Kansas Grain and Feed Report Fall 2017

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Fall 2017 Kansas Grain and Feed Association 816 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 234-0461 ksgrainandfeed.org ASSOCIATION STAFF Tom Tunnell President & CEO Ron Seeber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Staci Storey Vice President Chief Financial Officer Randy Stookey Vice President General Counsel 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 Glen Hofbauer Chairman Jeremy Girard Vice Chairman Bob Tempel 2nd Vice Chairman Pete Goetzmann Immediate Past Chairman Gary Beachner Deb Clark Brad Cowan Brent Emch Andrew Fullerton James Jirak Ryan McCoy Jerry Murphy Mark Paul Russ Ronnebaum John Van Meter Clark Wenger

CONTENTS

3 4 6 8 10

President’s Letter 38 Years Later Kansas Agri Business Expo Shooting for Success Legislative Update Building Lasting Relationships Industry News Keep Tabs on What Affects You

11 12 14 15

Restoring Hope The Aftermath of the Starbuck Fire Mark Your Calendars Events You Don’t Want to Miss Safety Tips and Reminders

Education Outreach Planting Roots for the Future

6 12

KGFA Staff Addition New Director of Communications Joins KGFA

Legislative Update Building Lasting Relationships

Restoring Hope The Aftermath of the Starbuck Fire

The Kansas Grain and Feed Report is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. Mail contributions to KGFA, Attention: Trae Green, 816 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612. The KGFA team welcomes your comments, contributions and suggestions. Annual subscriptions for members can be purchased for $25. © 2017 KGFA. View each newsletter online at ksgrainandfeed.org/printnewsletters.


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

PRESIDENT’S LETTER As I begin my 38th — and final year — as CEO of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, I can’t help but reflect on all of the people I have interacted with over the years. Whether it be board or committee members, or the many hundreds of association members I have met and worked with along the way, one constant stands out. All were, and are, genuinely good folks. I have also had the opportunity Tom Tunnell to rub elbows with a number of President & CEO Governors, Senators, Congressmen and State Legislators/officials in the course of doing my job. These people as well, for the most part, were nice. I think the common thread is everyone was involved in agriculture in some way. There is a “do the right thing” mentality that runs through Kansas agricultural people. It’s hard to explain, but it’s there. Sure, I ran into some who were a bit cantankerous, but usually in the end, we could at least “agree to disagree.” As some of you may have heard, Michele and I plan to move to Florida in 2018 after we both retire and I sure hope Floridians are as nice as Kansans. Since I’m in the looking back mood, the changes in our industry since I started with KGFA in 1980, especially in technology utilization, are amazing. I’m told it’s conceivable that a 100-plus railcar train loading facility can be built today that can be operated with a

smartphone! Also, all the grade certificates for each railcar are made available on the Kansas Grain Inspection, Inc.’s website, allowing a 400,000 bushel lot of grain to be traded totally paperless! Our whole grain handling system today is so much more efficient that fewer people are needed to make the wheels turn. These efficiencies are clearly one of the reasons why our industry has experienced tremendous consolidation in terms of mergers and acquisitions. When I started, there were 560-plus Kansas grain companies that owned more than 900 elevators. Today, there are less than 120 Kansas grain companies and they operate nearly 1,000 facilities. It has been a struggle to keep KGFA properly positioned in this changing environment and for it to remain relevant. So far, I’m proud to say we have been able to do this, but who knows what lies ahead? Currently, your Board of Directors is in the process of hiring my replacement. Once that person is known, I look forward to handing the reins over to what, in my opinion, is the best state grain and feed association in the nation! Please help him or her feel welcome when the announcement is made. Thanks for a wonderful career!

Tom Tunnell

38

YEARS RIGHT: Tom and Michele Tunnell at KGFA’s 100th Annual Meeting in 1996 (hence the mustache). Tom is retiring in 2018 after 38 years as the CEO of KGFA.

Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

SHOOTING FOR

SUCCESS A jointly-sponsored trade show of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

SHOOT FOR SUCCESS Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Thursday, Nov. 16 Be sure to play the attendee/ exhibitor game at the Expo. This year’s theme is “Shooting for Success” so the grand prize is a $500 Cabela’s gift card each day.

