juanita buschkoetter update

Transcription

juanita buschkoetter update
CPICOOP.COM
the industry standard starts here :
agronomy
energy
feed
grain
ag technology
COOPERATIVE PRODUCERS
Summer 2016
INSIGHTS.
CREATE
THE FUTURE
TODAY
CPI EXPERT INSIGHTS
AGRONOMY SEASON
IN REVIEW &
LOOKING FORWARD
HARVEST UPDATES
VOLATILITY IN OIL $
x
Soil Warrior Custom Strip Till Service Starting This Fall pg. 9
®
x
AND A LOOK AHEAD
Groawr disngt h e
Tow
futurueltuorfe
CPI LANSING EXPANSION PLANS
GRAIN OPERATIONS UPDATE
SUMMER SNACKS AT AMPRIDE
Agric
SUMMER FEED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
CPI REPRESENTED IN NGFA CAPS
PLUS NEW FACES THIS SUMMER
AGRONOMY TRAINEES & INTERNS
BONUS! CHIPOTLE PORK TENDERLOIN
RECIPE TO TRY ON THE GRILL
AND THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY OIL
A
PUBLICATION
x
FROM
THE
EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
Sparking a Successful
Summer at CPI
Welcome to the summer edition of the CPI Magazine! Let’s all take a
collective deep breath as planting season draws to an end! But only one! I
know many of you are gearing up for the next phase of summer: watching
your crops grow. Turn to CPI for all of your nutrient and weed management
needs to give your plants the help they require to get you the yield you
desire. To some of our readers, summer means wheat harvest, baling hay
or irrigating. Let CPI assist your operation from oil and lubricant products
to keep your engines running, to salt blocks and creep feed to supplement
your livestock, to crop protection and nutrients to keep your crops thriving.
What does summer mean for you?
Summer at CPI means longer days serving our patrons. It also means
interns. This summer I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to share
how CPI advertising ticks with a bright young agribusiness and journalism
major named Rachael Fangmeier. More about Rachael can be found on the
intern page (pg. 20).
“This summer part
of my job is to train
and mentor the new
agronomy interns”
says Dillon Bieck,
Lead Agronomy
Intern. Learn more
about what else
Dillon is up to this
summer as a part
of the CPI Summer
Intern program on
(pg. 20)
I am excited for what this growing season holds for CPI and I am hopeful
for what this season has to offer you. Thank you for your business and
thank you for your hard work. With that in mind let’s all take another
moment to slow down and remind ourselves and each other to stay safe
and practice safety in everything we do, every day.
Erin Ptak, Editor-in-Chief
1
Cooperative Producers Insights
“Thanks to you, our
patrons, we have
grown the direct
ship grain volume
from three-million
in 2012 and 2013 to
over ten-million in
2015 and 2016” says
Todd DeVries, CPI
Grain Merchandiser.
Learn more about
CPI’s Direct Ship
Procedures and
Policies on (pg. 29)
CONTENTS
COOPERATIVE PRODUCERS INSIGHTS.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Erin Ptak
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Erin Ptak
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: Dillon Bieck, Scott Bieck, Gary
Brandt, Jim Dell, Todd DeVries, Rachael Fangmeier, Hannah
Gaebel, Alli Griess, Becky Kindschuh, Trent Mastny, Tannor
Mroczek, Dave Nall, Joshua Nienhueser, Austin Olson, Simon
Ostrander, Ken Pilsl, Erin Ptak, Phil Ramsel, Rod Schroeder,
Hannah Swink, Bruce Tinkham, Tim Uden, Tim Weides, Conner
Wells
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Erin Ptak, Rachael Fangmeier,
Anna Watts, Hannah Gaebel
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOS: www.shutterstock.com, Erin Ptak
INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Rod Schroeder
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Mark Thieszen
VICE PRESIDENT of AGRONOMY: Phil Ramsel
VICE PRESIDENT of ENERGY: Gary Brandt
VICE PRESIDENT of GRAIN: Jim Dell
CPI LOCATIONS:
Anselmo, Arnold, Axtell, Bloomington, Blue Hill, Campbell, Clay Center,
Deweese, Fairmont, Franklin, Funk, Giltner, Grafton, Grand Island,
Guide Rock, Hansen, Hastings, Hayland, Hildreth, Holstein, Juniata, Kearney,
Kenesaw, Lawrence, Merna, Minden, Nelson, Ragan, Red Cloud, Republican
City, Ruskin, Saronville, Stapleton, Superior, Sutton, Trumbull, Wilcox, Wood
River
HASTINGS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
PHONE: (402) 463-5148
FAX: (402) 463-7263
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Cooperative Producers, Inc
265 N Showboat Blvd.
Hastings, Nebraska 68901
MAILING ADDRESS:
Cooperative Producers, Inc
P.O. Box 1008
Hastings, Nebraska 68902-1008
NOTICE: This publication is for informational purposes only. CPI, its affiliates, and
subsidiaries, are not responsible for any damages or claims that may result from
a reader’s use of this information, including but not limited to actual, punitive,
consequential, or economic damages. CPI makes no warranties or representations,
either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness of any
product/material for a particular purpose. Each article, document, advertisement,
or other information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind.
CPI reserves the right to alter, correct, or otherwise change any part or portion of
this publication, including articles and advertisements, without detriment to CPI, its
affiliates, and subsidiaries.
- To advertise IN FUTURE ISSUES CONTACT ERIN PTAK IN ADVERTISING
(800) 355-2710 OR eptak@cpicoop.com
For More Information on CPI go to www.cpicoop.com.
For customer service and/or any questions relating to content
in this magazine, contact the Hastings Administrative Office by
phone, letter, or email.
2016 CPI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board: Jeff Loschen
Vice Chairman: Brad Quadhamer
Secretary/Treasurer: Jerrad Stroh
Phil Askey, Brian Bish, Darrel Buschkoetter,
Neal Carpenter, Bruce Favinger, Jerry Guthrie,
Lynn Lisius, Jason Lamb, Mark Miller,
Clark Nelson, Rod Schaeffer, & Brent Woodman
READ ONLINE
Guidebook
3
SUMMER SUPPLIES
Summer Ag Necessities
4
SUMMER RECIPE
Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin
FEATURES
13
SEASON REVIEW & LOOKING
AHEAD
Agronomy VP, Phil Ramsel, Gives
An Analysis For The Year
17
YOUNG GUNS OF AGRONOMY
Meet The Newest Sales Trainees
19
5
MOVING UP TO THE BIG LEAGUES
GROWING TOWARDS THE
FUTURE
20
CPI Overcoming Obstacles
8
MAKING EQUITY PAYMENTS
CPI Awards Equity Redemptions
FEED
9
SUMMER FEEDING Q&A
Giving Your Herd The Proper
Summer Care
ON THE COVER
11
MORE INFO AT CPICOOP.COM/CPIMAGAZINE
AGRONOMY
THE SOIL WARRIOR
Learn About CPI’S New Custom
Strip Till Equipment
Catch Up With Tannor Mroczek
READY TO LEARN
Meet CPI’s Summer Interns
GRAIN
21
HARVEST UPDATES
A Look Into Wheat & Milo Harvest
24
CPI-LANSING ANNOUNCES
EXPANSION
New Equipment Making Way
25
grain CONT.
30
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Employee Completes Courses
energy
31
VOLATILITY IN OIL PRICES
Change To Come Throughout
The Energy Department?
34
CENEX TOTAL PROTECTION
PLAN COVERAGE
Protect Your Investments
35
IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY OIL
What Does Cheap Oil Actually
Do?
36
BKT TIRE COMPANY
New Company, Successful Results
37
SUMMER SELECTIONS AT CPI
AMPRIDE STORES
New Products To Look Out For
CPI REPRESENTED IN
WASHINGTON D.C.
