SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
The Kansas
Winter 2014
AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
The official publication of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Kansas Agri Business Expo Photos NH3 Safety Workshop Registration Scholarship Applications due March 7 2014 TAL Class Selected
Winter 2014
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
K S A G R E T A I L E R S . O R G
CONTENTS NH3 safety training offered around Kansas...3 Congratulations 2014 TAL class...3 President & CEO Tom R. Tunnell
Auction raises thousands for scholarship...3 Scholarship applications due March 7...3 Kansas Agri Business Expo Recap and Photos...4-5 USDA announces plans to re-propose Food Safety Modernization Act rules...6 OSHA Requests Comments on Exec. Order...6 Seeking comments on new safety standard for NH3 application equipment...6 Informative video for Kansas taxpayers...6
Senior VP, Government Affairs Ron Seeber Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Jensen Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey Vice President of Event Planning Shari Bennett VP of Member Services & External Operations Dana Minihan
Staff holds pre-session meeting with AG...6 New Secretary of Agriculture appointed...7 Governor issues a call to action for a 50-year vision for Kansas water...7
VP of Marketing & Communications Shahira Stafford
Trade Talk...8
Senior Director of Internal Operations Lisa Anschutz
KARA welcomes new members...8
Executive Assistant to the President Julie Stueve
Online advertising opportunity...8 Update your membership profile...8 Free membership to new retailers...8 Kansas Agricultural Education Foundation scholarships...9 2014 KARA Sponsors...10 Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership?...11
The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. Mail contributions to KARA, Attention: Shahira Stafford, 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. Š 2011 KARA Read this newsletter online at www.ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters. ........................................................................ To follow us on Facebook, search for KARA. For Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ ksagretailers.
2
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Winter 2014
Be a responsible user of anhydrous ammonia and attend the 2014 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.
TRAINING, EDUCATION
NH3 safety training offered around Kansas KARA’s coming to your community with an NH3 Safety Workshop on February 11-13 and March 11 -13. This program brings together industry experts from Fairbank Equipment, KFSA, KCC, and KDA.
Auction raises thousands for scholarship KARA is proud to announce that the Scholarship Auction at the Expo raised $16,780 jointly toward the KARA and Kansas Grain and Feed Association scholarship programs, which is a six-year high and exceeds 2012 numbers by over $5,000! Thank you to every member that contributed to the Scholarship Auction in some way. Because of your generosity, KARA is able to increase the number of scholarships awarded to college students wanting to pursue an education in agricultural-related fields and further our industry’s future workforce.
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 and graded exam will be returned 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 accidents. See the enclosed flier to register. Congratulations 2014 TAL class Congratulations to the applicants chosen to be part of the 2014 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders (TAL) class. The TAL program is the premier leadership program for agribusiness leaders in the nation, and KARA is proud to welcome these individuals to the group: Michael Burch, BASF, Holcomb Bill Garner, AgChoice/MFA Enterprises, Weir Ella Pachta, Crop Production Services, Beloit Brian Rosenhagen, Fairbank Equip., Wichita Jayson Schoenfeld, Frontier Ag, Inc., Oakley If you would like to invest in a bright future for the agribusiness industry, please consider becoming a sponsor of the TAL program. Your sponsorship will significantly reduce the financial burden of these students and ensure a top-quality experience.
The 2013 Scholarship Auction at the Expo raises $16,780 toward the KGFA and KARA scholarship funds.
Thank you to the Scholarship Committee members for contributing their time to serve and help make the auction a success: Scott Anderson, Jared Ellis, Mark Hanson, Bill Hocraffer, Steve Hoesli, James Jirak, Alan Kimmal, Chuck Kuntz, Erik Lange, Lana O'Connor, O.J. Pearl, Robin Pitman and Michael Spade. Scholarship applications due March 7 If you know of a student in your community that wants to pursue a college education in agriculture, please encourage them to apply for one of KARA’s scholarships. See page 9 for details. Each year, KARA awards $4,500 in scholarships to deserving high school students to help relieve the financial burden on their families. Five scholarships are offered: one $500 Jim Lee Memorial Scholarship, one $1,000 Dr. David Whitney Agronomy Scholarship, and three $1,000 KARA Scholarships.
