Fall 2017 Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 234-0463 ksagretailers.org ASSOCIATION STAFF Ron Seeber President & CEO Tom Tunnell President Emeritus Randy Stookey Senior Vice President General Counsel Staci Storey Vice President Chief Financial Officer Shari Bennett Vice President Event Planning Samantha Tenpenny Director of Member Services Lisa Anschutz Senior Director of Internal Operations Mitzi Dodds Executive Administrative Professional Trae Green Director of Communications and Marketing BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clark Pearson Chairman Lance Nelson Vice Chairman Dustin Kuntz 2nd Vice Chairman Kevin Brady Immediate Past Chairman
Gary Beachner Scott Boyd Brian Bucl Troy Coon Kevin Dieckmann Justin Foss Bryan French Bill Garner Tim Giesick Alan Goldsby
Jim Grilliot Rachel Hurley Roger Long Scott Morris O.J. Pearl Johnny Schaben Dave Spears Kevin Tomka Mark Wegner Dave Wilcox
CONTENTS
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President’s Letter 34 Years Later Kansas Agri Business Expo An Expo to Remember Association Happenings Protecting our State’s Interests Industry News Stay Up-to-Date on Industry News
11 12 18 19
Honored to Honor A Mission to See the Memorials Mark Your Calendars Events You Don’t Want to Miss Safety Tips and Reminders
Education Outreach Continuing Education Among Members
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Staff Shuffles Staff Members Earn New Titles
Association Happenings Protecting our State’s Interests
Honored to Honor A Mission to See the Memorials
The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. Mail contributions to KARA, Attention: Trae Green, 816 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612. The KARA team welcomes your comments, contributions and suggestions. Annual subscriptions for members can be purchased for $25.00. © 2017 KARA. Read this newsletter online at www.ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters
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Thank You for the Experience of a Lifetime As Michele and I make plans to retire in 2018 and move to Florida, I want to say thank you to the membership of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association for the wonderful opportunity to serve as the chief staff member of your organization.
Tom Tunnell President Emeritus
I can honestly say it has been an opportunity of a lifetime!
a move to a paid staff, but it didn’t cause any drop off of association members’ “hands on” support for the organization. As we close this chapter of the association’s history, I am immensely proud I have been a part of KARA’s growth to become one of the premiere state crop input associations in the nation. This statement may sound a bit boastful, but I know this is how we are perceived by our peer state associations and our national affiliates. Thank you and good luck in the future!
From our beginning relationship in 1983, I have been impressed with the volunteer enthusiasm association members have demonstrated over the past 34 years.
Tom and Michele Tunnell
KARA, formerly KFCI/KFCA began in the mid-1960s and functioned as a totally volunteer managed organization for over 20 years! Association activities then included a huge trade show/convention and chairmen’s golf outing. Those were not small activities, in terms of countless hours of work by volunteers to execute. The signing of the management agreement with the Kansas Grain and Feed Association in 1984 signaled
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YEARS RIGHT: Tom Tunnell speaking to attendants at the Kansas Agri Business Expo in the 1990s. Tunnell is retiring in 2018 after 34 years as the president and CEO of KARA.
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KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO
An Expo to Remember After nearly a year of tireless planning and preparation, the 2017 Kansas Agri Business Expo was held Nov. 15-16 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. The theme, “Shooting for Success” turned out to be a reality as vice president of event planning, Shari Bennett, sold the trade show floor to capacity with 159 exhibitors.
Moran and Pat Roberts recorded comedic segments on their working relationship with Tunnell from their offices in Washington, D.C.