CPI Employees Attend CAPs in DC
26
POST ROCK WHEAT VARIETY
TOUR IN KANSAS
Recapping Kansas Wheat Plot Tour
27
GRAIN OPERATIONS UPDATE
Preparing For Harvest 2016
Please Recycle
This Magazine
29
Remove Staples
Before Recycling
DIRECT SHIP POLICIES &
PROCEDURES
How Direct Ship Can Help Your
Harvest Efficiency
CPICOOP.COM 2
Summer Supplies
SUMMER SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOUR OPERATION BECOME MORE PROFITABLE
1
2
Toggle™ by Acadian
Leverage ® 360 by Bayer
VitaFerm ® HEAT
Call A CPI Sales Agronomist For Pricing
Call For Pricing (402) 462-0260
Boosts yields like no other insecticide.
Leverage® 360 insecticide has two
modes of action against sucking and
chewing pests - one delivers fast
knockdown, the other extends residual
control. Plus, Leverage® 360 with Stress
Shield® protection helps plants stay
vigorous for bigger yields.
A complete mineral & vitamin
supplement for beef cattle formulated
specifically for warm seasons and
cattle on fescue. Includes organic
Zinc, Copper & added B-Vitamins
to help combat the negative
effects of stress caused by heat &
fescue to support maximum animal
performance. Includes garlic, a natural
insect repellent.
Call A CPI Sales Agronomist For Pricing
Toggle™ enhances root development,
nutrient uptake and increases stress
resistance, all while allowing your crop
to reach its potential. It’s a biostimulant,
providing growers with an innovative
new technology that’s scientifically
proven to improve tolerance to stress.
Toggle™ can be applied both in-furrow
and by foliar spray with your other crop
inputs.
Recommended by:
Laremy Seelow - CPI Agronomy
Procurement & Marketing Manager
4
3
Recommended by:
Laremy Seelow - CPI Agronomy
Procurement & Marketing Manager
5
Recommended by:
Tim Uden - CPI Feed Manager
6
Ruby FieldMaster Premium Diesel
®
Cooper Discoverer SRX
The Cooper Discoverer SRX® blends
innovative technology and advanced
engineering to deliver confident
all-season performance. The SRX is
designed to provide a long tread life,
maximize ride comfort and improve
tire efficiency for a wide range of
CUVs and SUVs.
Premium Irrigation Well Lubricant
minimizes temperature-related viscosity
changes and maintains an excellent lowtemperature fluidity to help keep bearings
lubricated. It’s an ultra refined Group 2
base oil with no harmful additives to
contaminate ground water.
Ruby FieldMaster® offers a quality
base fuel and a complete, balanced,
soy-enriched additive package. It’s
continually researched and tested to
ensure the highest quality premium
diesel fuel on the market. By using
Ruby FieldMaster® you can reduce
downtime & costly repairs, improve fuel
economy by as much as 5%, extend the
life of injectors and injector pumps, and
reduce maintenance costs.
Recommended by:
Jim Heyen - CPI Mr. Tire Sales
Recommended by:
Jamy Schultz - MNL Sales Rep
Recommended by:
Jamy Schultz - MNL Sales Rep
Call For Pricing (800) 325-2379
3
Call For Pricing (402) 751-2125
®
Cooperative Producers Insights
Cenex Drip Oil
Call For Pricing (402) 751-2125
GUIDEBOOK: Summer recipe
Chipotle Crusted
Pork Tenderloin
Looking for a great summer grilling recipe
that the entire family will love? This chipotle
crusted pork tenderloin recipe is just the fix for
you. With a sweet and spicy flavor, this recipe
is perfect for a summer time cookout! Take
a night off and cook up this tasty recipe for
family and friends! It’s sure to be a hit.
This recipe serves about 6.
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
3 tbs Chipotle Chile Powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
4 tbs Brown Sugar
2 (3/4) lbs Pork Tenderloins
Directions
1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat
2. In a large resealable plastic bag combine onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle
chili powder, salt, and brown sugar. Place tenderloins in bag and shake to coat
the meat evenly. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes.
3. Lightly oil grill grate and arrange meat on grate. Cook for 20 minutes, turning
the meat every 5 minutes. Remove from grill and let stand for 5-10 minutes
before slicing.
*For best results and an easy cleanup, use aluminum foil*
Goes Well With:
-Redskin Mashed Potatoes
-Grilled Asparagus
-Mac & Cheese
-Brussels Sprouts
Try it
as a
kabob!
Recipe & photos courtesy of allrecipes.com
CPICOOP.COM
4
FEATURED ARTICLE
Growing
Towards
The Future
By: Rod Schroeder, Interim CEO
5
Cooperative Producers Insights
As I once again fill the CPI CEO role
on an interim basis the famous Yogi
Berra quote “It’s Déjà vu all over again”
comes to mind! I am honored to help
out again and work with the staff to
focus on continuous improvement. The
new CEO, Allan Zumpfe, will be in place
in August.
I am pleased to say that things are
not the same as when I was filling in a
year and a half ago. The company has
executed a number of improvement
plans in many areas and is expecting
to show a solid local profit this year. Management has accurate financial
information from which to make
decisions. We are on our way to being
a company that both employees and
members are proud to be associated
with!
There are a couple of items I have
observed and want to bring to your
attention. To begin, it is important as
member/owners to keep in mind that
our employees have been through a
lot these past several years: the shock
of not being as profitable as earlier
thought, a hiring freeze to get costs in
line with income, changes in benefits,
and several changes of management,
just to name a few. This has resulted
in a general reduction of morale which
normally lowers levels of service in
many instances. This will be a major
focus during the months ahead. We
will be working to build morale and
on our “blocking and tackling”, to use
a football adage, of doing the small
things right to improve the customer
experience. Your continued support is
very much appreciated.
The second item I have observed is the
rapidly increasing cost of maintaining
facilities
due
both
to
tougher
regulations and trying to keep up with
the pace of farming. A great example
of regulation creep is in the area of
anhydrous ammonia, where, if not
reversed, new regulations will require
significant investments in plants and
cause a much higher cost of doing
business going forward. CPI must
move to fewer, but larger and faster
locations in grain, agronomy, and feed
in order to provide competitive service
over the long haul. We have already
seen some large competitors sell or
close locations to remain profitable
in reaction to these trends. Increased
mobility, especially in agronomy, will
also be very important. I am pleased that
your board of directors has continued
to invest in speed and space at some
key grain locations while working
with management to make the tough
decisions of which facilities to sell off. This part is certainly not fun but is
necessary to have a successful, thriving
business to serve you for the long haul.
In summary I feel really good about
the positive trends taking place at CPI
and I trust in the months and years
ahead, both members and employees
will be pleased with their connection
to CPI! Thanks for your support and
best wishes for a safe and prosperous
growing season. CPICOOP.COM
6
RESICORE™ GIVES YOU EXTRAORDINARY POWER
(AT LEAST WHEN IT COMES TO WEEDS).
When powerful forces come together, amazing things happen.
Like the extraordinary power Resicore™ corn herbicide gives you over
herbicide-resistant broadleaf weeds and grasses. With a unique new formulation
of three proven active ingredients, Resicore delivers control you can trust to
protect your yield potential. What you do with your power after that is up to you.
Go to PowerOverWeeds.com to learn more.
®™
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
Resicore is not registered for sale or use in all states. Resicore is not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York.
Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
©2016 Dow AgroSciences LLC M35-415-002 (05/16) DAS 010-43627
FEATURED ARTICLE
Making Equity Payments
To Our Patrons
CPI is pleased to announce that we have
returned $955,000 to our patrons in equity
redemptions. The Board of Directors, along
with the entire company, is grateful for
those who share in the company and the
principles of the cooperative system. Thank
you for doing business with CPI!