Winter 2014
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
3
KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO
Nearly 1,200 attendees at 2013 Kansas Agri Business Expo! Thanks to the 1,190 attendees of the 2013 Kansas Agri Business Expo on November 20-21 in Wichita! From exhibitors to general managers to recertification attendees, the Century II Convention Center was filled with agribusiness men and women learning about the latest technology and services available in the industry today. A special thank you to the
following exhibitors of the 2013 Kansas Agri Business Expo: A.J. Sackett and Sons Adams Fertilizer Equipment ADM Fertilizer Advanced Biological Marketing AFLAC Ag 1 Source, LLC Agra Liners, LLC Agrilead, Inc. Agrium Agrium Advance Technologies AgTrax Technologies AgVision Agribusiness Software Agworks, Inc. Alliance Tank Service, LLC Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. American Vanguard Corporation (AMVAC) Ameritrack Rail ASM Engineering Consultants, LLC BarnesCo Inc. BASF Corporation Bayer CropScience Ben Trei Fertilizer Co., LLC Bergquist, Inc. Bolivar Contracting, Inc. Brewer Restoration & Coatings Brian Lingle Photography Brothers Equipment, Inc. Bunge North America CCS Group LLC CDL Railroad Construction, LLC Central Life Sciences Central States Hydroseal Charm Sciences CHS, Inc. Convey-All by Hamilton Systems CPS Wholesale Cropland Containers CrustBuster/Speed King Inc. CTEC AG Don's Tire Dow AgroSciences Doyle Equipment Mfg. Co. Drake, Inc. Dultmeier Sales DuPont Crop Protection El Dorado Chemical Company Electro-Sensors, Inc. Ernest-Spencer Essmueller Company Fairbank Equipment
4
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
FARMCHEM FMC Corporation Frisbie Construction Co., Inc. Gamet Mfg. Inc. Gish Fabrication and Machine, LLC Grain Belt Supply Co. Inc. Gypsoil H & H Restoration HABCO, Inc. Hammel Scale Co., Inc. Heartland Ag Inc. Helena Chemical Co. High Plains Journal IBT Industrial Solutions Integra Plastics Intelliair, LLC INTX Microbials Jade Millwrights Inc. John Deere Kansas Corn Commission Kansas Grain Inspection Service Inc. Kansas Highway Patrol Kansas Soybean Commission Kansas Wheat Kansasland/Nebraskaland Tire KC Supply Co. Inc. Ken Babcock Sales, Inc. KFSA Koch Agronomic Services, LLC Korol Financial Group LLC KSU - Department of Agronomy KSU - Grain Science and Industry Kugler Co. La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed Lang Diesel, Inc. LeMar Industries Corporation Lester Building Systems, LLC M & M Specialty Services, LLC Macon General Contractors Manhattan Data Systems Inc. Marcus Construction Mathews Company McPherson Concrete Storage Systems MFA Incorporated MFS-York-Stormor Micro Solutions Microsource Mid-Continent Industries Mid-State Tank Co., Inc. Mid-West Fertilizer Inc. Midwest Laboratories Inc.
Winter 2014
MK Minerals, Inc. Monsanto Mosaic National Billing Neville Welding Inc. Novozymes BioAg Nutrients for Life Pepper Maintenance Systems, Inc. Plain Jan's Precision Edge Precision Grain Management Consultants PSC Group Purple Wave Auction RBH Mill & Elevator Riggins R-Co. LLC Rosen's Inc. RWI General Contractors Schaben Industries Seedburo Equipment Co. SFP Sharp Brothers Seed Company Simplot Agribusiness Simpson Farm Enterprises, Inc. Sioux Steel Company Skinner Tank Company Software Solutions Integrated LLC Star Seed Stueve Construction Company Syngenta Terracon The Heartland Tank Companies The KBH Corporation TMHC Services Tri-States Grain Conditioning, Inc. TTS, LLC UAS Service Corp UniBridge Systems, Inc. Union Iron, Works United Sorghum Checkoff Program United Suppliers, Inc. Valent USA Valleywide Sales, Inc. Van Diest Supply Company Vertical Software Inc. W Design Associates Waconia Mfg., Inc. Westheffer Co. Inc. Winfield Solutions Woofter Construction Irrigation, Inc. Wylie Sprayers Yargus Mfg.