Thursday morning’s recognition breakfast featured keynote speaker, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, sponsorship awards, the Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders graduation ceremony and two special surprises This year’s Expo also featured for Tunnell. Kansas Grain and a member-focused retirement Feed Association and Kansas party for longtime president and Agribusiness Retailers Association CEO of Kansas Agribusiness awarded KFSA for its generous Retailers Association, Tom Tunnell. $15,000 sponsorship donation. What is normally the Chairmen’s KARA chairman, Clark Pearson, Reception on Wednesday night awarded Koch Ag & Energy morphed into a Tribute to Tunnell, Solutions with a Founder Sponsor nearly 40 years in the making. trophy for its $7,000 sponsorship KGFA Chairman, Glen Hofbauer (Left), KARA Chairman, Clark Pearson and Tom Tunnell cut the The 260 in attendance Wednesday donation. Dustin Kuntz and Michael ribbon to begin the 2017 Expo. evening all shared laughs and Spade received the “Standing T.A.L. stories of their run-ins with Tunnell. Award” award for outstanding Included in the tribute were speeches Wednesday and Thursday. Mama service and dedication Tomorrow’s from Mike Torrey, Dave Warrington, Lou accomplished feats of strength Agribusiness Leaders. Gary Beachner, Doyle Pearl, Glen like crushing apples with her biceps, Next, as a surprise to Tunnell, Hofbauer and Clark Pearson. Unable rolling frying pans, picking up a association staff played a video in to attend due to prior obligations, sack of potatoes with her tongue which all nine staff members recorded current United States senators, Jerry and shredding phone books with her a personal thank you to their leader. 4
Agribusiness Update
Exhibitors and attendees alike also enjoyed Mama Lou: American Strong Woman’s performances on
bare hands. Mama Lou even called audience members up on stage to a challenge at who could rip a phone book in half faster.
SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
The 95,000 square-foot Trade Show Floor was filled to capacity.
Mama Lou invited a guest on stage to test her feats of strength.
After the video, Tunnell also was bestowed the Sunflower Award by Kansas Grain and Feed Association. The Sunflower Award is Kansas Grain and Feed Association’s most prestigious award, given annually to recognize someone who has made a significant and notable contribution to the industry and/or the association. Following the awards ceremonies Paronto took the stage to a standing ovation. Paronto, a United States veteran and private
security contractor has served his country for more than 18 years. He was a United States Army Ranger, 2nd Battalion, 75th Regiment and 5th Battalion, Special Forces Group. Paronto later served as a security contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency and the company Blackwater Security. Paronto helped fight off an insurgence in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012 when assailants attacked the compound of U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens. “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in military circles spoke for an hour on effective leadership traits he honed while in the military. Paronto signed the books The Ranger Way and 13 Hours in Benghazi for nearly two hours after his speech. On Thursday evening, comedian C. Willi Myles captured the crowd with his clean comedy act. Myles
cracked jokes for 45 minutes on his upbringing, the cold weather in MInnesota and how the people of Kansas changed the Arkansas River’s name to arKANSAS River. The 2018 Kansas Agri Business Expo is slated for Nov. 14-15 at the world-class Hyatt Regency Hotel and Century II Convention Center.
Dustin Kuntz (left) and Michael Spade were presented the “Standing T.A.L. Award.” Fall 2017 5
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ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS Rollin’ On the River In late September, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association staff members Ron Seeber, Randy Stookey, Samantha Tenpenny and Trae Green visited ADM Wholesale Fertilizer’s revitalized barge operation in Kansas City, Mo. Mark Wegner, Chase Mareth and a representative from Port KC provided a tour of the Missouri River’s operation, including the steps taken to off-load fertilizer from the barges.
Making Our Water Last Ron Seeber and Randy Stookey both participated in the 2017 Kansas Governor’s Water Conference on Nov. 8 and 9. The conference annually groups scientists, water managers, state and federal officials and legislators, city and county administrators, environmental organizations, irrigators and citizens. The goal of the conference is to find ways to sustain Kansas’ water supply. Stookey is pictured left with Earl Lewis of the Kansas Water Office.
Providing the Vision On Nov. 8, Ron Seeber and Trae Green attended one of the Kansas Chamber’s seven regional forums seeking feedback for Vision 2025, the action plan for Kansas. The round-table discussion allowed participants from all industries to provide ideas and suggestions used in the development of the Kansas Chamber’s business and infrastructure goals.
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ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS Protecting our State’s Water
Representatives from numerous industries partook in the Milford Lake Watershed Project on Oct. 11.
(L-R): Ron Seeber, Ed Thomas of The Fertilizer Institute, Randy Stookey and Sally Flis of The Fertilizer Institute.