Pictured is Patron Steve Bergstrom
receiving his equity check from Funk Branch
Manager & Grain Originator, Evan Backhus.
Because they are
my legacy,
I chose the best security.
There’s no better feeling than knowing what you’ve built is
protected. When all that matters to you is safe, it allows you
to live the life you want. With Glenwood as your partner you
know you have a company that will protect what you cherish.
We secure and monitor your land and buildings, as well as
the people and property inside them. With Glenwood you
know you have all the security you need to pass on your legacy.
Visit or Call Today
shopglenwood.net
Providing Surveillance to South Central Nebraska
866-756-4746
Summer
Feeding Q&A
By: Tim Uden
How can I improve conception rates in my cowherd?
A Feeding a mineral that contains organic or chelated minerals like Vita Ferm or Purina
Availa 4 will improve conception rates.
A
A
A
What are chelated minerals?
Chelated minerals are trace minerals that have been attached to an organic compound
such as an amino acid.
What is Amaferm?
Amaferm is a natural feed additive that acts as a prebiotic increasing digestibility to
maximize the energy value of feed and is the key ingredient in all of Vita Ferm’s products.
What is HEAT?
HEAT is a vitamin and mineral supplement used to reduce heat stress in beef cattle. It
contains the Amaferm advantage and Capsaicin, both research proven to lower body
temperature. It also includes garlic, a natural insect repellent.
Is it too late to start feeding a fly control mineral?
A No, although fly control should start early in the spring, you will start to disrupt the life
cycle of the fly as soon as you start feeding an IGR product. If fly populations are severe, a
rescue treatment with a fly spray will help speed up control. We have mineral tubs or loose
mineral to help you control those profit robbing flies.
9
Cooperative Producers Insights
FEED DIVISION UPDATE
Should I creep feed my calves?
A Even with the great grass we have this year, creep feeding has benefits. Milk production
and grass quality usually go down about the same time energy requirements for the calf
are going up. Creep feeding at least 60 days pre-weaning gets your calves accustomed
to feedstuffs that will be similar to weaning rations making for a less stressful weaning
period. Let us get the right creep for you.
A
A
Should I worm my cows on grass?
Yes, mid-July is an excellent time to worm as part of your semi-annual worm control. We
have Safeguard wormer in different forms to do the job.
What is VFD?
VFD stands for Veterinary Feed Directive and it will be needed starting January 1, 2017 to
purchase feed containing most of the drugs we use. For more information on VFDs, please
vist www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess or check out the
article in the Spring 2016 issue of the CPI Magazine. Please contact your CPI Feed Rep with
any questions.
Tim Uden - (402) 462-0260 Kurt Nielsen - (308) 830-1687 Denny Behlmann - (308) 830-0469
Forecast calls for heavy rains, high winds and
100% NUTRITION
Your cows need optimal nutrition – and it takes more than just providing it to ensure they get what they need. Built
on research-proven intake consistency and unsurpassed weather resistance, Wind and Rain® Storm® Cattle Mineral
is the best option to support health and enhance reproduction and growth performance in your cattle. Make your
mineral program investment count – ensure it gets consumed by the cow with Purina’s Storm® Formula technology.
Contact your local CPI to learn more, or visit www.purinamills/cattle.com for more information.
©2014 Purina Mills LLC. All rights reserved.
Your cows need optimal nutrition – and it takes more than just providing it to ensure they get
®
AGRONOMY DIVISION UPDATE
By: Phil Ramsel
CPI is excited to offer a Custom Strip
Till service starting this fall for the 2017
Crop Year. CPI has partnered with
Environmental Tillage Systems and
their SoilWarrior® Strip Till machine
to offer our Custom Strip Till service.
The SoilWarrior® N machine we will be
utilizing can offer up to three separate
dry products and anhydrous ammonia.
It’s also capable of seeding – proving to
be a good cover crop seeding machine.
We will be offering flat rate application
as well as three product multi variable
rate application. Anhydrous ammonia
can be variable rate applied on six row
sections. Where the variable rate nitrogen
prescriptions are often utilizing urea, we
now have the capability to use anhydrous
ammonia as well. The SoilWarrior® has
steering ability and will have an RTK
signal guiding both the tractor and
SoilWarrior®. Where other systems are
utilizing a cart, the Soil Warrior is an
intact system allowing for steering back
into corners. The steering mechanisms
11
Cooperative Producers Insights
on the tractor and SoilWarrior® will help
prevent side hill drift, creating straight
rows on tougher to navigate side hills.
Strip till has been moving into the area
over the past few years. Strip till offers
several agronomic advantages.
A lot of our service area has become
accustomed to ridge till or ridge plant
over the years. Gravity irrigation made
hilling or ridging necessary. Where we
now have more center pivot irrigation
and some drip tape irrigation, ridging
isn’t necessary in most cases. Ridging
might create benefits in fields where
internal soil drainage isn’t very good or
as part of an integrated weed control
system. Another benefit that ridge till
creates include better soil warmup in the
spring.
CPI will be showcasing the SoilWarrior®
throughout the summer months and at
our field days. Please contact your CPI
Sales Agronomist for more information!
CS
cover story
BENEFITS OF ZONE TILLAGE
WITH SOIL WARRIOR®
CONFIGURATION
• 24-rows on 30”
• 3 bin dry + NH3
• Steerable Cart
- Active Implement Guidance
• Blockage sensors on each row
• Bin level sensors plus scales
• Dry rates from 10 to 400 lb./a
• NH3 System
- Raven AccuFlow HP™ Plus with
Vortex Cooler
- Raven Sidekick Pro™ direct inject
• Reduced Erosion & Improved Nutrient
Efficiency.
Crop residue keeps soil & nutrients in the field.
• Improved Soil Structure.
Decreased disturbance and increased residue
improves soil structure and microbial activity.
• Ideal Seedbed.
Zone tillage creates favorable soil
temperature, soil moisture, and aeration
conditions for planting. Producers with large
acreages, high surface residues, or poor
draining soils benefit from reduced tillage.
• Optimal Nutrient Placement.
SoilWarrior® places and blends fertilizer
right in the root zone where crops can utilize
nutrients throughout the growth process.
WHY USE CPI FOR CUSTOM
STRIP TILL?
• Comparable Yields/Better Returns.
Yields from zone tillage fields are comparable
to full surface tillage and typically better than
no-till.
•
•
•
•
•
4 VRT products and tillage in one pass
60’ toolbar = fewer passes across field
No capital expense for you
Frees up your time to do other tasks
Grower support
- Using CPI for custom strip tillage/
nutrient placement includes support
from your local agronomist
- Data management
• Guidance Lines, Soil Sampling
data, Yield data, Application data
CPICOOP.COM 12
Agronomy
Season
In Review
& Looking
Ahead
By: Phil Ramsel
13 Cooperative Producers Insights
AGRONOMY DIVISION UPDATE
The growing season of 2016 has been a lesson in patience with the Stop &
Go nature of the spring season. We witnessed one of the most productive
months of March which followed a February where it was tough to turn a
wheel because of the large snow that our area received. April appeared to
have the opportunity for an early start on planting before turning wet right
before the start of planting. From that April time frame, opportunities for
fieldwork arrived in short windows.
I wrote in the last newsletter about my experience with planting dates.
Planting dates are often the first hurdle and also a hurdle that we sometimes
don’t get a choice in the matter!
Planting date delays in corn create a few changes in development. The
first change is the rate of temperature that the plant emerges in. Where
corn responds to temperature in the early stage of development, the rate
of growth is faster for plants emerging at a later planting date versus an
earlier one. The second piece, that isn’t as well known, is the corn plants
response to day length. The combined effect is most hybrids will respond
to this delay by reaching tasseling with fewer growing degree units and also
fewer days of sunlight. The result is often a taller plant but also a lighter
plant in weight. Because the plant is lighter in weight, there are fewer
carbohydrates that can be remobilized in the plant for the critical grain fill
period, often resulting in lower yields. There are plenty of yield indexes
published with expected yields around planting date. In the years that I did
planting date studies, it was common to see a 10% decline between April
15 and May 15. If planting dates were delayed from April 15 to June 10, a
decline of 50% or more was common.