Johnny Schaben and J.R. Isch visit during the Recognition Breakfast.
Large equipment vendors begin moving in for the tradeshow set-up.
Carpeted isles and isle markers added to the tradeshow floor this year.
North America’s only performing Strong Woman Mama Lou performs at the Expo.
Wichita State University Basketball Coach Greg Marshall shares his team’s road to the 2013 Final Four Championship.
2013 TAL class members graduate during the recognition breakfast.
KARA Board Chairman Mike Shirley (left) recognizes Rick Vrbas for BASF’s Founding Sponsorship in 2013.
Chuck Kuntz and his wife Janie enjoy Xtreme Trivia Night on Thursday.
Kansas Department of Revenue Nick Jordon speaks to attendees about Governor Sam Brownback’s tax policy vision for Kansas.
A packed audience watches Strong Woman Mama Lou perform several feats of strength including tearing a phone book in half.
Bob Stewart speaks on behalf of Helena Chemical while accepting recognition for their Founding Sponsorship in 2013.
Winter 2014
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
5
KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO
KARA Board Chairman Mike Shirley (left) cuts the ribbon with KGFA Chairman Ted Schultz to officially open the 2013 Kansas Agri Business Tradeshow.
INDUSTRY NEWS
USDA announces plans to re-propose Food Safety Modernization Act rules On December 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced plans to re-propose the Food Safety Modernization Act rules on produce safety and preventive controls for human food (which includes feed). FDA plans to propose revised rule language and seek comment on it, allowing the public the opportunity to provide input. There may be other revisions to the proposed rules; the scope of the revised proposals, on which FDA will seek further comment, will be determined after FDA completes the initial review of written comments. FDA believes that this additional step to seek further input on revised sections of the proposed rules that need significant adjustment is critical to fulfilling their continuing commitment to getting these rules correctly written for implementation. USDA’s plan is to publish revised proposed rule language by early summer 2014. OSHA Requests Comments on Exec. Order On Aug. 1, 2013, President Obama issued Executive Order 13650 - Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. On Jan. 3, 2014, OSHA, as head agency for Section 6(a) of the Executive Order, issued a detailed report and requested comments on improvements to modernize policy, regulation, and standards to enhance the safety and security of chemical facilities. This OSHA report and request for comment is in addition to OSHA’s previous notice and request for comment regarding OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Program, which sets requirements for the management of highly hazardous substances to prevent and mitigate catastrophic releases of flammable, explosive, reactive, and toxic chemicals. Both OSHA notices (PSM and Executive Order Section 6) are important to the future of our ag-chemical industry - especially for retail facilities. As such, input from member companies is critical.
Seeking comments on new safety standard for NH3 application equipment The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) are working with the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to develop a new safety standard for anhydrous ammonia agricultural application equipment. The working group is reaching out to stakeholders for input on the standard. Your input is being requested on any items you feel are incorrect or missing from the draft document. The working group will review your comments and provide feedback. Visit www.ksagretailers.org to download the draft safety standard, the ASABE comment template, and general instructions on filing your comments. For questions on this new safety standard initiative, contact Travis Tsunemori with ASABE at (269)-932-7009. Please ensure your comments are submitted before February 28, 2014. Informative video for Kansas taxpayers The Kansas Department of Revenue and the Kansas Society of CPAs joined forces to create a video to help Kansas Taxpayers understand the new Kansas tax law that is effective for tax year 2013. The video can be found at www.kscpa.org. Nick Jordan, Secretary of Revenue, introduces Gary Allerheiligen, CPA and describes the purpose of the tax policy, which is economic growth. Staff holds pre-session meeting with AG KARA staff had an opportunity to meet with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt to discuss several legal issues facing our industry, including:
Kansas Supreme Court decision regarding the public nuisance suit against Farmway Coop., and potential future claims against our industry Fertilizer explosion in West Texas, and the national private industry response initiative: OSHA requests that comments on its PSM notice be ResponsibleAg submitted by March 10th and comments under Section AG staff review timelines of regulatory changes 6 by March 31st. Find more information and and updates helpful to our industry detailed instructions for submitting e-comments at Various member concerns www.ksagretailers.org.