On Oct. 11, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association hosted a meeting for the Milford Lake Watershed Project. The project, spearheaded by the Kansas Water Office under a Natural Resources Conservation Service initiative called the Regional Conservation Partnership Program began early discussions of preventing nutrient runoff within the Milford Lake watershed.
Ed Thomas of The Fertilizer Institute began the meeting by discussing implementation of TFI’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program - right source, right rate, right time and right place - to reduce the nutrient runoff in the Milford Lake watershed.
Stakeholders attending the meeting included representatives from John Deere, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas State University (KSU), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), The Nature Conservancy and USGS Kansas Water Science Center.
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management professor at KSU, Dr. Nathan Nelson, provided background research on the field study his team has been conducting in a Milford Lake watershed area south of Junction City. The apparatus in the photos below receives rainwater out of terraces and instantaneously electronically transmits data concerning the water’s nutrient levels for study.
The apparatus above receives an influx of rainwater after a storm and transmits nutrient levels back to Kansas State University for research.
Randy Stookey (front left) watches as Dr. Nathan Nelson of Kansas State University explains each of the apparatus’ parts and functions. Fall 2017
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KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY NEWS 2018 Regulatory Action on Dicamba Announced EPA has reached an agreement with Monsanto, BASF and DuPont on measures to further minimize the potential for drift to neighboring crops from dicamba formulations used to control weeds in genetically modified cotton and soybeans. EPA, in conjunction with states, landgrant universities and the pesticide manufacturers worked to examine the underlying causes of recent crop damage in the farm belt and Southeast. EPA has developed changes to be implemented during the 2018 growing season. Manufacturers
have voluntarily agreed to label changes that impose additional requirements for “over the top” use of these products next year, including: »» Classifying products as “restricted use,” permitting only certified applicators with special training, and those under their supervision, to apply them; dicamba-specific training for all certified applicators to reinforce proper use; »» Requiring farmers to maintain specific records regarding the use of these products to improve compliance with label restrictions;
»» Limiting applications to when maximum wind speeds are below 10 mph (from 15 mph) to reduce potential spray drift; »» Reducing the times during the day when applications can occur; »» Including tank clean-out language to prevent cross contamination; and »» Enhancing susceptible crop language and record keeping with sensitive crop registries to increase awareness of risk to especially sensitive crops nearby. Source: Asmark Institute
State of the Industry: Anhydrous Ammonia Locations Reduced There are about 600 fewer Risk Management Program (RMP) covered processes with anhydrous ammonia on file with the USEPA since 2011. The reduction took anhydrous ammonia from a clear 1st place (in
pounds recorded in RMP covered processes) in 2011 down to 3rd place in 2017. Likely driving factors behind deregistering anhydrous ammonia fertilizer sites under RMP were industry consolidation, internal facility
consolidation, risk assessments, and OSHA’s 2015 Memo regarding process safety management (PSM) that changed the definition of a “retail” NH3 facility. Source: Asmark Institute
FMCSA to Announce Additional ELD Transition Guidance The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that in advance of the Dec. 18, 2017 implementation of the Congressionally-mandated electronic logging device (ELD) rule, the Agency will be providing guidance related to enforcement procedures during the ELD transition. This guidance will include a 90day temporary waiver from the ELD requirement for transporters of agricultural commodities. FMCSA will also provide formal guidance on the 8
Agribusiness Update
existing 150 air miles hours-of-service exemption in order to provide clarity to enforcement and the agricultural industry. The guidance is designed to allow the industry to maximize the use of this statutory exemption. The forthcoming announcement represents the agency’s desire to implement the ELD rule in a manner that improves safety without impeding commerce. “FMCSA has listened to important feedback from many stakeholder groups, including agriculture, and will continue to take steps to ease the transition to the full
implementation of the ELD rule,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Cathy F. Gautreaux. Formal publication of the guidance via the Federal Register is expected within the next two weeks, and will include a public comment process. The Agency will consider comments received before publishing final guidance.
SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
Fall Protection Leads OSHA’s “Top 10” List of Most Frequently Cited Violations The preliminary list of OSHA’s Top 10 violations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 remained largely unchanged from FY 2016, except for one new addition: Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) entered the list at No. 9 with 1,523 violations. Here is OSHA’s full list:
1. Fall Protection - General 6. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,241 Requirements (1926.501): 6,072 violations 2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 4,176
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,162
3. Scaffolding (1926.451): 3,288
8. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,933
4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 3,097
9. Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 1,523
5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,877
10.Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305): 1,405
Source: Asmark Institute
Jim Gulliford Named as EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford has been chosen by the Trump Administration to head EPA’s Region 7, which includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Gulliford most recently
held the position of executive director of the Soil and Water Conservation Society where he led the organization from 2009-2016. He was responsible for all operation aspects of the non-
profit organization that advocated for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practices, programs and policy.
Hours-of-Service Exemption for Agricultural Commodities - New Guidance The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued additional guidance regarding the 150 air-mile radius agricultural commodity exemption to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations in 49 CFR Part 395. The new guidance includes unladen (empty) miles to the allowance, so that a carrier qualifies for the agricultural commodity exemption while hauling an empty load following the transport of ag commodities. Under the new guidance, the agricultural commodity exemption also applies to a carrier hauling an empty trailer enroute to pick
up an agricultural commodity. As a reminder, a carrier may qualify for the agricultural commodity exemption to the HOS regulations, whether transporting interstate or intrastate, while operating within a 150 air-mile radius transporting the following: »» Agricultural commodities from the source of the agricultural commodities to a location within a 150 air-mile radius from the source; »» Farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale or retail distribution point of the farm supplies to a farm or other location where the
farm supplies are intended to be used within a 150 air-mile radius from the distribution point; or »» Farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale distribution point of the farm supplies to a retail distribution point of the farm supplies within a 150 air-mile radius from the wholesale distribution point.
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KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
EDUCATION OUTREACH Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Program – a jointly sponsored initiative of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association – is an intensive leadership development program designed to teach members of the association about state and federal legislative and regulatory processes and how to be a better leader within the industry. At the 2017 Kansas Agri Business Expo, members of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association received trophies of graduation. The T.A.L. participants partook in three sessions, first in Topeka learning the basics of state and federal government. The group then took a trip to Washington, D.C. to see government in action and finally concluded the third session in Wichita before graduation at the Expo.
Clark Pearson presented Bradley Brensing with his T.A.L. Graduation Trophy.
Clark Pearson presented Matt Burdick with his T.A.L. Graduation Trophy.
Clark Pearson presented David Klahr with his T.A.L. Graduation Trophy.
Dustin Kuntz (left) and Michael Spade were presented the “Standing T.A.L. Award.”
Clark Pearson presented Nathan Miller with his T.A.L. Graduation Trophy.
Clark Pearson presented Andrew Ochampaugh with his T.A.L. Graduation Trophy.
Recertification In conjunction with the 2017 Kansas Agri Business Expo Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association also held 7B/4 Recertification - Fumigation and Seed Treatment and 1A Recertification - Ag Plant on Wednesday and Thursday. 1A Recertification attracted 232 attendants. 10
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SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Update Your Membership Profile
Tell Us How We Can Better Serve You
Did you move or take a new job? Have a new phone number or email address? KARA wants to know, and we’ve made it easier than ever to update your membership profile! Visit www.ksagretailers.org and click on Member Directory. Login and make your changes directly online. Forgot your username or password? Email lisa@kansasag. org, and we’ll get it to you!
Thanks to the reputation of our membership and industry, KARA continues to grow and provide useful products and services for agribusiness retailers. Please welcome AgSource Laboratories (Lincoln, Neb.) and Northern Ag Suppliers (Smithville, Mo.) to our family.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Northern Ag Suppliers Smithville, Missouri
Tom Tunnell | Tom@Kansasag.org President Emeritus Randy Stookey | Randy@Kansasag.org Senior Vice President and General Counsel Staci Storey | Staci@Kansasag.org Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Welcome New Members
AgSource Laboratories
Ron Seeber | Ron@Kansasag.org President & CEO
Shari D. Bennett | Shari@Kansasag.org Vice President of Event Planning Samantha Tenpenny | Samantha@Kansasag.org Director of Member Services Lisa A. Anschutz | Lisa@Kansasag.org Senior Director of Internal Operations Mitzi Dodds | Mitzi@Kansasag.org Executive Administrative Professional Trae Green | Trae@Kansasag.org Director of Communications and Marketing
STAFF SHUFFLES
Ron Seeber President and CEO
Randy Stookey Senior VP | General Counsel
Became KARA’s president and CEO on Nov. 15 after serving as the senior vice president of government affairs and working for the association since 2008.