CHAIRMEN’S RECEPTION

MOBILE APP

Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 6 - 8 p.m. Kansas Grain and Feed Association Chairman, Glen Hofbauer and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Chairman, Clark Pearson, cordially invite you to the annual Chairmen’s Reception. This is the No. 1 event at the Expo to sit down with fellow general managers or existing and potential customers in a casual setting with great food and lots of fun.

Download the mobile guidebook for the Kansas Agri Business Expo for a complete event schedule, trade show map, exhibitor directory and much more. To get the guide, choose ONE of the methods below.

This year during the Chairmen’s Reception, we will be honoring Tom Tunnell as he retires after 38 years of service to KGFA, KARA and Renew Kansas.

2. From the Guidebook app, tap “Download Guides” then “Redeem Code.” Enter the code “kabe2017” and the guide will download to your device!

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Grain and Feed Report

1. Download “Guidebook” from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, scan the QR Code image with your mobile phone (QR Code reader required, “Red Laser” recommended)


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

SPEAKERS AND ENTERTAINMENT MAMA LOU: AMERICAN STRONG WOMAN Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 2:45 p.m. Mama Lou has conquered hearts and phone books in both hemispheres. She has performed all over North America, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and in 2008 was honored to perform for President Josefa Ilolio of Fiji. When Mama Lou is not performing, she is hard at work developing world records to smash and “impossible” feats of strength to keep her audience on the edge of their seat. Mama Lou knows it is imperative to push yourself to achieve the unimaginable. After all, not everyone can rip telephone books in two, make applesauce with their biceps and break chopsticks in half with their butt muscles. But, Mama Lou knows that anyone can because if you believe in yourself, you can do ANYTHING!

95,000 SQUARE FEET

KRIS “TANTO” PARONTO Thursday, Nov. 16 | 8:30 a.m. Kris Paronto – “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles – is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world. Mr. Paronto was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Mr. Paronto’s story is told in the book “13 Hours” written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members.

1,100 ATTENDEES

C. WILLI MYLES Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6:30 p.m. C. Willi Myles was born and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He attended St. Cloud University where he majored in Theater and later became an assistant coach for both the football and basketball programs. After a brief professional career coaching and traveling around the country, Willi caught the comedy bug. He began his stand-up career when a friend asked him to host the opening of a comedy club. Within two years he was spotted by the owner of a record label, was offered a deal to open for major concerts throughout the Midwest, and has been performing professionally for over a decade. Willi has performed in 49 states and 3 countries, and a couple of performances that he considers to be his career highlights are performing at the Legendary Apollo in New York, and the Surf Ballroom in Iowa.

141 EXHIBITORS

SAVE THE

DATE KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO November 15-16, 2017 | Wichita Register online at ksabe.org

Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE No Ties Tours and Congressional Visits Reach Across the State Hutchinson

Kansas Grain and Feed Association members were pleased to share their stories with members of the Kansas Congressional delegation during many of our member visits. It is important that our elected officials see firsthand the challenges facing our industry and reflect that knowledge as they craft public policy.

Hutchinson with Congressman Kevin Yoder Association staff Ron Seeber and others toured Congressman Kevin Yoder through Elevator J in Hutchinson.

LaCrosse

Great Bend

No Ties Tours

Bartlett Grain Co.

Midland Marketing Cooperative

(L-R): Randy Stookey, Kari Lankerd, Andrew Fullerton, Brooks Hanson, Sam Tenpenny

“

We were pleased to meet Congressman Estes at our Haviland location, give him a tour, and share with him many of the federal concerns facing the industry. Good representation in D.C., starts at home and we were pleased to share our story.

Stan Stark CEO Alliance Ag and Grain, LLC 6

Grain and Feed Report

�

Haviland

(L-R): Sam Tenpenny, Scott Irvin, John Van Meter

Haviland with Congressman Ron Estes KGFA staff and Stan Stark, Alliance Ag and Grain, LLC, meet with Congressman Ron Estes at the Haviland location.