READ MORE
CPICOOP.COM 14
CONTROL
WEEDS.
CONSERVE
FUEL.
REDUCE
TILLAGE.
Roundup® is a registered trademark
of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2016
Monsanto Company. 41616 ED
06/01/16
17 Cooperative Producers Insights
Soybeans respond slightly different than corn when
considering planting dates. This is because soybean’s
metabolism and ability to fix carbohydrates in the plant
is different. Their response to day length is also more
predictable. Soybeans often get less credit as having an
important window for planting but planting date should
be given as much attention in soybeans as it is with corn.
Targeting a planting date in late April/early May is often
best. The end goal is to reach full canopy coverage by
the end of June. Why the end of June? The summer
season starts at this point, shortening days and triggering
the beginning of flowering in our soybean varieties. If we
have full canopy coverage at this point, meaning that the
rows are covered, we get maximum resource capture in
soybeans during the critical flowering and seed formation
stages.
Now that the crop is in and we’re looking ahead, what
are some key pieces of consideration? Looking back at
recent weather there are a few risks involved and they
center on plant performance. The spring was cool and
wet favoring early disease development. What type
of plant performance management helps in these early
stages? V5 fungicide on corn has shown positive returns
and will help with some of the early developing root
crown problems that develop in cool, wet conditions.
Another product that can help is Toggle. Toggle works
on the ethylene production process in plants, helping
to reduce overall stress. These products combined
with post applied herbicides and micronutrients help
produce a healthier, more intact, higher yielding crop in
the fall. Plant performance management continues past
V5. Tassel time fungicide application has shown many
benefits in recent years. Fungicides are used primarily
in reducing or eliminating fungal diseases in the crop
but they also provide benefits that are not as obvious.
One of the benefits is helping the plant cope with stress
levels. Another benefit is improved harvest intactness
providing more time that may be needed in the fall.
Weed management is another critical piece of the puzzle
that needs strong attention to detail. We’re currently
seeing good results from full rate preplant and preemerge programs. Programs with the Right multiple
modes of action are showing well – especially at full rate.
Discount programs and programs that include partial
rates aren’t showing as well with weeds starting to show
up quickly. The crop protection investment is important.
The developing crop has more going on than leaves and
increased height early on. Similar to the early stages
of our own life, the early stages of a plants life are very
formative. Having additional signaling from weed plants
in the form of light quality can influence the genetic
expression of the plant. Where ear initiation occurs as
early as V5 in early maturing hybrids and V6 in most
hybrids we use, having an early clean field is critical.
Proven to improve plant health and increase yields
HOW IT WORKS
SHOWTIME® Foliar is an enhanced blend of macro &
micronutrients that can be used in a versatile manner.
This enhancement is provided by the addition of a
unique formulation that provides:
Improved Glyphosate tank mix capability
Higher moisture retention properties keeping
nutrients available to the plant longer.
Stabilization of the formulation while in storage
Maximized nutrient availability enhancing plant
uptake and utilizations
SHOWTIME® PROVIDES:
A tool for improving plant health
Nutrition helps defend the plant against
stresses
Use with pesticides, insecticides, and
fungicides
Increased moisture utilization and
tank-mixing capabilities
Improved early performance leads to a
great finish
Use Rate: 1-2 quarts/Acre
AGRONOMY DIVISION UPDATE
OF AGRONOMY
Simon Ostrander Hannah Gaebel Trent Mastny
In the case of these recent college graduates, they are ready to start their first
full time job. They have spent the last four years studying in college and working
internships to be prepared for this opportunity. This is it, the first big shot in the
real world. Am I ready? What am I getting in to? Do I know everything I need to
know? Will I meet the grower’s expectations? These are the things going through
these recent grads minds.
At CPI, we recognize the transition from intern to college graduate to Sales
Agronomist. It takes an education, hands on learning, and experience to gain
confidence to do things right. CPI has developed an Agronomy Sales Trainee
position. This is a longer, on-boarding position designed to allow trainees adequate
time to gain the appropriate knowledge and experience in the day to day life of
a Sales Agronomist. This program involves shadowing other Sales Agronomists,
learning the CPI culture, and gaining experience working with customers with
a safety net beneath them. The trainees will be involved in the actions at many
locations and will be trained to take on an open territory or a new territory as they
come available.
What does this mean to the patrons of CPI? This means if we have a sales
agronomist leave or a new territory that demands a sales agronomist, CPI can
drop in someone with experience for a smooth transition for you. These Sales
Agronomists are already familiar with our products, procedures, and policies and
can hit the ground running to provide solutions for you and your operation. We are
building a bench, so to speak, with players ready to step in and contribute to our
team’s success.
17
Cooperative Producers Insights
Simon Ostrander, of Hastings, graduated from the University of Nebraska –Lincoln. He
started his career at CPI in May 2016 as an Agronomy Sales Trainee and is currently located
in the Hastings office.
Like most kids who grow up in Nebraska, Simon’s earliest agriculture memory was waking
up early in the morning to go detasseling. However, his interest in agriculture was sparked
by a later event. “I got an internship with an agronomist in Juniata, Nebraska. I really like
going out scouting fields and building a relationship with the farmers.” He admits that his
parents pushed him in to ag, but he does enjoy it.
In his beginning time at CPI, Simon wants to learn about all the CPI products. He also wants
to build relationships with growers as well as learn what CPI has to offer for his future. His
favorite part is learning all the different chemicals and seeds that CPI uses and sells. He
really wants to learn how all the chemicals impact corn and beans.
In his free time, Simon enjoys playing basketball and working out. His favorite food is pizza
and his favorite show is Chicago P.D. and Batman: The Dark Night is his choice film.
Trent Mastny, of Howells, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He began his
career for CPI in May 2016 as an Agronomy Sales Trainee and is currently located in the
Hastings office.
Growing up on a farm exposed Trent to agriculture and taught him what really happens
from start to finish. His first ag memory is when he learned to drive a tractor at a young age
from his brother while they were picking up bales. Trent credits his interest in agriculture to
his dad and living on a farm.
Trent’s goals for his starting time for CPI is to have an adequate knowledge of chemicals,
variable rate technology, and fertilizer application. His favorite part of agronomy is using
fertilizers on plants and learning the different uses for the chemicals used in agriculture.
In his free time, Trent enjoys deer hunting, reading, and watching sports. His favorite foods
are summer grilled foods, hamburgers, steaks, corn on the cob, etc. and he enjoys watching
Arrow.
Hannah Gaebel, of Ashland, Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
She worked for CPI as an intern during the summers of 2013 and 2014 and became an
Agronomy Sales Trainee in May 2016. Hannah is also currently located in the Hastings office.
Her earliest memory of agriculture is one that many farm kids can relate to, “My family has
farmland and I loved exploring the barn.” However, Hannah gives credit to Scott Bieck
for sparking her interest in agronomy. “I’ve always loved being outside and being around
plants. Plus I love food, so it seemed like a good fit!”
During her starting time at CPI, Hannah’s goals are to build relationships and to become
familiar with the herbicides and seeds CPI offers. Her favorite part of agronomy is problem
solving, growing food to feed the world, and seeing how many products and services CPI
offers that will benefit farmers.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys exercising, being at the lake, and going to country concerts.
Her favorite food is ice cream and of course steak.
CPICOOP.COM 18
Do your crops
have the nitrogen
they need?
