Fall 2021 - Seed to Silo by Kansas Grain and Feed Association | Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

Fall 2021 Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 234-0463 ksagretailers.org

Fall 2021 Kansas Grain and Feed Association 816 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 234-0461 ksgrainandfeed.org

ASSOCIATION STAFF Ron Seeber President & CEO

Randy Stookey Senior Vice President General Counsel

Staci Storey Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Shari Bennett Vice President Event Planning Lisa Anschutz Senior Director Internal Operations Sidney Storey Director of Administrative Services Trae Green Associate Vice President External Affairs & Creative Services BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dustin Kuntz Chairman Kevin Dieckmann Vice Chairman Scott Morris Second Vice Chairman Lance Nelson Immediate Past Chairman Gary Beachner Bryan Bucl Troy Coon Yance Farney Justin Foss Jim Grilliot Jeff Holling Rachel Hurley Nick Krehbiel Brian Laverentz

Jami Loecker Warren Mayberry Kevin Mears Justin Ochs O.J. Pearl Dave Spears Mark Vance Mark Wegner Toby Witthuhn

Editors: KARA & KGFA staff

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 03 PRESIDENT’S LETTER Reflecting on Bob Dole’s life, legacy and impact

04 INDUSTRY NEWS Updates on issues affecting you

08 2022 TAL CLASS The TAL committee met and selected the 2022 class ahead of Session I in January

18 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW We’re just more than a month away from the Kansas legislative session beginning in Topeka

22 MARK YOUR CALENDARS We have announced our entire slate of training and networking opportunities in 2022

Staci Storey Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Shari Bennett Vice President Event Planning Lisa Anschutz Senior Director Internal Operations Sidney Storey Director of Administrative Services Trae Green Associate Vice President External Affairs & Creative Services BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brent Emch Chairman Mark Paul Vice Chairman Andrew Fullerton Second Vice Chairman Deb Miller Immediate Past Chairwoman

14 We Stood United at the 35th Kansas Agri Business Expo KARA and KGFA welcomed members and exhibitors to their 35th joint Kansas Agri Business Expo in Wichita in mid-November

Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association reserve the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

Gary Beachner Ted Behring Doug Biswell Blake Connelly David Helfrich James Jirak Dub Johnson TJ Mandl Matt Overturf Troy Presley Devin Schierling Allen Williams

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE RONALD SEEBER

President and CEO

Ron Seeber was hired as president and CEO of Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association in October 2017 after working for the associations since July 2008. An expert in state and federal legislative affairs, Seeber also worked for Senator Bob Dole in policy and political capacities, and has spent his entire career in the regulatory arena.

KARA and KGFA members As we all know, on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, Bob Dole died. It was the end of an era and a genuine American hero. Senator Dole was a tireless advocate for all things Kansas, and my first boss. My first job out of college was working for Senator Dole in his Washington, D.C., office. From day one, I quickly learned he had a tremendous mind, a tireless work ethic, an incredible wit and expected the most from his staff. No one on his staff nor fellow senators worked as hard as Bob Dole. He was a very tough guy to work for. He demanded excellence, and failure was not part of the equation. I loved every minute of my time on his staff and count myself very blessed to witness the greatest example of true leadership from the ground floor. The last few weeks, the news has reported a list of Senator Dole’s national accomplishments. They include, but are not limited to, supporting the Civil Rights Act of 1964, saving social security, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and being a tireless advocate for veterans. What often is not talked about, however, is what he did for Kansas and how he never forgot who elected him. During my five years working for the Senator, he made it clear that he, and by default, we worked for the people of Kansas. The people of Kansas elected him to fix problems and he used his position and clout to make our state and the United States a better place - especially when it came to agribusiness. As the former Congressman from the Kansas Big First District, supporting agribusiness was in his public service DNA. Senator Dole was a 27-year member of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. He was instrumental in the passage of

Ron Seeber worked for Senator Bob Dole in policy and political capacities in Washington, D.C. The photo above features the entirety of Dole’s staff on the steps of the United States Capitol during Dole’s presidential run in 1996.

