December 2015 - Farmer`s Co

Farmers Co-op Association
Focus
Always Looking to Improve
PETE SCHMITZ
General Manager
507-223-7241
By Pete Schmitz, General Manager • 507-223-7241
Our annual meeting was
held Tuesday, November 10
at the Porter Hall in Porter,
MN. To recap the major
numbers for those who
were unable to attend, gross
margins for the preceding
fiscal year were $6,163,514
on total sales of $36,650,980. That resulted in
a local loss of $41,854. Net savings, however,
were $992,103, thanks to $1,033,957 in
patronage received.
The local loss is somewhat disappointing.
Reduced total sales volume and a lower
gross margin percentage accounted for the
loss. From these results, we’ve learned that
our budgeted margins were too tight, and
consequently did not generate enough
revenue to cover all the expenses of our local
operations.
Moving forward, our plan is to improve
local operations through tighter control on
expenses, increased sales, and greater gross
margin, resulting in a much healthier local
net profit.
The value we add
Many ag retailers seem very much like FCA
on first glance. We even sell many of the
same products as other ag and petroleum
retailers. So why would you want to do
business with FCA? What sets us apart from
other apparently similar companies?
Simply put, we add value to every purchase.
When you buy fuel, seed, nutrients, or crop
protection products from FCA, you don’t
just get that product—you receive the
knowledge, experience, and commitment to
service that our people bring to the field.
Yes, we want your seed, fertilizer, and
chemical business, but not simply to boost
sales. Let me give you an example that we
encounter frequently. A farmer will buy
his seed from us, but purchase soil testing
services, fertilizer, crop protection products,
and application services elsewhere. When the
results from that seed are less than a neighbor
experienced, we hear about bad seed.
The reality is, that seed doesn’t grow in a
vacuum. When we supply the full range of
products and services, we make certain that
the right seed is placed on the right acre under
the correct conditions of fertility and weed
control. This enables the seed to express as
much of its genetic potential as the growing
conditions (the one thing we can’t control)
will allow. That translates to better yields for
December 2015 • farmerscoopassn.com
Continued on page 2
TIM BORSTAD
Energy Manager
507-223-7241
JOSH PETERSON
Agronomy Manager
507-223-5634
MARK THORSTON
Canby Shop Manager
507-223-7241
MISSY HANSON
Canby C-Store Manager
507-223-7241
STEVE TRAEN
Minneota Branch Manager
507-872-6182
SAM PAULEY
Minneota C-Store Manager
507-872-5065
GHENT C-STORE
507-428-3450
Always Looking...
Continued from page 1
you, and a healthier bottom line.
It does make a difference where you
do business. And remember this extra
benefit—you own the company, so
patronage and stock come back to
you.
If you’ve driven through Canby
lately, you’ve seen that work on the
chemical warehouse is progressing,
though at a slower pace than
we had initially hoped. Design
changes and code adherence
requirements have extended the
timeline, but we hope to occupy
the building next summer. This
is another important step in
further improving service
and strengthening your
cooperative. ◗
Treat Yourself to
Dinner
By Samantha Pauley, Minneota
and Ghent C-Store Manager
I call it dinner, you may call it lunch, but
everyone will call it a good decision. Our
lunch specials here in the Minneota C-Store are worth
stopping for. We have a different special every day of the
week, with prime rib sandwiches every Monday and chili on
Tuesdays. The rest of the week will vary, including comfort
foods like tater tot hotdish, lasagna, and barbecued beef
sandwiches. We also have a variety of delicious soups.
Four-piece chicken meals are available (call ahead on
those) along with our regular fryer items and pizza. After
the first of the year, we’ll be introducing some new pizza
options along with deals on our
large pizzas. They’re an easy
way to feed a hungry
family at the end of a
long day—or treat the
football fans in your den
on the weekend. ◗
Returning to His Roots
By now, many Minneota
patrons have had the chance to
meet Steve Traen, who took the
reins as the Minneota location
manager in May. For those of
you who may not frequent the
Minneota area, here’s a brief
introduction.
Steve spent 30-plus years in the
retail business, most recently
working as a retail manager
in the Twin Cities area. However, Minnesota ag was
always where he wanted to be. “I grew up on a farm just
southwest of Taunton, and I still have family in town,” Steve
notes. “I have an ag business degree from the University
of Minnesota, but I graduated in 1984, and jobs in the
industry were pretty tough to come by in that period.”
His new career as the Minneota location manager is off to
a good start, as Steve has gotten to know his customers
and the Minneota community in his first months on the
job. Steve and his wife, Robin, who also grew up in this
area, have two children: Jake, 23, and Faith, 13. ◗
Protect Your Engines Wit
By Tim Borstad, Energy Manager
It’s time once again to take steps to
protect your diesel-powered equipment
from harsh winter weather. Cenex®
Wintermaster® Winterized Premium
Diesel Fuel is exactly what you need.
Wintermaster allows diesel-powered
equipment to operate under extremely cold conditions–
as low as -30 degrees F—and provides improved
protection of vital engine parts. In fact, Wintermaster
provides up to 5% more power and better fuel efficiency
than other No. 1 blends.*
Plus, like all Cenex Premium Diesel Fuels, Wintermaster
was recently enhanced with a special additive designed
for new diesel engines. This advanced additive helps
prevent common problems associated with using
standard diesel, including injector failure, clogged filters,
reduced efficiency, power loss, poor starting, costly
repairs, and even engine failures.