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

Ron Estes Fundraiser On Sept. 21 Kansas Grain and Feed Association held a lunch-hour fundraiser for Congressman Ron Estes. Estes serves Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Estes is on the Education and Workforce Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. Estes spoke to association staff and others about key issues being debated in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Ron Estes spoke to attendees over lunch in the KGFA Board Room on Sept. 21

Stockton

Westphalia

No Ties Tours

Farmers Union Mercantile & Shipping Association Sam Tenpenny & Deb Miller

Leroy Coop with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins KGFA staff visited Leroy Coop with Congresswoman Jenkins, KCC staff and others

Sen. Jerry Moran’s 12th Annual Conservation Tour In late September, Senator Jerry Moran held his annual conservation tour in Riley, Wabaunsee, Geary and Pottawatomie counties. Sen. Moran met with farmers, ranchers and representatives of our state’s agricultural and natural resource associations. This conservation tour provided an opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation efforts across the state, including water and soil conservation, grassland prairie preservation and river sustainability. The tour highlighted USDA conservation programs, such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Participants also observed the future impact of the Sustainable Rivers program to improve reservoir management. Participants in the tour realized that the future of Kansas agriculture is bright with many innovative and great leaders in our ag industry.

Meeting with Senator Moran (L-R): Randy Stookey, Kansas Grain and Feed Association; Stacy Mayo, Kansas Corn; Sen. Jerry Moran; Dennis Hupe, Kansas Soybean Association Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

INDUSTRY NEWS Possible Corn Drying and Aeration Issues According to Larry Harris, the owner of Midwest Ag Systems, there is a potential issue in this year’s corn crop from a dust-like substance, possibly from mold. Below is a list of the potential problems we are seeing this dust cause: »» In a portable dryer: The grain

columns will stop flowing and the grain will overheat. If the grain temperature is not monitored by the dryer control system, or if the grain temperature sensor has been bypassed, the grain in the dryer can combust. If the grain stops flowing through the dryer, then the dryer will need to be emptied, made sure the screens are clean and started again. »» In a top dry: The grain will stop flowing and it will need to be emptied, made sure the screens are clean and started again. »»

»» In both the portable dryer and top

dry, if using LP: If a large area of grain is choked up, air will not pass through those areas well. Static pressures will increase and overheat the vaporizers. »» In a drying bin without a stirring machine: It is possible that the airflow can become so restricted, from the air not being able to pass through, that the grain will spoil while in the drying process. »» In a drying bin with a stirring machine: If augers do not go close enough to the wall, grain next to the wall will possibly seal over and spoil from lack of aeration. »» In a storage bin: Air will not be able to pass through the grain well and bridging could easily occur. I have seen this grain scooped into a pile and not flow as it normally would. If you put

this grain in a storage bin from your dryer, I would recommend complete cooling before putting it in long-term storage. After the grain has been placed in storage, run your aeration fans and monitor your bins excessively. When this grain is removed from the bins, do not enter the bin because the probability of grain entrapment will be very high. The dust in the corn is acting like a bonding agent and gluing it together. I would recommend coring the bin every three to six feet in the filling process. Pull out 200-300 bushels, depending on bin size. »» For worker safety, any time you are dealing with this grain, wear a dust mask rated for mold. Wear the mask whether you are unloading grain, operating the dryer, leveling the bin or unloading the bin. Source: Asmark Institute

For Worker Safety

“Any time you are dealing with this grain, wear a dust mask rated for mold. Wear the mask whether your are unloading grain, operating the dryer, leveling the bin or unloading the bin.”

Senators Question DOT Sleep Apnea Rule Withdrawal Four U.S. Senators penned a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao challenging an agency decision to withdraw a proposed rule to stiffen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requirements for commercial drivers and rail workers. DOT withdrew a joint rulemaking entitled “Evaluation of Safety Sensitive Personnel for Moderateto-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea” on

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Grain and Feed Report

August 8, 2017. In the letter, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) requested the data used by DOT to make the decision to withdraw the proposed rule, along with its plan to identify and treat rail operators and commercial drivers suffering from OSA. The senators “…strongly believe that DOT should immediately reconsider

the decision in order to help avoid future fatigue-related tragedies.” The Senators noted that OSA has been the probable cause in a number of rail and highway accidents. Source: Asmark Institute


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

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 (172.6 statue mile) agricultural commodity exemption to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations in 49 CFR Part 395. The new FMCSA guidance includes unladen (empty) miles to the exemption, 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 airmile radius from the distribution point; or »» Farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale distribution point of the farm supplies to a retail distribu-

Top Commercial Vehicle Violation

26.9% BRAKE SYSTEMS

tion point of the farm supplies within a 150 air-mile radius from the wholesale distribution point. The federal regulation defines “farm supplies for agricultural purposes” as products directly related to the growing or harvesting of agricultural commodities during the planting and harvesting seasons within each state, as determined by the state, and livestock feed (including ag commodities and distillers grains) at any time of the year. For purposes of the hours-ofservice exemption, Kansas Corporation Commission regulation K.A.R. 82-4-3a(k) (2) defines the “planting and harvesting seasons” in Kansas as January 1 through December 31 of each year.