Moving
UP to the
Big Leagues
Catching up with Agronomy Sales Trainee, Tannor Mroczek
When we last heard from Tannor Mroczek,
he was a Agronomy Sales Trainee. He has
since completed his training and is located
in Juniata as a Sales Agronomist.
Add Extra Nitrogen to
Reinforce Your Crops
Are your crops short of nitrogen? If so,
aerial applications of CoRoN can give
your crops the N they need.
Not only does CoRoN provide extra
N during peak demand, but it is also
compatible with most fungicides. With
delayed drying time, CoRoN improves
the uptake of systemics along with
enhancing nutrition uptake.
CoRoN is a part of the H3 Program,
a proven system of Helena products
that makes it easier to improve
fertility, efficiency and yield.
Contact your local CPI Sales
Agronomist to schedule an
application of CoRoN.
HelenaChemical.com
Always read and follow label directions. Helena and CoRoN
are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. ©
2016 Helena Holding Company HPG0616WH
“I accepted the Agronomy Sales Trainee
position offer back in late October of
last year before graduating from UNK
in December. I completed most of my
training with Scott Bieck in Hastings
from January to May. In May I was also
utilized as an inside salesman at the Giltner
location. I moved out of my trainee
position in June and into my new and current role as the Sales
Agronomist for the Juniata location.”
“I would say there’s a big difference from where my journey
began at CPI to where I am today. I started by doing mock farm
plans and recommendations and now
it’s the real thing.”
Tannor enjoys getting to know
everyone within CPI and the
growers he works with. “I
enjoy assisting them with their
farming operations. My goal
this year is to build good
relationships with my
customers and help them as
much as I can. I believe that
accountability and professionalism
are going to be key in building
these relationships with the current
CPI customers and the future CPI
customers at this location.
“My advice for current trainees or to those interested in joining
CPI is to be a sponge. Take every piece of information that you
learn during the training process Also, like I mentioned earlier, be
accountable and professional when dealing with growers. You will
build that important trust with these guys and make a difference.
The trainee position is a great way to gain valuable knowledge
before becoming a sales agronomist.”
In his free time, Tannor enjoys hanging out with family and friends,
watching and playing sports, and grilling. During this time of year,
he spends weekends going to his family’s cabin. His favorite food
is steak and potatoes with either green beans or asparagus. “Walk
the Line” is Tannor’s favorite movie and “Hell on Wheels” is his
favorite TV show.
AGRONOMY DIVISION UPDATE
CPI Summer Interns
READY TO LEARN
Dillon Bieck
Dillon is from Trumbull and attends CCC in Hastings for agribusiness. This is
his third summer at CPI. “As a freshman, I went to UNK to major in biology.
I decided I didn’t want to do that, so I tried an internship for a summer at
CPI.” This summer Dillon’s job is to train and mentor the new interns. He also
receives tissue samples from Midwest Labs/Helena, reviews the data and
converts it to a CPI form where he can make recommendations based on the
sample data. Dillon also scouts fields and evaluates water moisture meters. He
recently became a certified water professional. In his free time, Dillon likes to
go fishing.
Austin Olson
Austin is from Minden
and attends UNL for
agribusiness. This is his
first summer interning
for CPI. Shane Reifenrath
helped Austin get started
at CPI and Kelly Koch
works with him when
scouting fields and
evaluating tissue samples. Austin is working out
of the Minden location. During this summer, he
hopes to learn as much as he can about CPI and
agriculture. In his free time, Austin enjoys riding his
motorcycle and hanging out with his friends.
Joshua Nienhueser
Joshua is from Juniata
and attends Northwest
Missouri State University
where he is majoring in
ag-science. This is his
first summer interning
for CPI and he is based
out of Holstein. Joshua
got his start for CPI after
a successful application and interview. During his
day, he scouts fields and enjoys being outside.
His goal for the summer is to learn more about
agronomy topics like scouting and spraying. In his
free time, Joshua likes to go golfing.
Conner Wells
Conner is from Axtell
and attends UNK for
agribusiness. He began
interning for CPI three
years ago through the
intern program and is
located in Axtell. His
favorite part of the job is
interacting with growers
and fellow employees. During the day, Conner
looks at fields and helps the salesmen with their
duties. This summer, Conner would like to further
his education and knowledge of agriculture. In his
free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, and watching
The Office.
Rachael Fangmeier
Rachael is from Hebron
and attends UNK for
agribusiness and journalism.
This is her first summer
working for CPI and is
located at the Hastings
office. Rachael got her start
with CPI after meeting Scott
Bieck at UNK’s career fair.
She works in the advertising department with Erin
Ptak and with Scott on some agronomy. Rachael’s
favorite part is getting to work on the CPI magazine.
In her free time, she enjoys riding her horse and
fishing.
CPICOOP.COM 20
GRAIN DIVISION UPDATE
HARVEST
UPDATES
By: Jim Dell
21 Cooperative Producers Insights
As I write this article, we find ourselves about two weeks away from wheat
harvest. The wheat market is giving us some opportunity and appears to be off to
a solid start.
Let’s begin by discussing wheat harvest. The crop appears to be coming along
nicely and should provide us with some pretty good yields. However, we are
hearing that the crop to the south is coming off with a bit lower protein but yields
have been good. We have not been hearing a lot about potential vomitoxin
problems. CPI has made some changes to the locations that will be accepting
wheat. We will accept wheat at Campbell, Deweese, Franklin, Guide Rock,
Hastings, Hildreth, Holstein, Merna, Minden, Ragan, Republican City, Ruskin, and
Sutton. At the end of the day, our overall goal is to have all the wheat in Hastings,
the location with storage room.
We also will be changing delivery points for Milo this fall. Delivery points will be
the following locations: Franklin, Giltner, Guide Rock, Hastings, Ragan, Republican
City, Ruskin, Trumbull, and Wilcox. For those of you that have concerns over the
delivery points, I would like to point out that we can also come direct to the farm
to pick up your product. In many cases, you may benefit from us picking up your
milo. Todd Devries has an article on our Direct Ship program to get more details.
READ MORE
CPICOOP.COM 22
Secondly, planting and crop progress
nationally are off to as good of start.
We are 1% ahead of last year’s planting
progress and crop conditions, reported
as of June 7, 2016. For soybeans we
are 3% ahead on planting and 6%
ahead on crop conditions. The main
reason for the price spike is that the
funds have found a place to get some
return on investment and are driving
a lot of speculative buying. The dollar
has also softened to make our product
more affordable. And energy crude oil
has traded over $50 per barrel. Grain
commodities, particularly corn, follow
energy quite closely.
At the end of the day the market is
giving us some excellent opportunities
to market both old crop and new crop
grains. As of this writing, December
futures have traded over $4.30 per
bushel which should be close to breakeven or profit levels for a lot of you.
Don’t forget about the bird in the hand
theory. Soybeans have been leading
the way and have presented some
profitable levels to be marketing your
crop. CPI and the grain origination
team encourage you to put in target
levels. None of us know where the
market will eventually settle out or what
may trigger a big run up on any given
day. This is why it is so important to
plan ahead, know your break evens and
realistic profit levels you want then put
the orders in to accomplish your goals.
Contact your local CPI representative
today and put those orders in!
In closing, I would like to again thank all
the patrons of CPI for their continued
support. As we navigate through this
ever changing market place, we can
be proud of the fact that a strong local
cooperative and loyal patron base can
persevere through the challenges that
lay ahead.
17 locations across Nebraska and northern Kansas to serve you!
Experience the LandMark difference.
www.landmarkimp.com
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP TODAY
GRAIN DIVISION UPDATE
Announces Expansion
By: Ken Pilsl
In an effort to better serve our farmer customers during the rush of fall harvest,
CPI-Lansing LLC is constructing a 1.5 million bushel ground pile on the north side of
the existing facility.