Cenex Wintermaster benefits include:
•Advanced performance additive for extreme-lowtemperature operability to -30° F
Planning to Win the War
Christmas Is
Coming
By Josh Peterson, Agronomy Manager
As you begin to plan for 2016, one of the greatest challenges
you will face—apart from low commodity prices—is
controlling waterhemp. This particular weed has shown
resistance to six herbicide groups in one or more states.
The best approach—don’t let it emerge! One industry
trend to fight waterhemp and other tough broadleaves is
a layered approach to pre applications. You may want to
consider applying a pre before beans emerge, then coming in with another
product with residual control activity after the beans emerge. Come in and
talk with us this off-season, and we’ll put together a coordinated approach to
weed control for your fields.
These challenging weeds and complex chemical options require more
efficiency than ever from you as a producer and us as your partner. That’s a
big reason why we’re building our state-of-the-art chemical facility here in
Canby. With plenty of room for bulk chemical and liquid fertilizer storage and
three loadout bays—including one bay providing 24-hour access—the new
facility will help us deliver faster service and easier access to the supplies you
need in season.
Christmas is the season of giving, and
you can find some great gift ideas at
our Canby and Minneota C-Stores. We
have a great selection of Christmas gift
cards, including the Cenex card. You
can also give the gift of warmth for the
holidays by purchasing propane for a
family member, friend, or neighbor. It’s
a gift that is always appreciated.
You can also help our drivers have a
happier holiday season by cleaning a
path to your propane tank or fuel oil
fill pipe. Your kindness is appreciated.
Kinder still would be to clear the area
for your elderly neighbor, too. And
please, check your propane or fuel oil
tank today to ensure you won’t need
a delivery on Christmas to allow our
drivers time with their families. ◗
Now is the time to plan ahead for a prosperous 2016. We can help. ◗
th Our Advanced Winter Fuel
•De-icers and demulsifiers to reduce moisture-related
problems
• Fuel economy improved by as much as 5%
• Power improved by as much as 5%
• A higher cetane number, typically 48, for quicker, more
fuel-efficient starts
•Aggressive detergents that clean the fuel system and
maintain clean injectors for optimum engine performance
• Superior lubricity for longer injector and pump life, and
reduced maintenance costs
• Fuel stabilizers to reduce gum and varnish buildup
We recommend Wintermaster over other winterized fuels.
That’s because many winterized diesel fuels rely on high
levels of No. 1 diesel (kerosene), which has less power and
lower lubricity.
You’ll also be happy to know that if your agricultural
equipment is enrolled in the Cenex Total Protection Plan™
warranty program, you can use Cenex Winterized Premium
Diesel Fuels—giving you great winter performance along
with your great warranty protection.
So whether you work in the field or travel the open road,
don’t be left out in the cold. For more information about the
full line of Cenex Winterized Premium Diesel Fuel, stop by
and talk to me or Adam Steffes, or call us at 507-223-7241.
*Actual results may vary based on equipment and operating
conditions. ◗
DEF is now
available at our
retail locations
in Minneota and
Canby. FCA also
delivers bulk DEF.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Farmers Cooperative Association
1204 St. Olaf Ave N
Canby, MN 56220
507-223-7241
VISTACOMM
FROM FARMERS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Ready, Set, Winter
By Mark Thorston, Canby Shop Manager • 507-223-7241
We now carry the Interstate® line of quality batteries.
Known for dependability,durability,and affordability,
the Interstate line is also backed by a strong dealer
support network. Batteries are delivered weekly, so
we’ll have the popular batteries you’re looking for
in stock. Winter is hard on batteries, so if yours is
showing some age, keep us in mind.
Want to get your Christmas shopping out of the
way early? Stop in and take a look at our lineup of new Snapper®
snow blowers. Get yourself a gift you’ll appreciate all winter long.
Don’t forget that we also repair small engines, including those on
snow blowers and ice augers.
If you’re someone who has to get out and go no matter how rough
the conditions, or just want to have every advantage when driving
this winter, consider buying a set of four snow tires. They’ll deliver the
best handling in snow and ice, and save some wear on your regular
tires. Hankook is offering a rebate on four snow tires through Dec.
20—a savings of $40-$80 per set of four.
Don’t forget that you can shop for tires from the comfort of your
couch with our online Mr. Tire site. To access the site, go to our home
page, click Tire Center, then choose Farm & Auto Tires. You can browse
your tire options and get a free tire quote.
As the weather turns colder, we’d like to also remind everyone
to check the air pressure in your tires. For every 10 degrees the
temperature drops, your tire loses 1 p.s.i.—and we know how quickly
the weather can change in our part of the world. ◗
Choose Your Seed,
Save Some Green
By Randy Lopau, Certified Crop Advisor
It’s discount season in the
seed world. With a down
payment of $50 a bag on corn
and $10 a bag on soybeans,
you can lock in the best cash
discount price until Jan. 15.
Stop in and pick up your copy
of the plot book to help you
evaluate your seed choices.
Now that tillage is done and everything put
away for the winter, stop in and firm up your
seed order for 2016. We carry seed from
Croplan®, Mycogen®, NK®, LG, and Stine® so you’ll
be certain to find the right seed for the right
field that will perform for you. Our agronomy
staff will help you place your order. If you are
thinking of planting a specialty seed, you will
want to get that set up as soon as possible.
It was great to see the yields this fall. In my 35
years in the business, I can’t remember a time
when all the crops were at the top of the yield
scale in the same year.
Watch your mail or the website for info on
our FCA winter meeting. Thank you for your
business and we look forward to another
successful, productive year in 2016. ◗