every tax bill, every farm bill, the railroad deregulation Act of 1980 and especially getting Kansas farmers through the credit crunch of the 1980s. Also, it is safe to say that the ethanol industry, as we know it, would not exist without Senator Dole. I know I am missing several more key examples, but you get the picture. As a staffer, I learned that no challenge was too large nor any concern too small for Senator Dole. He took a personal interest in making sure he knew what was keeping Kansans up at night and would do anything in his power to assist. When he entered the reception area of his office, he would always ask two questions in his gruff and growly voice, “How we doing?” to the staff and, “What’s on their mind?” to the folks manning the phones. He always knew what the hot topics were and made sure that every call and letter were addressed. He was also a very good politician using his position and clout to take care of the Kansas voter at every opportunity. My letter would not be complete

without my favorite Bob Dole memory. In 1992, while Senator Dole was traveling in southeast Kansas during a series of town hall meetings, a very angry and determined farmer followed him from event-to-event. Regardless of the Senator’s response to his woes, the guy would not relent. Finally, the Senator told the staff member to stop the car. The angry farmer stopped his truck. The Senator requested for the disgruntled constituent to come to his car. When the farmer did as asked, Senator Dole handed a cell phone to the man and said, “Since I apparently can’t help you, I will let you talk to the boss.” The guy took the phone, said his piece to the President of the United States, and gave the phone back to Senator Dole. What started out as frustration ended with gratitude as the farmer then thanked Senator Dole and went home. Kansas has lost a hero with the death of Bob Dole. Fortunately, his legacy of leadership and public service lives on.

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

INDUSTRYnews CFATS Technical Amendments Issued

DHS has issued technical amendments to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Source: Asmark Institute

DHS has issued technical amendments to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). These changes ensure the regulation accurately reflects the organizational changes since the establishment of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) in 2018. The regulatory language has also been updated to include other non-substantive technical edits for clarification. Because the revisions do not propose any changes to the

regulation, CISA was able to publish the rule without a notice and comment period. Facilities currently regulated under the CFATS program do not need to take any action in response to this final rule.

OSHA Penalty Amounts Could Skyrocket The House Committee on Education and Labor has proposed substantial increases to OSHA fines as part of the budget resolution for fiscal year 2022. The committee seeks to raise OSHA’s minimum fine for willful or repeated violations to $50,000 from $9,753 and the maximum to $700,000 from $136,532 per violation. Serious and failure-to-abate

violations would move to a maximum of $70,000 from $13,653. The plan would give OSHA $707 million for enforcement, development of standards, whistleblower investigations, compliance assistance, State Plan funding and related activities. The House Committee on Education and Labor has proposed substantial increases to OSHA fines as part of the budget resolution for fiscal year 2022. Source: Asmark Institute

EXPAND YOUR AUDIENCE Advertise with KGFA Would you like to reach more than 900 businesses involved in the Kansas grain industry? Call the association office 785.234.0461 or email membership@kansasag.org to learn more about our advertising opportunities.

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

INDUSTRYnews OSHA Addresses Extreme Heat

OSHA is implementing an enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards, developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections, and launching a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard. In addition, the agency is forming a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group to provide better understanding of challenges and to identify and share best practices to protect workers. OSHA implemented an intervention and enforcement initiative recently to prevent and protect workers from heat-related illnesses and deaths while they are working in hazardous hot environments. The newly established initiative prioritizes heat-related interventions and inspections

of work activities on days when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. On days when a recognized heat temperature can result in increased risks of heat-related illnesses, OSHA will increase enforcement efforts. Employers are encouraged to implement intervention methods on heat priority days proactively, including regularly taking breaks for water, rest, shade, training workers on how to identify common symptoms and what to do when a worker suspects a heat-related illness is occurring, and taking periodic measurements to determine workers’ heat exposure.