This grain handling system will consist of a 30,000 BPH tower filled pile that is
fed off of the current truck unload pits. The system will also have a 20,000 BPH
reclaim tunnel with four sumps to feed the existing conveyor in the elevator
basement.
We are anxious to break ground on this project so we can ensure it is operational
for fall harvest!
Future expansion possibilities could include a similar tower fed pile to the south of
the facility, and an additional steel tank(s) to the west.
Please contact Ken Pilsl or Jamison Jensen at (402) 268-2926 with any questions.
CPICOOP.COM 24
GRAIN DIVISION UPDATE
National Grain and Feed Association
By: Sarah Gonzalez, Director of Communications and Digital Media
This year’s members of the Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) visited NGFA
in Washington, D.C., this week, where the 18 apprentices, including CPI’s Bryce
Johnson on the Biotechnology Committee and Lacey Seibert on the Country
Elevator Committee, met with members of Congress and heard from experts in
agriculture and communication. CAP is designed to help develop future leaders of
the association and apprentices are expected to participate fully in all committee
activities, helping develop policy on transportation, trade rules, safety, risk
management, biotechnology and others. Dale Moore, executive director of public
policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation; Julie Dixon, research director of
the National Journal’s Communications Council; and Bernice Slutsky, senior vice
president of science & international affairs at the American Seed Trade Association,
provided the CAPs with expert insights and perspectives from their time in
Washington.
After an evening at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, the CAPs
met with several members of Congress and their staffs, including a full group
meeting with Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill. During their ensuing 13 separate meetings,
the apprentices lobbied for NGFA policy priorities, including a workable, national
standard on biotech labeling; investments in U.S. waterways infrastructure; and
passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska & 2016
CAPs Kyle Foster, Bryce Johnson, Lacey
Seibert, Jason Ballow, David Noel, &
Nathan Mathison
The 2016 NGFA committee apprentices pose outside the
Capitol. View the full list of apprentices at www.ngfa.org
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska met with
a small group of the 2016 CAPs, including
CPI’s Bryce Johnson & Lacey Seibert
25 Cooperative Producers Insights
KANSAS Post
rock wheat
variety tour
By: Bruce Tinkham
Jamison Jensen, CPI-Lansing Merchandiser;
Bruce Tinkham CPI/CPI-Lansing Grain Originator
and Tom Sorrentino from Lansing Trade Group
in Overland Park attended the Post Rock
Extension District Wheat Tour in Smith Center
and Beloit, Kansas on Tuesday, May 24th.
The Smith County Plot was hosted by Mark
Kuhlmann and featured twenty-five varieties,
two blends, two population studies and a
Chloride Study. Demonstrations on fertility and
biomass sensors used to determine fertility needs
were discussed and demonstrated by Dorivar
Ruiz Diaz KSU Fertility specialist and Graduate
Assistant Ashley Lorence. Varieties were
discussed and analyzed by KSU Agronomist,
Lucas Haag. Insect issues and concerns were
addressed by Sandra Wick, KSU Post Rock
District – Crop Production Specialist. The Smith
County Plot tour was attended by thirty area
producers with cinnamon rolls, coffee, and water
served following the tour.
The Beloit Plot is a replicated plot where each
variety is planted three or more times within
the plot area so that variations within the
field are accounted for. There were thirty-five
varieties represented. A meal was served with a
question and answer session and a good deal of
networking.
It was noted that we did not see any insect pressure at either plot and leaf stripe
rust and red leaf rust were present, and both fields had been sprayed with fungicide.
Barring hail, both locations looked poised to have excellent yields.
CPICOOP.COM 26
GRAIN
OPERATIONS
UPDATE
By: Becky Kindschuh
27 Cooperative Producers Insights
GRAIN DIVISION UPDATE
If I was asked to sum up grain operations in a word, it would be prepare.
Prepare to load a train, prepare to clean out a bin, prepare to make repairs and
perform maintenance, prepare for harvest, etc. Almost everything we do is in
preparation of something.
We have been very busy shipping out grain from the 2015 harvest and in
preparations for the harvest of 2016. Wheat harvest is here, and we have
been evaluating acres and crop conditions, allocating space and equipment
to be utilized for wheat harvest, as well as preparing bins and grain receiving/
handling equipment for what we hope will be a successful wheat harvest.
For the fall harvest just a short three months away we have projects going on
that are all over the spectrum of size and scope. Very soon dirt will start to move
at Fairmont and Minden in preparation of projects to add over a million bushels
of temporary storage at each site. Minden will be adding receiving equipment
in conjunction with the storage at our new facility on the east side of town. In
Fairmont, the grain storage bunker will be filled from existing receiving facility,
which will improve utilization of the high capacity equipment we already have
in place. In Ragan and Ruskin, we will also add temporary storage to help
reduce the amount of grain that needs to be shipped out during the very busy
weeks of harvest and increase receiving speed so your trucks can get back to
the field faster and keep the combines rolling.
Other locations have projects going on that are not so glamorous, but they
do add value and create efficiencies within the framework of the locations.
Projects include: installing new bin sweeps, new fill or reclaim conveyors, new
overhead bins and spout pipes that do not leak, changing leg belt and cups,
gear boxes and motors, roof coatings so water doesn’t get into the bins, manlift
repairs, etc. All the areas we fix, repair, maintain or replace is in preparation
for the next truck load of grain that rolls across the scale. In order to achieve
a successful harvest, we made repairs to our scales as well. We even added
a scale this spring at Red Cloud to help with some congestion in truck traffic.
At the Hayland location, we have replaced a much older and shorter scale that
was installed long before the triple axel grain trailer was a common sight, now
matching the new outbound scale up right beside the inbound scale that is only
two years old. We have also added a couple of outside scale ticket printers
and we hope to put in a few more. If we can deliver your scale ticket right to
the cab window at the driver’s door, then we can save some steps the driver
has to make in and out of the truck and across the scale into our office and
create a more efficient harvest experience. This is all in the hopes of providing
an improved customer experience at our locations.
Prepare. Anticipate. Make ready.
expectations for the 2016 harvest.
We will be doing just that, with great
CPICOOP.COM 28
GRAIN DIVISION UPDATE
Direct Ship
policies &
procedures
By: Todd DeVries
Let me start off by saying thank you for your business with CPI and CPI Direct grain. CPI
Direct grain is grain delivered through CPI directly to ethanol plants, soybean processors
and livestock operations. Thanks to you we have grown direct ship grain volume from
three-million in 2012 and 2013 to over ten-million in 2015 and 2016. While a volume increase
of 333% over three years is something we are proud of, we continue to look at ways to
improve the direct ship process from contracting through payment. Competitive prices,
quality service and quick settlements are keys to a successful direct ship program. Listed
on the right page are the policies and procedures required with CPI Direct Ship Grain.
Converting grain into cash is the basic purpose of our business. I believe quick settlements
are something that CPI can do better than anyone. Once your tickets/bills of lading
are delivered to Hastings you can expect a check issued in two to three days. These
tickets must be entered into Agris by hand so that takes some time. If you have a large
contract with multiple tickets, consider sending them once a week so we don’t have fifty
or one-hundred tickets to enter at one time. If you have a smart phone or tablet, there
is a Cam Scanner app available free of charge that can be downloaded from Google Play
or Apple. The app can be used to take pictures of tickets and bills of lading. The picture
can then be converted to a PDF file and emailed to grainsettlements@cpicoop.com. We
have customers who email us tickets after each load is delivered, and the grain accounting
staff really appreciates that. Also, make sure we have copy of your signed contract. It is
required before we can issue a check. Finally, thank you for your business.
29 Cooperative Producers Insights
CPI Direct Policies & Procedures
Grain must be contracted prior to delivery. Many
contract options available (cash, basis, hedge to
arrive, extended price and minimum price).