Became KARA’s senior vice president and general counsel on Nov. 15 after serving as the association’s general counsel since 2011.
Trae Green Director of Comms.& Mktg.
Trae Green joined KARA as its director of communications and marketing on Sept. 18, 2017.
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HONORED to
KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
By: Trae Green Photos: Kansas Honor Flight
HONOR
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Agribusiness Update
Fall 2017
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KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
It was a steady cough. A loud hack, followed by a series of wheezes throughout the night. Over and over again, the merciless noise filled the sleepless ears of Mike VanCampen inside that Hilton Hotel room in Washington, D.C. “I don’t know what’s wrong,” Dale Evans said to his longtime friend. “But I’ve got to go to the doctor.” Whatever the cause of Evans’ ailment, it would have to wait until the two returned home to Kansas from the trip of a lifetime at the nation’s capital. VanCampen spent more than 30 years in the grain business, running a family-held agribusiness, during which time he was on the board of the Kansas Fertilizer and Chemical Association, serving as president in 1990. In 2003, he sold the business to one of his former employees. Along with his wife, Connie, the VanCampens did what the typical retired couple would do: Traveling, playing golf, relaxing and enjoying time with their grandchildren. On what seemed to be just a regular day in 2009, Connie was gone for the day, leaving her husband to create his own schedule, when the phone rang. One of VanCampen’s former employees and pitch protégées, Evans, was on the line. “He had read about a program called Honor Flight that was going to have an informational meeting in Sterling, about 40 miles from where I live in Turon,” VanCampen recalled. “My wife was gone and he said they’re having a free BBQ lunch.” There are several different organizations operating under the Honor Flight Network in many of the 50 states, but they all have the same end goal: Transport veterans who served our country during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials commemorating their service at no cost to the veteran. 14
Agribusiness Update
Honor Flight was the idea of Earl Morse, a physician’s assistant and retired Air Force Captain who wanted to honor the veterans he had taken care of for 27 years. Each time a veteran visited his clinic, Morse would ask the same question.
“Have you been to Washington yet to see your memorial?”
The answer was almost always a quick, two-letter one. Due to the age of the veterans, their inability to travel and their family’s financial situation, many had hopes of someday seeing their tribute, but realistically knew they never would. Late in 2004, Morse decided to personally fly one of his veteran patients to Washington, free of charge, to visit his memorial. The tears of gratitude that ensued were only exceeded by the tears of those who wouldn’t get to go unless Morse did something more. At an aero club safety meeting, Morse made the plea to his fellow pilots to get onboard with his idea, the only stipulation was it had to be free to the veterans. Eleven pilots stepped forward, forever positively altering the reality of veterans being able to see their memorials. Together, they created the first Honor Flight.
Not knowing anything about Honor Flight prior to
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Mike and Connie VanCampen (left) with retired United States Senator Bob Dole, who was instrumental in the creation of the World War II memorial.
“I was blown away by the reaction he had to that and the reaction I saw with the other veterans,” VanCampen said. “I came home and told my wife that was really quite something and that we needed to get involved with that.” The memorial was breathtaking – an indescribable feeling to many who witness it, an even more so speechless experience to those visiting it with a veteran. “The World War II guys are all pretty old and they’re close enough to the end of the road where they look at it and say, ‘You know, that’s going to be there long after I’m gone,’” VanCampen said of the mood at the memorial.