2021 International Roadcheck Results The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results of the 2021 International Roadcheck, held May 4-6. This year’s special emphasis was on lighting and hours of service. CVSA inspectors carried out more than 40,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections across Canada, Mexico and the United States in the three-day inspection and enforcement event. Approximately 83.5 percent of the commercial motor vehicles examined had no out-of-service violations. However, inspectors had to remove 6,710 commercial motor vehicles and 2,080 drivers from roadways - a 16.5 percent vehicle and 5.3 percent driver out-of-service rate. There were 1,367 out-of-service lighting

violations, accounting for 14.1 percent of all vehicle out-of-service violations. It was the third most-cited violation, after brake systems and tires. Out-of-service lighting device violations include headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals and lamps on projecting loads. The second focus area, hours of service, was the most cited driver out-of-service violation, accounting for 41.5 percent of all driver out-of-service violations. That’s 1,203 violations. Hours-of-service rules limit the number of hours that drivers of commercial property, and passenger-carrying vehicles, are permitted to spend driving and working and regulate the minimum amount of time drivers must rest between driving shifts.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results of the 2021 International Roadcheck, held May 4-6. Source: Asmark Institute

No Ties Tours Continued KARA and KGFA President and CEO Ron Seeber hit the road earlier this fall and visited a few members including: Bob Standage and Dan Spresser Hi-Plains Cooperative Association in Colby and Eric Sperber and Cory Swartz of Cornerstone Ag.

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

INDUSTRYnews EPA and Army Take Action to Provide Certainty for the Definition of WOTUS The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) have announced a proposed rule to re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). This proposed rule would support a stable implementation of “waters of the United States” while the agencies continue to consult with states, Tribes, local governments, and a broad array of stakeholders in both the implementation of WOTUS and future regulatory actions. “In recent years, the only constant with WOTUS has been change, creating a whiplash in how to best protect our waters in communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Through our engagement with stakeholders across the country, we’ve heard overwhelming calls for a durable definition of WOTUS that protects the environment and that is grounded in the experience of those who steward our waters. Today’s action advances our process toward a stronger rule that achieves our shared priorities.” “The Army recognizes the importance of our nation’s water resources and the role water plays in our communities across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of

the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham. “We remain committed to working with EPA to develop a rule that is informed by our experience and expertise, as well as that of our co-regulators, is mindful of implementation practices, and is shaped by the lived experience of local communities and stakeholders.” In light of recent court actions, the agencies have been implementing the pre2015 regulatory regime nationwide since early September 2021. The proposed rule would maintain the longstanding exclusions of the pre-2015

ASK ABOUT

regulations as well as the exemptions and exclusions in the Clean Water Act on which the agricultural community has come to rely. EPA and Army conducted extensive preproposal engagement, including Federalism and Tribal consultation, to help inform the content of the proposed rule. The agencies are taking comment on this proposed rule for 60 days beginning on the date it is published in the Federal Register. For more information on submitting written comment on the proposal or to register for the virtual public hearings on the proposed rule, see www.epa.gov/wotus.

WINTER DISCOUNTS

AVAILABLE!

785-544-7771

EXPAND YOUR AUDIENCE Advertise with KARA We know Kansas agribusiness. Our publications touch every aspect of Kansas ag retail. Call the association office 785.234.0463 or email membership@kansasag.org to learn more about our advertising opportunities.

785.544.7771

HIAWATHA, KS

WWW.JADEMILLWRIGHTS.COM

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

TAL PROGRAM

UNVEILS 2022 CLASS The selection committee for the Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders (TAL) program met in earlyDecember to review applications and select five members of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and five members of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association to comprise the 24th class of agribusiness’ premier leadership development course.

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

walk away with a wealth of experience on both the state and federal government. The program is very beneficial to our industry because later, when we call on them to contact their legislator about a proposed law, they answer the call every time.” Each class participates in three sessions designed to improve the leadership skills of Kansas agribusiness men and women through increasing their understanding of the association’s mission and activities, teaching the state and federal legislative process, improving leadership and communication skills and preparing members for possible public service through campaigns or public office.

“

The selection committee, comprised of former TAL graduates chose: Michelle Busch (Syngenta); Garrett Buschjost (Koch Agronomic Services); Adam Butler (MKC); Douglas Graber (Producers Cooperative Association); Brandon Legg (Concordia Terminal LLC); Jacob Leis (CoMark Equity Alliance); Stacy Letourneau (Cloud County Cooperative Elevator); Adam Niehues (Jackson Farmers Inc.); Scotty Yerges (Team Marketing Alliance); and Mike Zacharias (MKC) to complete the 24th class. “We are excited to welcome and teach a new TAL class about the legislative process and their associations this year,” president and CEO Ron Seeber said. “It’s one of the most satisfying parts of my profession to see graduation in November where they

