SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
The Kansas
Spring 2012
AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
The official publication of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Training and Education Over 400 attend NH3 Training Schools Mark your calendars for KARA’s summer programs
Legislative Advocacy Officers march on Capitol Hill TAL class and members get direct access to lawmakers
Spring 2012
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
K S A G R E T A I L E R S . O R G
CONTENTS Crop Production Update brings agronomists to Junction City...3 Over 400 attend NH3 Training Schools...3 President & CEO Tom R. Tunnell
KSU Field Days, July 11-12...3 Professional Applicator Training, August 8-9...3 KARA helps fund FFA Agronomy Career Development Event...3 TAL class gets crash course on KS politics...4
Senior VP, Government Affairs Ron Seeber Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Jensen Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey
KARA hosts weekly legislative reception...4 Officers take message to Capitol...4 Members lobby state lawmakers at Legislative Action Day...5 Kansas enacts water conservation laws...6 Huelskamp to host Agriculture Committee field hearing in Dodge City...6
Vice President of Event Planning Shari Bennett VP of Member Services & External Operations Sarah Sexton-Bowser
Senator Roberts introduces agricultural HOS exemption...6
VP of Marketing & Communications Shahira Stafford
Use caution when purchasing placards...6
Senior Director of Internal Operations Lisa Anschutz
Resources available through Asmark...7
Executive Assistant to the President Julie Stueve
Become a CCA...7 Over 30 students apply for scholarships...7
The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.
Mark your calendars...7 Welcome new members to KARA...7
Mail contributions to KARA, Attention: Shahira Stafford, 816 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612. The KARA team welcomes your comments, contributions and suggestions.
Online advertising opportunity...8 Trade Talk...8 Free membership to new retailers...8
Annual subscriptions for members can be purchased for $25.00. Š 2011 KARA
Update your membership profile...8
Read this newsletter online at www.ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters.
Job Openings...9 Website Advertising...10 Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership?...11
........................................................................ To follow us on Facebook, search for KARA. For Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ ksagretailers.
2
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Crop Production Update brings agronomists to Junction City Over 75 agronomists gathered in Junction City in January to gain more than just continuing education hours. Attendees were updated on issues ranging from pest control to new production methods. A special thanks to Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz Suarez for coordinating the speakers and topics, as well as the following sponsors for making this program a success: BASF, Bayer, Dow, DuPont, FMC and KFSA.
If you attended one of the six schools offered across the state, please be sure to follow up by: conducting a plant walk-through with your employees, inviting your local emergency responders to see your plant, reviewing your documentation procedures, checking dates on your hoses and equipment and defining whether or not you need a respirator program. KSU Field Days, July 11-12 Agribusinesses from across the state will gather on July 11 and 12 to take part in the annual KARA/KSU Field Days. The event will offer sessions focusing on information and research for the 21st Century agronomist. Attendees will focus on crop growth and development, weed/seedling identification, soil management, nitrogen management, insect management, herbicide efficacy/herbicide injury and plant diseases. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get 1A and CCA CEU credits. See the enclosed form to register.
Professional Applicator Training, August 8-9 KARA will host 2012 Professional Applicator Training August 8 - 9 in Great Bend. This comprehensive, Dr. Doug Jardine, KSU, speaks to attendees at the Crop Production hands-on event for agricultural chemical/fertilizer Update conference in Junction City. applicators is sure to have something for everyone. In addition to hearing from speakers on basic application techniques and information on the latest rules Over 400 attend NH3 Training Schools KARA, along with Gary Cless with Fairbank Equip- and regulations, participants will participate in the popular Ride and Drive. As in past years, participants ment, John Ricker and Scott A. Anderson with KFSA, Rick Wiedmann with the Kansas Department will also take part in the “Top Gun� professional apof Agriculture, Shirley McNew with the Pipeline and plicator contest as well as earn CEUs and enough 1A Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and Kan- credits for anyone expiring in 2012 - 2013. Registrasas Corporation Commission staff helped equip 400 tion information coming soon. agribusiness professionals with the necessary knowlKARA helps funds FFA Agronomy Career edge and safety skills required for handling NH3. Development Event KARA is proud to be a sponsor of the Kansas FFA Agronomy Career Development Event that encourages students to build and improve their skills in agronomic sciences. At the competition, participants complete a 50question written exam; identify seeds, insects, soils and crops; demonstrate knowledge of agronomic management and solve a practical problem. They also give oral reasons explaining their placing of various classes. The sponsorship also supports the winning Kansas team in competing in the national FFA convention in the fall. John Ricker, KFSA, educates members on NH3 safety skills.