answering his phone, VanCampen agreed to go eat and listen to the presentation without any hesitation due to his wife’s plans and his lack of plans. “We went up and listened to it and Dale said, ‘Gosh, that sounds like something I’d like to do, but I can’t do all of that walking,’” VanCampen remembered Dale solemnly saying. “Dale, I’m sure they’ll have wheelchairs,” VanCampen answered back. “And I’d be tickled pink to go with you.” A World War II veteran, Evans had three sons and a daughter who he could have called to accompany him to the Honor Flight presentation. But for whatever reason – a reason VanCampen thinks the Lord has something to do with – Evans dialed his phone number. In June of 2009, VanCampen and Evans boarded a plane bound for Washington, D.C. Evans’ cough was just a small hiccup in what was an eye-opening and life-changing experience.
Six days later VanCampen’s phone rang again. That horrible, dread-filled cough his friend suffered through during their trip wasn’t going to improve. Two months after touching back down in Kansas City, the lung cancer ailing Evans prevailed and his cough was no more. “I look back and if my wife had been home that day, I probably would have eaten lunch with her instead of going to eat free BBQ,” VanCampen slowly said. “That probably had the biggest effect on me wanting to help in Kansas Honor Flight. I knew we had to help these guys get this done.”
Just as the original Honor Flight began from a single person accompanying a veteran to their war memorial, the Kansas Honor Flight was born from the same roots. There was already a hub in Great Bend conducting honor flights where VanCampen and Connie decided to Veteran and guardians during a prayer vigil while volunteer until insider corruption shut it in Washington, D.C. down. With nowhere else to turn, in May of 2012, the VanCampens, another longtime friend, Lowell Downey and his Fall 2017
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wife and three other volunteers, on a wing and a prayer, formed the Kansas Honor Flight. “We only had a few of the names of the veterans who hadn’t yet traveled and zero dollars to start with,” VanCampen laughed and said. “We made our first flight in September of 2012 and this past November we made our 55th flight.” Almost six years into the venture of a lifetime, VanCampen deflects all recognition to others. The credit goes to his wife, Downey, and five others who comprise the board of directors. He is also always quick to credit a higher power and the grateful public who fund all of the flights. “It’s amazing how many people are involved directly with every flight,” VanCampen said. “There’s nobody in our organization anywhere that’s paid a dime for what we do. We have no office space, we have no vehicles, no telephones. It’s, top-to-bottom, a total-volunteer organization. I am proud to say the results are that 544 WWII veterans, 678 Korean War veterans and 472 Vietnam War veterans have experienced this memorable mission.” While in Washington, the Kansas Honor Flight is always granted special access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They are allowed to sit 12 feet away from the changing of the guard and witness the ceremony up close.
A guardian pushing a veteran in a wheel chair while in Washington, D.C.
“The wreath we use is from a high school classmate of mine who is a retired colonel in the army,” VanCampen explained. “You know how when you retire, you’re supposed to plant a vineyard, grow your own grapes and drink your own wine? Well, they’ve done exactly that. In the winter, Neil Johnson saves all of his vine trimmings and then his wife, Norma, weaves those into a wreath and puts a big artificial sunflower – a Kansas sunflower – on it. They meet Agribusiness Update
“There’s usually 300 or 400 people there and only 20 percent of them are family members or friends,” VanCampen said. “There’s student groups, military people, local and national politicians – so many people come out and welcome these guys home.” The volunteer-driven mission of Honor Flight extends through entire communities. So many people have relatives who served or who continue to serve and are willing to help honor veterans in any way possible. Some high schools throughout the state hold fundraisers to send select students as a guardian with a veteran on an Honor Flight. Where VanCampen lives, the average class size at the high school is 23 to 26 students, but the small size does nothing to hinder the amount of money the community raises for Honor Flight.
Every couple of trips, the Kansas Honor Flight is able to lay a wreath at the Tomb itself, but not just any store-bought, plastic wreath.
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us there and two of our able-bodied veterans lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” When the Kansas Honor Flight touches down in Wichita after the trip, it is greeted by a throng of cheers and supporters.