It’s one of the most satisfying parts of my profession to see graduation in November where they walk away with a wealth of experience on both the state and federal government. The program is very beneficial to our industry because later, when we call on them to contact their legislator about a proposed law, they answer the call every time

RON SEEBER President & CEO

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

THANK YOU, SPONSORS “We know our sponsorship of Kansas Grain and Feed Association goes directly toward the seminars, networking events and communication products the association provides to its membership and we take pride in supporting those efforts year after year.” ANDREW FULLERTON BARTLETT GRAIN

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

UNDERWRITER SPONSOR

COMMODITY PARTNERS

$20,000+

K A N S A S

C RN C O M M I S S I O N

ProValue Insurance is an independent agency providing comprehensive insurance products and business services to organizations in need of risk protection. Delivering unparalleled knowledge and experience, ProValue helps protect against more than organizational risk, offering coverages for personal assets to individuals throughout MidAmerica.

KANSAS W H E A T

Rediscover Wheat

FOUNDER SPONSOR

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

$7,500

$5,000

PATRON SPONSORS $3,500

BUILDER SPONSORS $2,000 Bartlett Grain Company Beachner Grain Inc. Farmers Cooperative Equity Co. First National Bank of Hutchinson Gavilon Grain, LLC Grain Craft INTRUST Bank N.A. Irsik & Doll Feed Service Morrill Elevator, Inc. Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. The Cooperative Finance Assn. The Scoular Company

DONOR SPONSORS $1,250 Ag Partners Cooperative Inc. Agri Trails Coop B-R-C Bearing Company, Inc. CHS Inc. Conestoga Energy Partners LLC Cornerstone Ag LLC D.E. Bondurant Grain Co. Frisbie Construction Co., Inc. Frontier Ag Inc. Korol Financial Group LLC Midland Marketing Coop Inc. Midway Coop Assn. WindRiver Grain LLC

GIVER SPONSORS $750 BarnesCo Inc. Central States Fumigation & Services Central Valley Ag Cooperative Cline Wood A Marsh and McLennan Agency LLC Company Cloud Co. Coop Elev. Assn. Concordia Terminal LLC Drake Inc. Farmers Union Mercantile & Shipping Assoc. HABCO Inc. Kansas Coop Council Kanza Coop Assn. KC Supply Co. Inc. MFA/AgChoice Pride Ag Resources Rolfes @ Boone TSGC, Inc. Valley Coop, Inc. Wildcat Feeds LLC

UNDERWRITER SPONSOR $20,000+ ProValue Insurance is an independent agency providing comprehensive insurance products and business services to organizations in need of risk protection. Delivering unparalleled knowledge and experience, ProValue helps protect against more than organizational risk, offering coverages for personal assets to individuals throughout Mid-America.

FOUNDER SPONSORS $7,500

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS $5,000

PATRON SPONSORS $3,500

BUILDER SPONSORS $2,000

ADM Fertilizer Beachner Grain Inc. EGE Products Gavilon Fertilizer, LLC Interchem J.B. Pearl Sales and Services J.R. Simplot Co. Morrill Elevator, Inc. Nutrien Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co.

DONOR SPONSORS $1,250

Ag Partners Cooperative Inc. CHS Inc. Fairbank Equipment, Inc. Farmers Cooperative Equity Co. MFA/AGChoice Novus Ag Skyland Grain LLC

GIVER SPONSORS $750

Agrilead Inc. Alliance Ag & Grain LLC American Implement, Inc. Central Valley Ag Cooperative Helm Fertilizer Corp. Kansas Coop Council Kanza Coop Assn.

Kiser Ag Service LLC Midwest Laboratories Inc. Pride Ag Resources Progressive Ag Coop Purple Wave, Inc. Servi-Tech Inc.

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

THANK YOU, SPONSORS “Sponsoring KARA provides Syngenta an opportunity to support KARA’s initiatives to deliver expertise on critical industry issues and assist in training efforts for members. As a sponsor we are able to provide our own employees an additional opportunity to remain involved in making improvements locally and nationally for the agriculture industry.” JAMI LOECKER SYNGENTA

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

Photography courtesy of Kirkwood Kreations

UNITED WE

STAND The Kansas Agri Business Expo returned to Wichita on November 17-18 after a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 35th show featured the theme, ‘United We Stand’ where attendees and exhibitors alike showcased their patriotism.

