00 AM
3184.1
0
0
Deliveries
9876543
5/1/2013 8:02:00 AM
1896
0
0
Deliveries
8765432
5/7/2013 3:54:00 PM
1387.1
0
0
Estimated Usage
5/15/2013 10:19:00 AM
-3620.2
0
0
Ending Balance
5/15/2013 10:19:00 AM
2847
0
0
COOP ACCOUNT: 123456 CUSTOMER: ABC FARMS SITE: 1 TANK: 2
Beginning Balance
4/15/2013 7:32:00 AM
2870.9
0
0
5/7/2013 3:22:00 PM
1646.6
0
0
Estimated Usage
5/15/2013 10:06:00 AM
-915.9
0
0
Ending Balance
5/15/2013 10:06:00 AM
3601.6
0
0
Deliveries
7654321
For more information on our AFD program, please contact Mark Becker or Warren Boughton at the Valley City office,
Keith Kruger at the Lisbon/Forman office or Dave Mogren at the Lidgerwood/Wyndmere office.
18
PLAINS talk • WINTER 2014
CENEX | AUTOMATED FUEL DELIVERY
25 YEARS AGO
IN AGRICULTURE
• YOU FARMED WITH A 6 OR 12 ROW PLANTER
AND COMBINE.
• THAT EQUIPMENT HAD FUEL TANK CAPACITY OF
35 – 50 GALLONS EACH.
• YOU CHECKED THE MARKETS IN THE DAILY
NEWSPAPER OR MORNING AG REPORT ON
THE RADIO.
• INPUT COSTS WERE $265/ACRE.*
versus
BENEFITS OF CENEX ®
PREMIUM DIESEL FUELS
>> INJECTION STABILIZER
What It Does: Address fuel oxidation problems in new
engine technology fuel injectors and prevents internal
diesel injector deposits (IDID) from forming deep inside
high-precision injectors.
How You Benefit: Less filter and injector replacements in
new engine technologies • Less downtime and
maintenance costs.
>> DETERGENTS
TODAY
What It Does: Aggressive detergent components keep fuel
systems clean and performing at their optimum level.
How You Benefit: Improved fuel efficiency • Greater
horsepower • Extended life for fuel pumps and injectors.
IN AGRICULTURE
• YOU HAVE A TEAM OF 24 ROW PLANTERS
AND COMBINES.
• THE EQUIPMENT HOLDS 175 TO 250 GALLONS EACH.
• YOU RECEIVE MARKET UPDATES ON YOUR
SMARTPHONE LIVE — WHILE YOUR EQUIPMENT
DRIVES ITSELF!
• INPUT COSTS ARE $790/ACRE.*
25 YEARS AGO
IN FUEL DELIVERY
• WE DELIVERED FUEL WITH A 2,500 GALLON
FUEL TRUCK.
• MOST FARMS HAD A 500 GALLON TANK FOR
DIESEL AND/OR GASOLINE.
• TERMINAL SUPPLY WAS NOT AN ISSUE.
• YOU CALLED THE COOPERATIVE BY LANDLINE TO
ORDER YOUR FUEL WHEN IT WAS NEEDED.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE BEING A HIGH PRIORITY,
WE MANY TIMES DELIVERED THAT FUEL IN THE
SAME DAY!
versus
TODAY IN FUEL DELIVERY
• WE DELIVER FUEL WITH A 7,500 GALLON FUEL
TRUCK.
• FUEL IS PRICED BY TANK SIZE, SO MOST FARMS
ARE UPSIZING TO CAPTURE PRICE ADVANTAGE
AND MATCH EQUIPMENT CAPACITY.
• TERMINAL SUPPLY IS NOT AS DEPENDABLE.
• WE MONITOR YOUR TANKS SO WE CAN DELIVER
WHEN YOUR TANKS NEED FUEL AND INVOICE
WHEN YOU USE IT!
• CUSTOMER SERVICE BEING A HIGH PRIORITY WE
DELIVER BEFORE YOU NEED IT!