Bills of lading are required. They will be mailed
with contract or can be picked up at CPI grain
locations.
HIGH QUALITY SEED,
60+ YEARS EXPERIENCE,
& EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Schedule delivery with CPI grain originators.
Send copy of destination scale tickets and bill of
lading to Hastings office for processing. Many
customers stop by one of our CPI locations to
have them scanned and emailed to Hastings.
Copy of signed purchase contract also required
before payment can be made. Can also be
scanned and emailed to Hastings.
IT’S
IN THE
BAG!
Prefer to do all settlements in Hastings. We can
make arrangements to have checks issued at
other CPI grain locations. Remember our policy
is no checks will be issued until requested.
Employee Continuing
Education Graduates
Grain Courses
CPI would like to congratulate
Travis Kennedy, who graduated
from GEAPS 540: Entry Level
Safety and GEAPS 501: Basics
for Grain Facility Supervisors.
Travis had to complete distant
education courses from GEAPS,
Grain Elevator and Processing
Safety, and Kansas State
University. By completing
these courses, Travis earned
continuing education credits
as well as a certificate of
recognition. Travis is located at
the CPI-Lansing location in Red
Cloud.
Arrow Seed® products
are available from your
local CPI Seed Dealer
Wheat
Alfalfa
Small Grains
Cover Crop Mixes
Summer Annual Forage
Pasture & Turf Grasses
Arrow Seed ® Company, Inc.
Broken Bow, Nebraska
www.ArrowSeed.com
ENERGY DIVISION UPDATE
a harbinger of change to come throughout the Energy department?
By: Gary Brandt
NYMX Diesel
NYMX Crude
31 Cooperative Producers Insights
What a ride it has been for crude oil prices. Just off this chart to the left (green is NYMX
Diesel and blue is NYMX Crude) is the 2008 price spike to $140ish crude that was followed
by the drop to $30. Then the slow crawl back to $100 that lasted from 2011 to 2014.
When prices fell to the $50 range I thought we had found a price that would hold. When
the Saudi’s decided to open up supply, prices dropped further until they bounced at $30
and came back to $50. The $50 level is interesting in many ways. Many oil business
experts believe that $50 is a price that supports cautious exploration, continued shale oil
extraction, pipeline building, and refinery expansion. Many environmentalists believe that
$50 (or maybe a little more) is a price that will keep us striving for more efficiencies and
conservation.
Living in rural communities can add to the miles we drive getting to the goods and
services we require. Using large equipment to farm requires large amounts of diesel fuel
to complete the task of working the soil. Inexpensive fuels have a dollar for dollar impact
on the reduction in expenses for us and our neighbors. The left over dollars not spent on
fuel are (I hope) spent in our communities supporting local businesses. Can fuel be too
inexpensive? Too cheap and we can become numb to the need for conservation. $50
crude might be the price that keeps us from getting complacent on fossil fuel conservation.
The Government has minimum standards for the fuel efficiency of cars sold in the US.
Fuel economy for new cars and trucks rose steadily from 20.1 miles per gallon in 2007
to 25.8 m.p.g. in 2014, according to Michael Sivak, research professor at the University
of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Since then the fuel economy of new cars
and trucks has gone down to 25 m.p.g., a decline of 0.8 m.p.g. “That is a huge decline,”
Professor Sivak said. It shows that US consumers are going away from smaller efficient
cars and toward bigger light trucks and S.U.V.s. What’s more, he has found, while miles
driven by the average motorist declined when prices were high and the economy was
weak, that trend has also been reversed. I just made a trip to central Texas to help a
daughter move. On the long slog home I noticed a marked increase in traffic from the last
time I made the same trip.
READ MORE
CPICOOP.COM 32
ENERGY DIVISION UPDATE
I have never been a doomsday kind of guy and I do not think we are at a point of crisis
with fuel supplies. Even though US oil imports are down and our domestic oil production
is way up I do think that technology and long term crude price increases will continue
to change the driving habits of the rural population. I have mentioned in past articles
that I am a fan of Formula 1 racing. The investment those car manufacturers have made
in hybrid technology is amazing. I think we will see hybrid electric drivelines in an
increasing number of car models over the next several years. Over the recent weekend
I was looking at used cars and one car lot had a used Tesla. While I had no intention of
driving it I looked it over and asked questions. That all-electric model had the range to
easily handle every bit of driving that I do except long trips out of town. And last week
the City of Kearney installed a public charging station outside of City Hall. It will be a long
time before internal combustion is replaced as the prime motive power for cars in cities.
It will not be long before you see hybrid and electric cars running all over your local rural
towns.
Heavy equipment will ultimately see the same changes. It began as aero skirts and hub
caps on semi-trucks trying to get a little more mileage. The diesel over electric drivetrain
(like train locomotives) is already being used in some lines of construction equipment. The
reduction in exhaust and particulate emissions from these hybrid construction vehicles is
dramatic. A 25% decrease in CO2 emissions and a 25% increase in fuel efficiency is not
uncommon.
CPI is going to have to adapt to these changes in the fuel business. Less miles driven
means less visits to our Ampride stores and gas stations. More efficient tractors use less
fuel and have their oil changed less often. Electrification of irrigation wells eliminates the
need for all petroleum except some grease and drip oils. Internally we are looking towards
these trends. One major push for CPI has been the consolidation of tank wagon fuel
delivery routes. As we are able to build better bulk storage facilities, buy better trucks,
and take advantage of technology we can combine fuel delivery routes as positions open
up. The goal is to have fuel delivery trucks deliver one million gallons every year. Only
by being efficient and reducing rolling stock can we stay competitive in this market.
Fewer miles driven, and larger equipment doing more work, will also affect our Mr.
Tire stores. Tires are well made and do not suffer many of the maladies of the past.
Fewer trips across the field reduce the chances of ruining a tire and the heavy duty
high weight carrying tires on big equipment are less prone to failure. CPI is lucky to
have a great relationship with its primary tire vendor K&M Tire. We hope to continue
to find new markets for our services. Fleets and Semi-trucks are an opportunity we
hope to exploit if we can continue to retain tire technicians and a ready supply of
tires. The Department of Commerce just announced new tariffs on imported Chinese
medium truck tires of up to 23%. They are concurrently investigating dumping
charges that could raise the tariff even more. Prices on all medium truck tires will
probably go up. We continue to find that the biggest challenge is tire repair personnel.
Employment might end up being the biggest challenge in the tire business.
All is not lost. The Energy group has not begun to despair the future. Quite the opposite
as we see these challenges as opportunities. Increasing efficiencies will make our
employees jobs better and provide better customer service. Working to become one of
the remaining competitors should allow us to refine our product offerings to be certain of
meeting customer needs. Change is inevitable – and for CPI I trust it will offer us positive
results.
33 Cooperative Producers Insights
TPP
TOTAL PROTECTION PLAN
By: Alli Griess
There is no question that farm equipment is one of the biggest expenses of an
operation, so why not protect your investment? CPI offers Cenex Ruby FieldMaster,
an industry leading premium diesel with additives to increase efficiency and
significantly decrease long-term maintenance costs by extending the life of pumps,
filters, and injectors, as well as protecting moving parts. The features added to
Ruby FieldMaster are: injection stabilizer, detergents, cetane improver, lubricity
improver, demulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and storage stabilizers. Combining the
use of premium Ruby FieldMaster with Cenex lubricants will certainly lengthen the
life of your equipment and protect your investment.