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

Following a year-long hiatus, all of Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association’s efforts leading up to the 35th Kansas Agri Business Expo focused on showcasing agribusiness, while emphasizing that through all of the adversity facing the industry and our world, we continue to stand united. More than 140 exhibitors piled booths into the 95,000 squarefoot Century II Convention Center, showing off the newest and best products on the market serving the grain, feed, fertilizer, chemical and seed industry. Exhibitors spent most of Monday and Tuesday climbing atop their rigs to wipe away any traces of salt and sand grime accumulated during transport. After two full days of preparation, the booths were set up and ready for business by Tuesday night’s annual kick-off party, the final opportunity for everyone to take one large collective deep breath before the break-neck pace of the show began Wednesday morning.

Also held in conjunction with the Kansas Agri Business Expo, this year’s 7B/4 and 1A recertification classes drew large crowds to earn continuing education credits. Presentations were graciously given by: ProValue Insurance, Land O’Lakes, Syngenta, Kansas State University, BASF, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture, M&M Specialty Services and Agrilead Inc. Just after Kansas Grain and Feed Association’s Board of Directors meeting at 10 a.m., Chairman Brent Emch and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Chairman, Dustin Kuntz, teamed up to slice the ceremonial ribbon, officially kicking off the 2021 edition of the largest tradeshow in the Midwest. Nearly 300 attendees flocked to the tradeshow floor to meet and network with this year’s exhibitors. Those who walked the floor weren’t just treated to seeing the best new products and technology in agribusiness, many exhibitors decorated their booths and created interactive games to portray this

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

year’s theme of ‘United We Stand.’ The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders penny raffle held at Expo Central kept the interest of attendees who were hoping to win a shotgun donated by D.E. Bondurant Grain Company. As always, the industry came together to help its future workforce by donating and purchasing items from the scholarship auction. Attendees and exhibitors helped raise more than $13,000 for high school and college students pursuing degrees in agriculture. After the auction, everyone headed to the Chairmen’s Reception for a patriotic style meal and casino party. Everyone in attendance played their hands – and fake currency – at Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Roulette and slot machines late into the evening for a chance to win an assortment of prizes. Bright and early Thursday morning the first two-year class of Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders finally graduated. This intensive leadership program allows members to gain a first-hand look at how the government operates and regulates their industry at both the state and federal level. The 23rd class of the association’s premier

leadership program included: Aaron Anderson (APEX Ag Inc.); Kalen Cromwell (Farmers Cooperative Grain Association); Micala Dummit (The Scoular Company); Amy Fairchild (ProValue Insurance); Scott Moseley (KC Supply Company); and Spencer Reames (MKC). Rounding out the breakfast, Delaney Howell, discussed bringing value to producers as it relates to commodity markets, as well as an outlook on agriculture in general. Howell grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Southeast Iowa and has been involved in agriculture from a very young age. Currently she helps support the marketing decisions made on her fiancé’s farm as they begin the transition from one generation to the next. Delaney has worked in ag media and broadcasting for nearly a decade, where she has carved her niche focusing on the commodity markets. Day-to-day she works with agricultural businesses aiming to enhance their brands in the space. On the final day of the Expo, cash and prize drawings were awarded and exhibitors had one last chance to pitch business at interested attendees. Shortly

after 4 o’clock, the floor was largely deconstructed and exhibitors were packing up before enjoying a relaxed Thursday evening party featuring music trivia and bingo. The party lasted for more than two hours and allowed everyone in attendance to figuratively let their hair down after a long week of proving agribusiness is in fact standing united. Exhibitors who graciously agreed to purchase booths this year are listed on the following page. We hope attendees and exhibitors alike were able to establish quality contacts and connections at the 35th Kansas Agri Business Expo. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2022 Kansas Agri Business Expo Nov. 16-17 at the world-class Hyatt Hotel and Century II Convention Center.