Spring 2012
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
3
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
TAL class gets crash course on KS politics The 2012 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders (TAL) class traveled to Topeka for two days and completed session I. During which, the class enjoyed a detailed policy briefing from Governor Sam Brownback and a private breakfast with Attorney General Derek Schmidt. During these meetings they learned of many challenges facing the state and how our top leaders’ plans to move Kansas forward.
The 2012 TAL Class gets one-on-one time with Governor Sam Brownback during Session I in Topeka.
KARA hosts weekly legislative reception During the months of January – May, the capitol city is buzzing with state lawmakers here for the legislative session. Every year, KARA is always at the heart of this activity, hosting the longest-standing weekly hospitality event for the Kansas Legislature. On January 9, over 150 state legislators, leaders and lobbyists attended the first reception of the session at the KARA office. KARA has been hosting Tuesday Night Receptions for over 25 years, along with 40 other lobbying organizations. Legislators are invited to relax and enjoy a catered dinner each week while they're in Topeka. These receptions are an excellent opportunity for KARA to gain recognition and for your staff lobbyists to visit with lawmakers on a personal level. Officers take message to Capitol Hill KARA Chairman Doug Wright, Vice Chairman Mike Shirley, Past Chairman Doyle Pearl, and President Tom Tunnell were in Washington D.C. last month to discuss issues with Federal officials. While there, the group visited Kansas elected members of Congress and discussed the 2012 Farm Bill, agricultural transportation and a number of other agribusiness issues.
In addition to meetings with Associated Press Bureau Chief John Hanna and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chris Wilson, the class learned exactly how a bill moves through the legislature to become state law and how lobbyists aid in the process.
Tom Tunnell, KARA President & CEO (right), explains to members of the TAL class the role that lobbyists play in the state and federal legislative process.
4
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012
(l-r) Tom Tunnell, President & CEO; Mike Shirley, Vice Chairman; Doug Wright, Chairman; Doyle Pearl, Past Chairman; Stan Stark, KGFA Chairman; and Ted Schultz, KGFA Vice Chairman.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Members lobby state lawmakers at Legislative Action Day On January 25, members of KARA, the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council came to the capitol city to learn about the issues being debated at the Statehouse that will directly affect their industry and for a chance to have their voices heard by state lawmakers. After lunch, members had the chance to personally visit with their legislators at the Capitol Building and spread the industry’s message on key agribusiness issues. Several also had the chance to see first-hand how the committee process and Senate floor debate works in Kansas. The event concluded with a dinner reception at the Topeka Country Club where nearly 200 legislators and members were in attendance. KARA, along with every other advocacy organization in Kansas, is facing serious legislative challenges this year. KARA lobbyists are working hard, day and night, to advocate on your behalf on issues that include: immigration reform, taxes, water conservation and many more. Please watch for the weekly Capitol Review emailed every Monday to members. This electronic news update is a great way to stay abreast on important bills working their way through the session and how they may affect your business.
TAL class member Sean Cravens (right) talks with Senator Ralph Ostmeyer about the bills important to the agribusiness industry.
(l-r) Doug Wright, Dennis Blick, Erik Lange and James Jirak taking a break in between legislator visits at the Statehouse.