6
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Winter 2014
INDUSTRY NEWS
“I would like to thank Dale for his dedication and the contributions he made as Secretary,” said Governor Brownback. “I am grateful for his service to Kansas and to my administration. Dale’s personal commitment to Kansas agriculture and extensive knowledge of agribusiness has helped grow our agricultural economy.”
(l-r) KARA President & CEO Tom Tunnell, KARA General Counsel Randy Stookey, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Kansas Cooperative Council President & CEO Leslie Kaufman, and KARA Senior VP Ron Seeber.
Under Rodman’s leadership and at the request of Gov. Brownback, the agency has worked diligently to raise awareness of agriculture across the state. “We had become an agency relegated to fulfilling our regulatory responsibility,” Rodman said. “We are now more customer service driven and work hard to serve the needs of farm and ranch families.”
“It has been my honor to be given the opportunity to do this job the past three years. This was never about me, but my focus has been on doing what is right and New Secretary of Agriculture appointed Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced Jackie best for Kansas agriculture.” McClaskey as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, succeeding Dale Rodman, who stepped Governor issues a call to action for a down from the position Dec. 10, 2013. 50-year vision for Kansas water Governor Sam Brownback issued a call to action in McClaskey, Manhattan, grew up on a small, October to address the need for a 50-year vision for diversified family farm in Girard, Kan. She has been Kansas water that meets the state’s needs now and in with the Department of Agriculture since 2011. She the future. first served as an assistant secretary before being named Deputy Secretary in July of 2013. Before “We have been reminded of the importance of water joining the Department of Agriculture served as with another year of extreme drought for our state, Assistant Dean of the Kansas State University, which is now beginning to ease in eastern Kansas, but College of Agriculture. continues to persist in the west,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “Water and the Kansas economy are “Jackie has been a wonderful asset for the Kansas directly linked. Water is a finite resource and without Department of Agriculture,” Brownback said. “Her further planning and action we will no longer be able extensive broad-based experience, along with her to meet our state’s current needs, let alone growth.” hard work ethic makes me confident she will do an outstanding job.” Governor Brownback articulated the need for a future vision for Kansas water management and Rodman, a native Kansan, has an extensive issued a call to action for that work to begin background in agribusiness and agriculture immediately. He charged his administration, including development. In January 2011, Governor Brownback the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of appointed him as Secretary of Agriculture. In May Agriculture, and Kansas Water Authority, along with 2012, he was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Board of Directors of the Kansas Bioscience and Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, to lead the vision Authority. In July 2013, he was elected Chair of the and called upon his Council of Economic Advisors to KBA Board of Directors, a position in which he will engage in the planning since water and the economy continue to serve. are closely linked.
Winter 2014
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
7
MEMBER CORNER
“We are at a pivotal moment in our state. We can talk these issues to death, but without vision we won’t be able to address these priorities,” said Governor Brownback. “Ensuring each citizen has a reliable water supply includes addressing both the groundwater decline in the Ogallala Aquifer as well as securing, protecting and restoring our reservoir storage.” The Vision will take the Kansas Water Plan to a new level with more intense work and cooperation with communities, affected industries and citizens throughout the state to develop this vision to ensure a reliable water supply for Kansas citizens. Governor Brownback directed the groups to deliver the 50-Year Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas to the Governor’s office for review no later than Nov. 1, 2014. Trade Talk If you have a short business announcement you’d like included in the newsletter, email shahira@kansasag.org. Ryan
McCoy was named the new President/General Manager of CoMark, Inc. in Cheney, effective November 8, 2013.
KARA welcomes new members 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 to KARA: Ag Associates, Hutchinson, KS Crop Profits Inc., Garden City, KS Landmark Implement Inc., Arapohoe, NE Wagner Welding, Easton, KS Online advertising opportunity Each month, hundreds of people visit KARA’s website for access to industry news, resources and association events. 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. If you are already advertising in KARA’s membership directory, you are also eligible to receive a 20% discount. Visit www.ksagretailers.org to learn more. 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. 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.