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

THANK YOU EXHIBITORS ADM Wholesale Fertilizer Aflac Ag Spray Equipment AgBiTech AGI SureTrack AgraLiners, LLC Agrilead Inc. AgTrax AgVend AgVision Agribusiness Software AgWorks Software Inc. Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. Amvac Chemical Co. Arrow Association Insurance Services, Inc. B&B Engineered Lube Systems Barchart BarnesCo Inc. BASF Bayer CropScience Borton LC Boundless Bright Technology Bushel Capstan AG CCS Group LLC Cen-OK Services LLC Central Life Sciences Central States Hydroseal CHS Inc. Corteva C-TEC, Inc.

DAKK Mfg, LLC Don’s Tire & Supply, Inc. Drake Inc. DTN Dultmeier Sales Easy Automation Inc. EFC Systems Inc. EGE Products Electro-Sensors, Inc. Essmueller Co. Extron Company Fairbank Equipment, Inc. Farmada FarmChem Corp. FEI Inc. FMC Corporation Frisbie Construction Co., Inc. Gamet Mfg. Inc. Gavel Roads Gavilon Fertilizer LLC Grain Belt Supply Co. Inc. HABCO Inc. Hammel Scale Co. Inc. Heartland Ag Systems Heartland Tank Services Inc. Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC Helm Fertilizer Corp. HiDow.com Horsepower Drainage Solutions LLC IBT, Inc. INAalert Indigo Ag

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

John Deere/Hagie Kahler Automation Kansas Corn Kansas Grain Inspection Service Inc. Kansas Highway Patrol Kansas Soybean Commission Kansas Wheat Kasa Controls & Automation Kauffman Seeds Inc. KC Supply Co. Inc. Kirkwood Creations Koch Agronomic Services Koch Fertilizer Co. Korol Financial Group LLC Kugler Co. LDI LeafGuard M&M Specialty Services McPherson Concrete Storage Systems Mears Fertilizer Inc. Mid Continent Industries Inc. Midwest Laboratories Inc. Musselman & Hall Contractors Nichino America Inc. Northern Ag Suppliers Nutrien Nutrien Ag Solutions Wholesale Nutrients For Life Oakley Fertilizer Pickens Restoration LLC PlainJan’s Feedlot Services PrairieFood

Precision Tank ProValue Insurance Purple Wave Auction Rantizo RED Restoration Roger LLC Rosen’s Inc. Sackett-Waconia Scotwood Industries, LLC ServiTech Inc. Simpson Farm Enterprises Inc. Skinner Tank Company (STC) SoilView Soles Enterprises, Inc. Star Seed Inc. Stueve Construction LLC Sukup Mfg. Co. Syngenta Tessenderlo Kerley Timac Agro USA TSGC, Inc. dba Tri-States Grain Conditioning Inc. Valent USA Valleywide Sales Inc. Van Diest Supply Company VAS/AgSource Laboratories Vertical Software Inc. Ward Laboratories Inc. Western Ag Ent., Inc. WH Scale Co. Inc. WinField United Woofter Construction & Irrigation Inc. WT Contracting & Dirt

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

Statehouse

INSIDER By: Association Government Affairs

The 2022 Kansas legislative session officially begins in Topeka on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Typically, lawmakers would have eight months out of session, but due to proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates released by the Biden Administration, lawmakers returned for an unprecedented special session in late-November where they passed House Bill 2001. The bill is intended to strengthen Kansas law concerning religious and medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that such exemptions are granted to Kansans who apply for them. 18

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

VACCINE MANDATES In a one-day historic Special Session in lateNovember brought by legislative petition, the Kansas legislature passed House Bill 2001. The Special Session was called following legislative hearings where more than 100 people testified to a special committee on the negative affects the COVID-19 mandate would have on their employment status. The bill was championed by both House and Senate leadership and was the sole purpose for the Special Session. The Senate passed the bill 24-11 and the House passed it by a vote of 77-34. The bill, which was initiated following the announcement of the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates, is said to strengthen Kansas law concerning religious and medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that such exemptions are granted to Kansans who apply for them. The language in the bill is thought to closely mirror existing federal statutes regarding religious exemptions and requires a physician to sign a request for a medical exemption. Specifically, the bill requires an employer