“The intermediate school raised $1,600 – do the math on that,” VanCampen said. “The 4H Club out of Garden City has done a one-day chili feed for the last five years. The first year it raised about $5,000 and this year is raised nearly $17,000 in one day.” Cody Anschutz, a freshman at the University of Nebraska, had heard of Honor Flight while he was attending Lyndon High School. The school sponsored the trip each year and allowed deserving students the responsibility to accompany a veteran. “If it wasn’t for this trip, they may not ever get to go see their monuments or the memorials built specifically for them,” Anschutz said. “Being able to help them see something they haven’t been able to see is what drew me to it.” Both Anschutz’ great uncle and grandfather served in the military and neither had been to Washington before. So, with
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“It was once in a lifetime,” Anschutz said.
The last year Anschutz went, he chaperoned for Meryl, a World War II veteran. As a chaperone, the students from Lyndon High School were responsible for helping the veteran in whatever capacity they needed. Whether it be opening their water bottle, pushing their wheelchair or simply holding conversation, the chaperone was entrusted with the duty.
“
Before they arrived at the Dale, what did airport, Meryl spoke up and said the last time he had flown was as a tail gunner in the war. Anschutz then had to explain the much easier process of getting on a commercial flight, rather than the life and death situation as a tail gunner in the 1940s. “Going through airport security and everything was all new to him,” Anschutz smiled and said. “I’m sure the plane ride was a little smoother than what he was used to.”
Fifty-five flights of veterans taken.
A November 2017 list of Kansas veterans in waiting reads: Six World War II, 28 Korean War and 577 Vietnam War, numbers down drastically from a decade ago. Despite the overwhelming number of Kansas’ veterans flown to Washington in the last five years, VanCampen won’t ever rest on his laurels. Those numbers aren’t as much of an accomplishment to Kansas Honor Flight as they are a mission
still needing accomplished. “It drives me nuts when I walk into Wal-Mart or Dillon’s and there’s a guy who has a World War II ball cap on and I first thank him for his service and then I say, ‘By the way, have you heard of Kansas Honor Flight?’ and they say, ‘What?’” Each veteran VanCampen and the other volunteers reach, even those who haven’t ever heard of Kansas Honor Flight, is a win in his book. It’s those he isn’t able to reach that keep him searching for more. He looks at it as a life-changing experience, not only for him, but for everyone involved in the program.
“
precise coordination, Anschutz accompanied his grandfather, while his best friend was the guardian for his great uncle and the four of them experienced the memorials together.
“I think counting when I was helping out Great Bend, I’ve been on about 42 flights,” VanCampen said. “I couldn’t have ever imagined the impact we’ve had. Dale was 85 when he died. Every once in a while, I look up at the sky and I think, ‘Dale, what did you get me into?’”
you get me into?
The answer to his question comes when: A veteran, unbeknownst to him, finds his portrait on the Korean War Memorial wall, like a member of Anschutz’ group did. Or when a serviceman or servicewoman lays the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It also becomes apparent when a tail gunner flies for the first time in 70 years; when 400 people are cheering so loud in the airport, it’s deafening; or when a cough turns into a funeral two months after laying eyes on the war memorial in Washington. Visit kansashonorflight.org for more information, or call 620-546-2400.
An airport crowd cheers as the veterans return home. Fall 2017
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS CEU Bonus Session LAST CHANCE! Join KARA in Hays this Thursday, December 7, for the final opportunity to earn CCA CEUs of 2017! Our CEU Bonus Session will feature presentations from Servi-Tech, Midwest Labs, Kansas State University and Northwest Technical College while offering eight CEUs! Haven’t registered? No problem! Walk-in’s are ALWAYS welcome, or you may still sign-up at www.ksagretailers.org/events. Contact Samantha Tenpenny at samantha@kansasag.org for more information. See you in Hays!
Dec. 7 CEU BONUS SESSION
Crop Production Update This comprehensive workshop, offered in cooperation with Kansas State University, will provide the latest research and technological advances in the crop production industry. The presentations will include the latest technology on weed and insect control, fertilizer and chemical recommendations, soil fertility concerns and much more. As this program’s popularity increases with each year, it is a must attend seminar for those requiring the latest in innovative research and application.
Legislative Action Day Provides grain and feed industry personnel with an excellent opportunity to hear the latest details on numerous state legislative initiatives that could impact our industry.