TAL class member Michael Spade (right) had some one-on-one time with his Senator, Jeff Longbine.
Tom Watkins (left) enjoys dinner with Representative Gary Hayzlett.
Spring 2012
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
5
INDUSTRY NEWS
Kansas enacts water conservation laws The Governor signed into law two KARA-backed bills key to water conservation in western Kansas in Garden City this month. John McClelland, with Garden City Coop was in attendance to represent KARA. The Governor signed House Bill 2451 which eliminates the state’s “use it or lose it” water policy and gives landowners incentive to conserve water because they won’t feel that they must use their maximum amount of water when they don’t need to just so they don’t lose water rights. He also signed into law Senate Bill 272 which amends multi-year flex accounts to expand irrigators’ capabilities and options so they can manage their crop water without increasing long-term water use under their water right.
Senator Roberts introduces agricultural HOS exemption On March 14, the U.S. Senate passed the Surface Transportation bill that includes an Hours of Service (HOS) clarification of transportation regulations critical to the agriculture industry’s ability to distribute farm supplies in a timely manner. This important clarification was presented in the form of an amendment and introduced by Senator Pat Roberts and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). The HOS exemption came into question in 2009 when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an interpretation of the regulations that resulted in transportation restrictions for certain farm supplies. The legislation amends aspects of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act, which served as the basis for FMCSA’s 2009 interpretation, to clarify the applicability of exemptions for agricultural products. Specifically, the legislation clarifies that the agricultural HOS exemption is applicable to:
Governor Sam Brownback signs two bills into law at a ceremony in Garden City. KARA testified in support of both bills that will help conserve water in western Kansas.
Drivers transporting agricultural commodities within a 100 air-mile radius;
Drivers transporting farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale or retail business to a farm or other location where the farm supplies are intended to be used within a 100 air-mile radius from the distribution point; or
Huelskamp to host Agriculture Committee Drivers transporting farm supplies from a wholefield hearing in Dodge City sale location to a retail location so long as the House Agriculture Committee member Congressman transportation is within a 100 air-mile radius. Tim Huelskamp announced that the Committee will host a field hearing in Dodge City, Kansas on April Use caution when purchasing placards 20, 2012. KARA urges members to be an attentive customer During the Dodge City hearing, Committee members when purchasing placards. The green placards used on NH3 tanks must be 273 millimeters in diameter. will hear from two separate panels who have been This size requirement is for the green area, so white tasked to talk about the impact of federal policy on outlining does not count toward the size requirement America's farms. The event is open to the public. and could make your placard shy of the required size. Friday, April 20, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. CDT Magouirk Conference Center 4100 W. Comanche Dodge City, KS 67801
6
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012
The 2012 Applicator Manual is designed to be placed in each piece of application equipment, and nurse or tender equipment, to provide operators and handlers access to label information. Just as each container of pesticide has a specimen label affixed to it, these handy little manuals with over 125 of the most common custom applied products, is an economical substitute for providing your applicators and other handlers with the label information. The 2012 MSDS Manual is designed especially for agricultural retailers and contains 1,880 pages of information for more than 1,000 products. OSHA requires each employer to maintain a current file for the MSDS for the hazardous substances used or handled in the workplace. DOT has announced the new 2012 version of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) will be available in April. The 2012 version will replace the existing 2008 version. In anticipation of their release, the Asmark Institute has preordered a substantial volume of guidebooks. Become a CCA Do you work with producers on their crop production decisions? Are you actively involved in agronomic agriculture? Join hundreds of others by becoming a Certified Crop Adviser. Certification programs from the American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America are the benchmark of professionalism. Farmers and employers prefer to work with Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) because CCAs have demonstrated they have the commitment, education, expertise, and experience to make a difference. To learn more, please call (785) 234-0463 or email sarah@kansasag.org.
ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Resources available through Asmark Applicator Manuals, MSDS Books and Emergency Response Guidebooks for 2012 are available to KARA members exclusively through our affiliation with the Asmark Institute. Visit www.ksagretailers.org to order.
Over 30 students apply for scholarships KARA received 32 scholarship applications from students across Kansas hoping to receive one of the association’s $1,000 scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year. The KARA Scholarship Committee will choose the winners on April 16, and announcements will be made shortly thereafter. Each year, KARA awards $4,500 in scholarships to high school students wanting to pursue an education in Kansas. Five scholarships are offered: one Jim Lee $500 Memorial Scholarship, one Dr. David Whitney $1,000 Memorial Scholarship and three KARA $1,000 Scholarships. Mark your calendars The 2012 KARA Annual Meeting is scheduled for August 20-21 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan. Watch for registration information coming soon. The Kansas Agri Business Expo is scheduled for November 14-15 at Century II Convention Center in Wichita. Vendor registration will begin in June and attendees may register shortly thereafter. Visit www.ksabe.org often for updates. The Scholarship Auction is scheduled for November 14 at Century II Convention Center in Wichita, in conjunction with the Kansas Agri Business Expo. Keep watching for the request for donations. 1A Recertification Training is scheduled for November 15 at Century II Convention Center in Wichita, in conjunction with the Kansas Agri Business Expo. Get all your hours to recertify in one day. Watch for registration information coming soon. Welcome new members to KARA Thanks to the reputation of our membership and industry, KARA continues to grow and provide useful products and services for agribusinesses in Kansas. Please welcome these companies should you come in contact with them in your business. Central Ag LLC, Burns, Kansas PotashCorp, Shawnee, Kansas Weitl’s Aeration Service, Templeton, Iowa
Spring 2012
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
7
MEMBER CORNER
Online advertising opportunity If you are an advertiser in the 2012 Membership Directory, KARA is offering your company a 20% discount on website advertising purchased through December 31, 2012. Each month, hundreds of people visit the website for access to industry knowledge and resources. By having your company logo featured on the homepage as a “KARA Partner”, you can increase your company’s online presence, attract business and further your brand among professionals in the agribusiness industry. See pg. 10 for details. Trade Talk If you have a short business announcement you’d like included in the newsletter, email shahira@kansasag.org.
2012 Membership Directories were mailed. Additional copies: $35/member $75/non-member
Car for Sale. KARA is selling one of its company vehicles. 2008 Chevy Impala LT, Flex Fuel. 60k miles. $11,500. Call (785) 234-0461 if interested.
Ed Wheeler, 85, passed away on February 18 at his home in Sarasota, Florida. Ed was originally from Marion, Kansas and was former president of The Fertilizer Institute. Congratulations to Dennis Blick, who will be retiring as CoBank’s Regional Vice President effective June 30, 2012. Alan Woodward will be assuming this new role effective April 1. Congratulations to Gaylord Sanneman, who retired as Sublette Coop’s General Manager. Kendall Poland assumed the new role effective February 1. Brian Linin, Frontier Ag CFO and past TAL Graduate, was elected to serve on the Kansas Wheat Commission. Congratulations to Ron Seeber, KARA Senior Vice President, for successfully completing his term as President of the Kansas Agricultural Alliance (KAA). The KAA is an organization of several agricultural groups who meet weekly during the legislative session to collaborate on policy initiatives important to Kansas agriculture.
8
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012
Free membership to new retailers If you are a member of KARA, hopefully you are aware of the value of your membership dues. For those non-member retail companies across the state, we’re offering to pay your dues for one year, so you can see what you’re missing. This is for “retail” members only that have never joined the association. Learn more at www.ksagretailers.org. Update your membership profile 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. From there, enter your login information and make your changes directly online. Forgot your username or password? Email lisa@kansasag.org, and we’ll get it to you.