*Fuel expense as % of commodity price is 1 to 2% (corn, soybeans & milk)
>> CETANE IMPROVER
What It Does: Cetane is a measure of diesel engine
startability. The higher the cetane number, the quicker the
fuel will ignite. Cenex® Premium Diesel Fuel has a typical
cetane number of 48.
How You Benefit: Reduced strain on engines and electrical
systems • Quicker, more fuel-efficient starts
• Smoother running engines.
>> LUBRICITY IMPROVER
What It Does: Friction-reducing agents provide 10-15%
better protection against friction and wear on the fuel
pump than typical #2 diesel fuel.
How You Benefit: Protects moving parts from excessive
wear • Extended life for the fuel pump.
>> DEMULSIFIERS
What It Does: Demulsifiers force water to the bottom of
the tank,allowing for easy drainage and removal. This
prevents unwanted moisture from being carried through
the fuel system and reduces the volume of water entering
the combustion chamber.
How You Benefit: Easier removal of water from storage
tank • Less wear on injectors and fewer filter
replacements • Prevents algae formation in storage tanks.
>> CORROSION INHIBITORS
What It Does: Provides superior corrosion protection,
preventing the formation of rust on metal parts.
How You Benefit: Saves the cost of rebuilding injector
pumps • Slows the natural degradation of diesel fuel
caused by exposure to oxygen • Prevents corrosion-caused
leaks, blockages and breaks in metal parts.
>> STORAGE STABILIZERS
What It Does: Reduces gum and varnish buildup and
contains components to extend the storage life of diesel fuel.
How You Benefit: Tolerates temperature extremes
• Extends storage life of diesel fuel by 3-6 months.
19
SANTA DAYS | DAKOTA PLAINS COOPERATIVE
A
f
day o
“MERRY
CHRISTMAS &
A HAPPY NEW
YEAR TO ALL!
WE HOPE YOU
HAD A JOYOUS
HOLIDAY
SEASON!”
!
c
i
g
a
m
FROM EVERYONE AT
DAKOTA PLAINS
COOPERATIVE.
a
t
n
Sa VISITS DAKOTA PLAINS
WHO KNOWS AG LIKE YOU DO?
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Put one of America’s largest Ag lenders to work for you.
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– Balefeeder
WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION
WITH YOU ABOUT AG FINANCING.
– Calf Shelter & Windbreak
– Wire Winder
(701) 845-2712
240 3rd Street NW Valley City, ND 58072
– Bottomless Bunk Feeder
(605) 598-4157
(office)
598-
www.commonsensemfg.com
MARK
OBERLANDER
Agricultural
Banker
NATE
ZERFACE
Agricultural
Banker
THE ART OF
DIALOGUE
NutriSolutions 360°
®
When it comes to farming, a few tiny adjustments in your
operation can have a huge impact on your yield potential. With
WinField’s NutriSolutions® 360º program, including insights
from our NutriSolutions® Tool and innovative products like
Ascend® plant growth regulator and MAX-IN® micronutrients,
we can guide you through every day of the growing season
and help you see your field’s complete health. That way, you’ll
make the right in-season adjustments and get more from
every acre.
Ask your WinField representative today about how the
NutriSolutions® 360º approach to plant nutrition can take
your yield potential to the next level or visit winfield.com
WinField is a trademark and Ascend, MAX-IN and NutriSolutions are registered
trademarks of Winfield Solutions, LLC. © 2013 Winfield Solutions, LLC
Ind u st r Ia l
res I d e n tI al
C om m erC I al
What ever your nee d s, W e h ave yo u C over ed
Bringing together the power, the
technology and the experience
that keeps your business on line.
G
EST.1948
G
ELECTRIC INC.
spIrItWood \\ valley CIty \\ gWInner \\ West fargo \\ Wahpeton
701. 845. 3010
WWW.grot berge l e C t r IC.C o m
Dakota Plains Coop
151 9th Ave NW
Valley City, ND 58072
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