Jan. 10-11 CROP PRODUCTION UPDATE
Jan. 17 LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY
NH3 Workshops Be a responsible user of anhydrous ammonia and attend the 2017 NH3 Training. This program includes a combination of demonstrations and presentations that will cover the characteristics of anhydrous ammonia, facility safety, emergency response and product handling. Learn from the best and brightest in the NH3 field. Individual speakers will provide input on their specific areas of expertise. Each attendee will receive a certificate of attendance as proof of training to include in personnel files. Additionally, each attendee will take an exam at the end of the training day. The certificate will be sent by email to be retained for training files. Consider sponsoring your community fire-fighters, law enforcement, and emergency responders to attend and hear important information about responding to NH3 accidents.
Jan. 30 - Feb. 8 NH3 WORKSHOPS
Spring CCA Exam Farmers and employers prefer to work with Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) because CCAs have demonstrated the commitment, education, expertise and experience to make a difference. Register TODAY to take the February 2, 2018 exam in Salina at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams/registration. 18
Agribusiness Update
Feb. 2 SPRING CCA EXAM
SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
SAFETY
Courtesy of Cooperative Extension System
When transporting anhydrous ammonia, be sure to adhere to the following precautions and safety rules: »» Running Gear: Regularly inspect the wagon’s frame »» Warning Lights: Ensure that the tank is equipped with tongue, reach poles, anchor devices, wheel bearings, a seven-terminal breakaway connector plug to properly knuckles, ball joints, and pins for structural damage and operate turn signals, flashing warning lights, and a red wear and make necessary repairs and adjustments. brake light. »» Tires: Check tires for proper inflation, bald spots, and signs of wear and ensure that lug nuts are tight. »» Hoses and Valves: Inspect and replace hoses and valves as needed. The hydrostatic relief valve should be replaced every five years. The transfer hose should be replaced five years from the date of manufacture. »» Lubrication: Annually lubricate the wagon’s knuckle, wheels, tongues, and so on. »» Towing Vehicle: To increase the driver’s ability to control the towing vehicle, ensure that the towing vehicle weighs at least as much as the tank. A tractor can tow two tanks, but a truck can tow only one tank at a time. »» Speed Limit: When towing an anhydrous ammonia tank, observe a speed limit of 25 mph.
»» Safety Signage: If operating on a highway, outfit the tank with all required safety markings, including a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign. (Click here for more information about SMV signs and increasing the visibility of your agricultural equipment.) »» The words Anhydrous Ammonia must appear on both sides of the tank and on the rear of the tank in letters 4 in. high. The words should be in contrast to the tank so that they can be read easily. »» Inhalation Hazard must appear on both sides of the tank in letters 3 in. high. »» A Department of Transportation (DOT) placard number 1005 for nonflammable gas should be placed on the front, back, and sides of the tank.
»» Hitch Pin: Use a hitch pin with a safety chain when towing a tank wagon.
Basic First Aid for Exposure »» Flush the exposed area immediately. Clean water is the ideal resource for flushing exposed areas of the body, if you do not have water available, other nontoxic liquids, such as cold coffee or orange juice, can be used.
»» Remove contaminated clothing unless the clothing is frozen to the victim’s skin.
»» Seek medical attention immediately and inform medical staff of the exposure to anhydrous ammonia so that they will not treat the wounds with oils or ointments that can intensify the damage.
Anhydrous Explanations Randy Stookey, Samantha Tenpenny and Trae Green visited J.B. Pearl’s new anhydrous facility in Perry. Jeff Spreer took the time to show off the new setup, explaining tank filling procedures, the benefits and dangers of anhydrous ammonia and safety precautions taken at the site.
Fall 2017
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Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66612
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association | Fall 2017 Editors Ron Seeber Tom Tunnell Randy Stookey Staci Storey Shari Bennett Samantha Tenpenny Mitzi Dodds Trae Green Devon Stewart
Photography & Illustrations Cover Photo iStock.com | CarbonBrain Kansas Governor’s Water Conference Kansas Water Office Honored to Honor Kansas Honor Flight
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