Andale Farmers Cooperative Company is accepting applications for Location Manager in Colwich, Kansas. The Location Manager will be responsible for supervising all daily activities of this branch which include grain, agronomy (dry fertilizer, NH3), and a full service farm store. This position will supervise 3 full-time employees and seasonal help as needed. The Location Manager will solicit new business, ensure customer satisfaction by consistent delivery of both quality products and services to members, and maintain a positive image of Andale Coop within the community.
Mid Kansas Cooperative Association is looking for an Agronomy Operations Manager to fill a new position at our brand new Groveland, Kansas facility. MKC has just completed a new state of the art agronomy center 6 miles south of McPherson at our Groveland location. One of the new services at this location will be a self serve bay, open 24 hours per day, for our producers to come and get chemical and fertilizer products. The producer receives a code number for their order and a pass card for the automatic doors. The producer can drive in, get their order, and then get back in the field any time night or day.
Send resume with cover letter to: Andale Farmers Cooperative Company, Attn: Steve Shaver, General Manager, PO Box 18, Andale, KS 67001. You may also upload your resume online at www.provaluellc.com.
JOB OPENINGS
Job Openings Syngenta is seeking a talented and customer-focused Retail Sales Representative to be located in Hays, KS to engage with our channel partners to assist with their ability to connect with growers more effectively in delivering crop protection and seed solutions to growers. This position offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salary and bonus potential, and professional growth opportunities. Come grow with Syngenta – Science 2011’s Top Employer. For more information and to apply to this position, visit http://bit.ly/AmncNE.
Riggins R-Co, LLC is looking for a Precision Ag Specialist responsible for sales, installation and troubleshooting of Precision Ag Equipment. Candidates must possess technical knowledge and have experience with Precision Ag Products. Experience with Raven Products including Envizio, Viper, Accuboom, and Autosteer is preferred. Knowledge of RTK is a plus. Candidates must also be excellent communicators, highly organized, and able to follow through with a variety of daily demands. The successful candidate must also prepare necessary paperwork. Some regional travel is required.
This location has room for spray rigs and tender trucks to be filled inside and also to be stored inside. This location is right off K-61 highway, which was just converted to a four lane highway, so transportation in and out of our new location is a lot easier. We have a crew of 5 spray rig operators, 2 full time plant Please send resumes to: Riggins R-Co, LLC, PO Box operators / tender truck drivers, 3 part time drivers, 219, Marshall, MO 65340. and a billing person. The location will service apBrummel Farm Service is a locally owned and operproximately 200,000 acres. ated small business that has been in operation, in Garnett, KS. for 55 years. We are searching for a If interested you can apply online at Custom Applicator. This is a full time position, and www.mkcoop.com or send a resume to Jeff Frizell, Human Resources Manager at jfrizell@mkcoop.com. will not be laid off during the slower months. Someone who is self motivated, willing to work long hours, Lang Diesel Inc., a full service ag equipment dealer- when necessary, is a fast learner and can handle little ship with ten locations throughout Kansas, is hiring if no directions. It would be most helpful if you have crop farming knowledge, and can repair and rebuild the following position: Account Manager – Smith Center, KS. Applicants must have prior farm equip- equipment. ment service operations experience and the ability to To apply send resume and references to brumanage service department employees. Interested applicants can call Brandon at 785-282-6861 for more melfs@embarqmail.com attention Roger. information. Cover letters and resume can be emailed to brandonh@langdieselinc.com.