who implements a COVID-19 vaccine requirement to exempt an employee from such requirement, without punitive action, if the employee submits a written waiver request to the employer stating that complying with the requirement would: Endanger the life or health of the employee or an individual residing with the employee, as evidenced by an accompanying written statement signed by a physician or another person who performs acts pursuant to practice agreements, protocols, or at the order, direction, or delegation of a physician; or violate sincerely held religious beliefs of the employee, as evidenced by an accompanying written statement signed by the employee. The bill requires an employer to grant an exemption requested in accordance with the bill based on sincerely held religious beliefs without inquiring as to the sincerity of the request. The bill also provides that an employer who fails to comply with such provisions and terminates (including the functional equivalent of termination) an employee based on a COVID-19 vaccine requirement (and failure to grant a requested religious or

medical exemption) has violated the act. In which case, the terminated employee can file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) alleging that an exemption has not been offered or has been improperly applied or denied, resulting in the employee’s termination. The bill requires the Secretary to investigate the complaint to determine whether: (1) The employer imposed a COVID-19 vaccine requirement; (2) the employee submitted a written waiver request; and (3) the employee was terminated as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement and failure to grant the exemption. Finally, the bill provides that an individual aggrieved by a violation of the act, who is otherwise eligible for Employment Security benefits, would not become ineligible for benefits on the grounds that the individual was discharged or suspended for misconduct, if the employer’s conduct in discharging or suspending such individual was a violation of the act (as described above). In addition, the terminated worker could decline to accept work that requires

FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

decisions to make on how to best handle the additional revenue. REAPPORTIONMENT/REDISTRICTING Following the 2020 census, redistricting will be the number one issue for the 2022 session as new legislative and congressional district lines will be drawn for the next 10 years. Recent population shifts will likely cause rural Kansas and the agricultural industry to lose representation and advocates within the state legislature. KANSAS SEED LAW Kansas Dept. of Agriculture is proposing amendments to the Kansas Seed Law which have been reviewed by Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association members.

compliance with a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, if the individual has requested an exemption from the prospective employer and such request was denied. Following passage of the bill, Senate President Ty Masterson stated, “Today, the Kansas Legislature took swift action to protect the rights of Kansans who are facing impending deadlines from the Biden Administration that would force them to choose between their livelihood and their religious freedom or their livelihood and advice from their own physician. Many of these Kansans are our front-line heroes in the health care industry or have been in their jobs for decades, and today we took direct action on their behalf,“ said Masterson, who added, “The bill we passed today prevents Joe Biden from forcing businesses into the position of playing God or doctor. It prevents Joe Biden from not allowing people to provide for their own families. It says in no uncertain terms that Kansas legislators will stand for the religious freedom of Kansans.” Governor Laura Kelly has signed the legislation. Heading into a reelection year, the Governor recently came out against the federal vaccine mandates. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2022 With the special session completed the week of Thanksgiving we have officially turned the page toward January where the biennium session allows lawmakers to pick up on bills temporarily placed on hold last year. During the 2021 legislative session, your associations testified on more than 60 bills in furtherance of our published policies. Here is a preview of the upcoming session. STATE BUDGET AND ENDING BALANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 Last session, the legislature passed a state budget bill with a projected ending balance (for June 30, 2021) of around $650 million. In July, however, this estimate was revised to show an actual ending balance of about $1.8 bn. Since then, state revenues have surpassed estimates each month. In fact, budget estimates released on Nov. 10, 2021, predict Kansas will have a nearly $2.9 billion ending balance at the end of June 2022, and nearly $3.8 billion by the end of June 2023. The coming legislature will have difficult 20

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

WATER LAW Last year, a new House committee held hearings on Kansas water quality, quantity, and funding of the State Water Plan Fund. This session, the committee may be introducing legislation. INDUSTRY REGULATIONS In 2021, KARA and KGFA President and CEO Ron Seeber testified in support of House Concurrent Resolution 5014 which proposes a constitutional amendment to increase legislative oversight of agency regulations. If approved by two-thirds of the legislature, the proposed constitutional amendment would go before Kansas voters during the 2022 election. Last year, the bill passed out of the House committee. PROPERTY TAXES Governor Kelly wants to provide residential property tax relief. Such legislation could put pressure on commercial and industrial rates. ELECTRIC RATES There may be additional hearings on this issue as Evergy has announced a plan to spend billions in capital expenditures in coming years, which will increase electric energy rates even more. SHORT LINE RAILROAD FUND PROGRAM In 2020, the legislature passed the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program in House Sub for Senate Bill 173. The program included a $15 million, three-year, 70(state)/30(industry) cost-share grant program for maintenance and improvements to short line rail and rail siding. The program is a partnership between the public and private sector, as applicants are required to provide 30 percent in matching funds. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, KDOT set aside a percentage of the $5 million program funds specifically for industry rail siding. This funding has greatly benefited the Kansas grain industry. As the program expires this year, we will work with KDOT to seek a three-year extension of the program. 2022 ELECTION The final day of the 2022 session will mark the beginning of the 2022 primary election in earnest. Association staff will use the Kansas Agri Business Council Political Action Committee to support re-election of our industry friends. The 2022 election will also include statewide races, such as Governor and Attorney General.