The Cenex Total Protection Plan offers peace of mind through an extended warranty
program. The warranty covers a wide variety of equipment and component repairs
with no deductible and is available to customers who use Cenex Ruby FieldMaster
diesel and Cenex lubricants exclusively. Total Protection is available for both new
and used equipment for a small one-time fee of $299 for new equipment and $399
for used. Participants receive $200 in coupons for Cenex products, so the final
cost of each program is reduced to an even smaller fee of $99 for new and $199
for used. New equipment is covered for up to ten years or 10,000 hours, with used
equipment being covered for up to eight years or 8,000 hours. Over the past twelve
months, Mid-Nebraska Lubricants customers have received $65,500 in warranty
dollars from Cenex under the Total Protection Plan to cover the cost of repairs on
their equipment. Those dollars were used to repair various parts including injectors,
injection pumps, bearings, and rods.
Information on these products is available www.cenex.com.
Steven Bittfield and his son, Zeth, stand with the
TPP claim check that was presented to them by CPI
Employee, Jamy Schultz. Bittfield submitted a claim on
his Case IH MX 275 in which he used Cenex Maxtron®
THF. The claim check covered the cost of the repairs.
Stan Koehler, his son Monty, grandson Alex, and great-grandson
Konrad, stand with the TPP claim check that was presented to
them by CPI Employee, Craig Brannagan. Koehler has had TTP
coverage since 2008. The claim check covered the majority of
the cost to overhaul the engine on his tractor.
CPICOOP.COM 34
The Importance of
Quality Oil
By: Tim Weides
Cooperative Producers, Inc. primarily serves agricultural customers
and some construction equipment fleets. We have found that farmers tend to take better care of
their equipment than construction companies and large fleets. I suspect it is because the people
driving the construction equipment are not the ones who are paying for the repairs. Recently, a
large construction fleet customer of CPI’s confided in me he was having trouble with hydraulic
pumps on a few pieces of earth moving equipment. The owner had gone through an expense
audit and decided to change to a different, less expensive, oil supplier for his hydraulic systems
and quit using quality Cenex Indol oils. This choice did not work out so well and it had a negative
impact on his operation. The ISO 32 hydraulic oil he switched to did not meet the cold weather
specifications of his equipment manufacturer and the cheap oil caused pump failure in two pieces
of equipment. The cost to repair these pumps? The $14,000 spent on replacement parts in
addition to lost revenue from equipment downtime and rescheduling issues. In trying to save a
few dollars his decision would well exceed $20,000 in total cost. He has returned to Mid-Nebraska
lubricants and uses Cenex oils exclusively.
CPI & Cenex offer premium products designed for hard working Ag and Fleet families. Cenex
products are designed and produced for owners just like you. The Cenex oils we deliver to your
farms are designed specifically for your equipment and are featured as factory fills in several lines
of equipment. These oils are so good that we stand behind them with a Total Protection Plan
Warranty program. You can trust Cenex to protect your investment, both in your combine, as
well as the family car. If you would like more information
about the Cenex family of oils, you can contact
our salesmen.
Tim Weides - Northwest Territory
Cell: (308) 627-9100
Email: tweides@cpicoop.com
Craig Brannigan - Northeast Territory
Cell: (402) 705-0560
Email: cbrannigan@cpicoop.com
Jamy Schultz - Central Territory
Cell: (402) 469-6096
Email: jschultz@cpicoop.com
Dave Sayler - Southern Territory
Cell: (402) 469-5793
Email: dsayler@cpicoop.com
35 Cooperative Producers Insights
ENERGY DIVISION UPDATE
TIRE COMPANY
By: Dave Nall
The BKT Tire Company has only been around since 1987, but don’t let their youth fool
you. They have learned fast and are making some great agricultural tires. One example
is the bias-ply TR117. This tire is ideal for center pivot irrigation applications. In line with
BKT’s commitment to design tires that protect the soil, the TR 117 tire has round-shaped
lugs to reduce soil damage and protect precious crops. These lugs might be gentle when
it comes to compaction and crop damage, but they are aggressive and curved enough
to give great traction.
This is the time of the year where you cannot afford to wait any longer to check out your
pivots. If you do not have the time, please allow CPI Mr. Tire to come out and inspect
your pivot tires to determine if replacement is in the near future. Any one of our fifteen
locations will be glad to assist, along with our ten tire trucks.
We look forward to hearing from you!
CPICOOP.COM 36
By: Hannah Swink
Our Ampride convenience stores strive to provide our customers with items that are new and
exciting. The same old snickers and Mountain Dew, while delicious, might get tedious after a
while. We try to have the intuition to know what products to offer you before you may even
know what you want yourself. We have over 12,000 different items available from our supplier
to choose from when stocking our stores. Our main supplier gets at least 2,500 new items a
year. Our goal is to bring in every new product our supplier has to offer at least once during
the year. It is the only way we can know which new flavors will hit the customers’ sweet spot.
The most exciting item we have recently added is the F’real Ice Cream Machine. Located
at our Ampride South location in Hastings, this machine makes fabulous malts, shakes, and
smoothies. Select your flavor, put it in the machine, choose your thickness and the machine
does the rest. After you remove your treat the machine self-cleans and sanitizes to assure
you of the safest, freshest product available.
Summer is here and you cannot enjoy it without sunflower seeds! Bigs, Giants, Spitz, and
David brands of sunflower seeds can be purchased at any of our c-store locations. With
twenty-four different flavors, there is a flavor for everyone! Our best seller is Bigs Dill Pickle,
followed by Spitz Dill Pickle. Industry wide the dill pickle flavor out sells all other flavors
2:1. The new products to look for from Bigs are Wasabi and Sea Salt shell-less sunflower
kernels and Franks Red Hot sunflower seeds. Giants has come out with Salty Sweet, Toasted
Coconut, Sweet Dill Pickle and Fresh Cracked Pepper flavors. David’s new flavors include
Lightly Salted, Sour Cream and Onion, and Black Pepper.
The big players in the candy industry are Mars and Hershey. Between the companies they try
to come out with 10-15 new candies a year. In 2016 Mars will introduce Snickers Hazelnut and
Twix White Chocolate Cookie bars, along with a wide range of seasonal items. Hershey has a
new KitKat BigKat candy bar and Reese’s Pieces peanut butter cups. Hershey also has plans
to expand the Brookside brand of chocolate covered fruits.
41 Cooperative Producers Insights
37
CONVENIENCE STORES
We pride ourselves on being rooted
in strong communities. From a quick
fill-up to a snack run, we’re here to
get you where you want to be. And
with quality and reliability as our first
priorities, we’re a company you can
depend on. There’s always something
going on at your local CPI Ampride,
so stop in and see us today!
Visit one of these convenient
locations today.
Blue Hill - 310 N Wilson
Clay Center - 404 N Center
Franklin - 1601 M Street
Grand Island - 3210 W Old Potash Hwy
Hastings North - 1414 N Burlington
Hastings South - 1410 W J Street
Kearney - 7810 2nd Avenue
Nelson - 575 S Main
Superior - 548 N Bloom
Sized
Candy Bar
FREE Regular
with purchase of a 32 oz.
Styrofoam Fountain Drink
Coupon valid at ANY CPI Ampride
Location. Coupon expires 8-31-16.
One time use. One coupon per customer.
Blue Hill - Clay Center - Franklin
Grand Island - Hastings North & South
Kearney - Nelson - Superior
$.50 OFF
F'Real Milkshakes & Smoothies
Coupon valid at the CPI Hastings South
Ampride ONLY. Coupon expires 8-31-16.
One coupon per customer. One time use.
Hastings Ampride South
1410 W J Street
Hastings, NE 68901
Save even more with the Cabela’s CLUB Visa®
Leading the charge in Zone Tillage ™ , the SoilWarrior ® from Environmental
Tillage Systems helps you create today’s ideal seedbed. Now you can preserve
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placing fertilizer directly in the zone where plants need it. Unlike other striptillage equipment, the SoilWarrior won’t plug or clog as it builds raised rows
that help soils warm faster. Save labor, fuel, input costs and time while you
create a whole new zone of opportunity for better stands and higher yields.