8
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Winter 2014
KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION Scholarships for School Year 2014-2015 KARA will award the following scholarships on the basis of merit:
1 - $500 Jim Lee Memorial Agribusiness/Agronomy Scholarship 3 - $1,000 Agribusiness/Agronomy Scholarships Eligibility Kansas high school graduating senior or current undergraduate student enrolled in a Kansas 4-year university, community college or votech school Planning to or currently majoring in: agronomy, crop science, ag engineering, professional ag-chemical application or a related field Self-starters, excellent academic standing, good school and community citizens, and strong desire to continue their education 1 - $1,000 Dr. David Whitney Agronomy Scholarship Eligibility Any undergraduate student majoring in agronomy at Kansas State University who will be enrolled as a junior or senior in the 2014-2015 school year.
Applications can be downloaded at www.ksagretailers.org. Applications due March 7, 2014 Absolutely no applications will be reviewed that are received after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7 and that do not have ALL accompanying materials.
For more information, contact: Shahira Stafford Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (785) 234-0463 shahira@kansasag.org
Winter 2014
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
9
2014 KARA SPONSORS
Underwriter ($15,000+) KFSA Founder ($7,000) BASF Helena Chemical Co. Patrons ($3,000) Bayer CropScience CHS Inc. CoBank ACB Coffeyville Resources Crop Production Services Heartland Ag, Inc. Lang Diesel Inc. Monsanto SFP Syngenta United Suppliers Wilbur-Ellis Co. Builders ($1,500) Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. DuPont Crop Protection FMC
10
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Winter 2014
Sponsorship Program 2014
Growing the Pledge Frontier Ag Inc. J.B. Pearl Sales Mid-Kansas Coop Assn. Morrill Elevator Inc. Rosen's Inc. Winfield Solutions LLC Donors ($500) AGChoice The Farmers Coop Elevator, Nickerson Farmers Coop Conway Springs Farmway Coop Inc. Heartland Tank Services Inc. Kansas Coop Council Kugler Company Nachurs Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. Palmer Grain Inc. Powercat Seed Treating, LLC Purple Wave Auction Riggins R-Co. LLC. Skyland Grain LLC
Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership? For details on the following benefits, please visit www.ksagretailers.org or call (785) 234-0463. Thanks to KARA’s Underwriting Sponsor, comprehensive hospital and medical, group life, dental, salary continuation, accidental death and property/casualty programs are offered through KFSA at a rate which is considerably less than could be enjoyed by an individual firm. 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. Spectrio On Hold Messaging 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.
Winter 2014
Chairman Mike Shirley SFP, Oakley Vice Chairman Kevin Brady Lang Diesel Inc., Benton Second Vice Chairman Clark Pearson Miller Elevator Inc., Reading Immediate Past Chairman Doug Wright Mid-Kansas Coop, Moundridge Directors Scott Anderson KFSA, Hutchinson Brian Bucl Crop Production Services, Wichita Bill Conrey Koch Fertilizer Co., Wichita Troy Coon Gavilon, Nickerson Roger Cunningham Beachner Grain, Parsons Kevin Dieckmann United Suppliers, Olathe Jon Ingebretson CHS, Overland Park 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, Girard Johnny Schaben Golden Valley Coop, Rozel Larry Shivers SFP, Salina Andy Smarsh Helena Chemical, Garden City Tim Stoehr Wilbur Ellis, Kansas City Steve Taylor Fairbank Equipment Inc., Wichita Kevin Tomka Dow AgroSciences, Overland Park 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.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! NH3 Safety Workshops February 11-13, Topeka, Parsons, Wichita l March 11-13, Salina, Garden City, Colby KARA/KSU Field Days
July 8-9 & 10-11, Manhattan
Kansas Applicator Institute August 6-7, Hutchinson
Annual Meeting
August 18-19, Manhattan
Kansas Agri Business Expo November 19-20, Wichita
1A Recertification Training November 20, Overland Park
12
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Winter 2014