Hammel Scale

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

Quality and innovation have been a hallmark of our success at Hammel Scale since 1970. From laboratory weighing to industrial scales, inline production to truck scales, and everything in-between, Hammel Scale is weigh ahead of the competition! With locations in Wichita, Dodge City, and Topeka - we can serve your needs quickly and reliably. There’s no better choice for scale sales and service than Hammel Scale. • Top 10 METTLER TOLEDO Premier Distributor for 25 years • Servicing KGFA members & the Kansas Agri-Business Industry since 1970 • We specialize in weighing and filling system solutions for your grain handling and fertilizer/chemical applications • We also carry DICKEY-john™ moisture meters, Apollo™ and JaHam® truck probes, MCi Kicker, and Agri-Check™ protein analyzers Hammel Scale has over 300 years of combined experience in our weighing equipment sales, service, and scale calibration operations. We offer you the best combination of quality and cost-effectiveness in weighing solutions in Kansas.

Give us a call – We’d love to add more weight to your business!

Hammel Scale Company, Inc. 1530 N Mosley, Wichita, KS 67214 316-264-1358 www.hammelscale.com FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

2022 DATES TO REMEMBER NH3 Workshops

Grain Grading Schools

Elevator Safety & Maintenance

January

February | March

May

January 11 Sedgwick County Extension Center Wichita

February 15 Southeast Kansas KSU Research Center Parsons

May 4 Garden City Coop Garden City

January 12 Southeast Kansas KSU Research Center Parsons

February 16 Sedgwick County Extension Center Wichita

May 5 ProValue Insurance Hutchinson

January 13 Propane Marketers Association Topeka

February 17 Propane Marketers Association Topeka

January 25 City Limits Center Colby

March 1 City Limits Center Colby

January 26 Garden City Coop Garden City

March 2 Dodge City Civic Center Dodge City

January 27 Salina Chamber Visitors Annex Salina

March 3 Vortex Valves Salina

KSU Field Days July July 12 - 13 KSU Agronomy Farm Manhattan July 14 - 15 KSU Agronomy Farm Manhattan

Legislative Action Day January 19, 2022 Topeka 22

SEED to SILO | Encompassing Agribusiness in Kansas

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association have a full slate of events and networking opportunities scheduled throughout 2022. Visit the events and training tab on our websites for more information and registration capabilities.

KGFA Annual Meeting | April 11 - 12 | Wichita KARA Annual Meeting | August 22 - 23 | Manhattan

“We think we’re on the right track to best fulfill our members’ needs with practical, useful courses.” President and CEO Ron Seeber

KGFA Cranor Golf Tournament | August 9 | TBD

Kansas Applicator Institute

Grain Handlers Workshop

Crop Production Update

August

December

August 3 - 4 Kansas State Fairgrounds Hutchinson

August 1 Garden City Coop Garden City

December 7 - 8 Bluemont Hotel Manhattan

Kansas Agri Business Expo November November 16 - 17 Century II Convention Center Wichita November 16 7B/4 Recertification Hyatt Hotel | Wichita November - 17 1A Recertification Hyatt Hotel | Wichita FALL 2021

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION | KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

Kansas Grain and Feed Association 816 SW Tyler, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66612

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66612

Stay Connected

2022 LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 as we travel to the statehouse and meet with legislators to relay the importance of our industry.

Register Today Point a smartphone’s camera at the QR code to the left to register. Legislative Action Day is a free event to attend.

Register Today Point a smartphone’s camera at the QR code to the right to register. Legislative Action Day is a free event to attend.