Spring 2012
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
9
WEBSITE ADVERTISING
Website Advertising Increase Awareness
Attract Business
Further Your Brand
Each month, hundreds of individuals visit www.ksagretailers.org for access to agribusiness industry knowledge and resources. By purchasing advertising space, you can increase awareness, attract business and further your brand. Advertisers must be members of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. Site Traffic: Average 470 unique visitors per month. Advertising Rate Structure: all rates are net. 3 Month Schedule
$300
6 Month Schedule
$550
9 Month Schedule
$800
12 Month Schedule
$1050
20% discount to members that advertise in the Membership Directory. Image Requirements: All logo images should be 273 pixels wide x 75 pixels tall at 72 dpi, with a white (#ffffff) background color. All images should be optimized for the Internet and be either a .GIF or a .JPG format. Placement: Logos will be located on the lower right corner of the home page in a scrolling window. Display interval is dependant upon total number of advertisers (approximately 3 seconds). Links: Logos can link to any web address of the advertiser’s choice. Submission: Ad contract and logo should be sent to shahira@kansasag.org. Questions? Call (785) 234-0463. .........................................................................................................................................................................
Advertising Contract Company _______________________________________Contact Name ________________________________ Address, City, State Zip _______________________________________________________________________ Phone__________________________ Email_______________________________________________________ Schedule (please circle)
3 Months
6 Months
9 Months
12 Months
Payment (please circle) Check M/C AmEx Visa Total Amount $ __________ *If paying by check, please make payable to Kansas Agribusiness Retailers and mail with form. Credit Card # _________________________________________ Expiration Date _________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________________________________________ Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
10
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012
816 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612
Fax (785) 234-2930
Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership? A comprehensive hospital and medical, group life, dental, salary continuation, accidental death and a property/casualty program are offered through KFSA at a rate which is considerably less than could be enjoyed by an individual firm. Exclusively through KARA, you can have your employee benefit programs customized and tailored to meet your budget and needs through Harrington Health. Whether it is COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, FSA, Harrington Health has the answers. Regulatory compliance can be a timely and expensive part of your business operations. As a member of KARA, you are eligible to take advantage of the Asmark Institute's program and products that will help you navigate the regulatory maze. Does your company need new apparel? Looking for appreciation gift ideas for your customers? Get 10% off Cabela's merchandise and 5% off Cabela's gift cards just for being a KARA member. Turn waiting callers into customers. AMS On Hold Solutions is giving KARA members a 25% discount on monthly rates. Promote specials, decrease caller agitation, reduce hang-ups and enhance your company's image for only $75/month. A 30-day trial is also available. KARA and Purple Wave are working together to provide members with the best resource to liquidate your unused assets through an online auction service. Purple Wave will make a donation to KARA every time a member utilizes their services.
Spring 2012
Chairman Doug Wright Mid-Kansas Coop, Moundridge Vice Chairman Mike Shirley Second Vice Chairman Kevin Brady Lang Diesel Inc., Benton Immediate Past Chairman Randy Whisenhunt Ag Service Inc., Hillsboro Directors Scott Anderson KFSA, Hutchinson Bill Conrey Koch Nitrogen Co., Wichita Roger Cunningham Beachner Grain, Parsons Kevin Dieckmann United Suppliers, Olathe Alan Goldsby CHS Crop Nutrients, Hillsboro Jon Ingebretson Gavilon Fertilizer, Kansas City Kirk Kennedy Valley Coop Inc., Atlanta Dustin Kuntz Harveyville Seed, Harveyville Roger Long Rosen's Inc., Great Bend Lance Nelson Farmers Coop Co., Haviland Brian Norton Syngenta Crop Protection, Girard Clark Pearson Miller Elevator Inc., Reading Johnny Schaben Farm Service Center, Ellinwood Larry Shivers Specialty Fertilizer Products, Salina Andy Smarsh Helena Chemical, Garden City Steve Taylor Fairbank Equipment Inc., Wichita Kevin Tomka Dow AgroSciences, Overland Park Tommy Warner CPS, Garden City Dave Wilcox Farmway Coop, Beloit Craig Zwick B.Z. Bee, Lyons
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
11
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID TOPEKA, KS Permit No. 545
816 SW Tyler Topeka, Kansas 66612
Visit our website for up-to-the-minute association news and information by scanning this QR Code with your smartphone, or going to www.ksagretailers.org.
l
12
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Spring 2012