Top Driver Violation

32.3% HOURS OF SERVICE

Top Hazmat Violation

40.4%

LOADING & SECUREMENT

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Annual Enforcement Campaign During Roadcheck 2017, a 72-hour inspection campaign held June 6-8, 2017 by inspectors with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, 23% of commercial motor vehicles and 4.2% of drivers were placed out of service. More than 62,000 roadside inspections were performed in Canada and the United States. »» Top Three Commercial Vehicle Violations:

1. Brake systems — 26.9% 2. Cargo securement — 15.7% 3. Tires/wheels — 15.1% *Brake system violations accounted for 41.4% of all out-ofservice vehicle violations.

»» Top Three Driver Violations:

1. 2. 3.

Hours of service — 32.3% Wrong class license — 14.9% False log book — 11.3%

»» Top Three Hazmat Violations: 12.8% placed out of service

for vehicle-related violations and 1.9% for driver-related violations. 1. Loading and securement — 40.4% 2. Shipping papers — 22.7% 3. Placarding — 20.8% Source: Asmark Institute

Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

EDUCATION OUTREACH 2017 Kansas State Fair Wheat Variety Plot Display The 2017 Kansas 4-H wheat plot variety display winners were announced in the Showcase Building during the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Participants plant and raise five varieties of wheat, and then create an educational display to showcase their wheat production and accomplishments. Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Wheat, Kansas Crop Improvements Association, and the State 4-H Leader Program are proud to sponsor these prestigious awards.

1 st

Place

DEXTER & MADDIX SMALL Wildcat District Independence

2

nd

Place

3 4 5

CALEB NORD Pawnee County

rd

Place

Tom Tunnell and Ron Seeber presented the third place award to Jacob Bell.

JACOB BELL Stevens County

th

Place

Tom Tunnell and Ron Seeber presented the fourth place award to Luke Ryan.

LUKE RYAN Dickinson County

th

Place

Tom Tunnell and Ron Seeber presented the fifth place award to Colton Haresnape.

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Grain and Feed Report

COLTON HARESNAPE Post Rock District - Smith Center


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

MEMBERSHIP NEWS Update Your Membership Profile Did you move or take a new job? Have a new phone number or email address? KGFA wants to know, and we’ve made it easier than ever to update your membership profile! Visit www. ksgrainandfeed.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!

Welcome New Members Thanks to the reputation of our membership and industry, KGFA continues to grow and provide useful products and services for grain handlers. Please welcome Comptus (Thornton, NH), National Sorghum Producers (Granada, CO), Pickens Restoration (York, NE), Stinson Leonard Street LLP (Bel Aire, KS) and Warrior Mfg. LLC (Hesston, KS).

COMPTUS

Thornton, New Hampshire

NATIONAL SORGHUM PRODUCERS Granada, Colorado

PICKENS RESTORATION York, Nebraska

STINSON LEONARD STREET LLP Bel Aire, Kansas

WARRIOR Mfg. LLC Hesston, Kansas

NEW STAFF MEMBER Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA) announced the hiring of Trae Green as its director of communications and marketing effective Sept. 18, 2017.

Trae Green Director of Comms.& Mktg.

“I am pleased to have found someone with Trae’s experience and educational background to add to and complement the Association’s professional staff,” KGFA president & CEO Tom Tunnell said. “Communications and marketing responsibilities are critical in serving our membership and I know Trae’s skills will serve us well.” Green will oversee the maintenance and production of Association websites, print and digital promotional materials, social media, annual reports and online advertising, while also administering the Scholarship Program.

“I am incredibly excited to begin this chapter in my career,” Green said. “The opportunity to work in Kansas, while showing and telling the rural-life stories of people in my home state is something I have always dreamed about.” Green arrives at KGFA after completing a summer-stint as the communications intern at Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., where he assisted in all facets of communications and branding regarding KEC and its member cooperatives. A 2017 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Green spent three years as Kansas football’s third communications contact, fielding media inquiries and playing a large role in the publicity and branding initiatives of the team.

Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

RESTORING

HOPE

By: Trae Green Photos courtesy of Janell Smit

A Community Recovers after Devastating Wildfire

Janell Smit, secretary and treasurer of Ashland Feed & Seed, vividly remembers the phone conversation with her father, Neil Kay, on March 6, 2017. News reports were grim leading up to that conversation – the wind was set to blow over 50 miles per hour, humidity would be low and over 500,000 acres of rolling prairie in Clark and Comanche Counties were prime to burn.

Many farmers and ranchers anticipating the fire’s arrival went out to tend to their cattle and herd them off of what would soon be charred grounds. Nobody could have foreseen how quickly the fire would roll through the countryside, and before there were any options of escaping, people and livestock were surrounded by smoke and flames.

The Starbuck Wildfire, as it would later be named, began in Beaver County, Oklahoma and fueled by the pristine conditions, quickly set a course north into Ashland, Kansas. Kay had gone out to monitor the whereabouts of the blaze and called to alert Smit it was time to evacuate their family-owned, 47-employee company.

Split-second, miraculous, decisions like taking cover in a stock tank, finding shelter in a hayshed or seeking protection in a wheat field saved many lives throughout the day.

“I just remember how fast it got dark,” Smit said. “It went from daylight to darkness in the snap of a finger – the whole town was filled with thick, black smoke.” Smit heeded her father’s warning and raced to Ashland’s elementary school to get her children and escape. The family found refuge for the night in the nearby town of Coldwater. Numerous others in and around Ashland were forced to improvise their survival. 12

Grain and Feed Report

That night, Smit remembers looking out over the fire at an adjacent lake in Coldwater. Even though the danger was miles away – relentlessly rolling over people’s homes and land – the flames felt closer than ever before. “When we went and looked at it by the lake, the fire looked like it was only a mile away,” Smit said. “It was so big, it looked like it was closer to us than 15 miles.” With little left in front of it to burn – and nothing, but black soot in its wake – the fire passed on the next day and the community of Ashland returned to what was left of their homes and lives.


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

The damage didn’t really need to be assessed. Everyone knew what turned out to be the largest wildfire in Kansas history, was devastating.

“Thank you isn’t even appropriate,” Smit said. “Thank you just isn’t even enough to display how much we appreciate the acts of kindness people showed.” More than seven months removed from the blaze, the signs are still present of what occurred on that March day. The grass has glimmers of green in it, but underneath, near the soil, sandylooking residue remains. The highway is seared, and people’s memories are still impacted by what took place during and after the disaster.

“I can’t even explain the feeling of coming back the next day,” Smit said. “The fire completely changed the look of everything we had known.” Truckloads of hay were delivered from as far away as Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota.

With so many acres instantly rendered useless, and over three weeks of unbearable dust and ash mercilessly blowing in the wind, Smit knew Ashland Feed & Seed had to find a way to help its customers feed their livestock. “We love and care for each one of our customers dearly,” Smit said. “I posted on Facebook asking for hay donations in Clark County, but I couldn’t have imagined how much we would actually receive.” The outpouring of support was overwhelming. Smit estimates over 800 truckloads of hay everywhere from neighboring states, all the way to Michigan and Ohio convoyed and converged on Ashland. When it wasn’t hay, people donated bags of feed and milk replacer. So many supplies arrived, Smit, her father and brother struggled finding a place to house all of it.

Prior to the fire, it was hard to fathom what kind of sheer devastation would ensue, but for Smit and the community, it is almost as shocking what people across the country banded together to accomplish in the aftermath. So, as fires raged on in North Dakota and Montana, the people of Ashland know the feeling of helplessness all too well, and were still searching for a way to say thank you for all of the support they received. “We were touched so much by all of the support, we wanted to pay it forward,” Smit said. “We bought a load of hay from Lexington, Nebraska and delivered it in an Ashland Feed & Seed truck to a ranch in North Dakota. The whole community pitched in and paid for fuel and made it possible for us to do so.” Currently, fires are torching areas in Montana, California and the Pacific Northwest and Smit said plans are in place to send more hay to areas of need, as an appropriate thank you to all who helped them move forward on their darkest day. “It meant so much to get a little bit of hope,” Smit said. “So, we, as a community, want to give them a little bit of hope too.”

you isn’t even “Thank appropriate. ” -- Janell Smit

Ashland Feed & Seed collected the truckloads of hay and dispersed it to those in need. Fall 2017

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KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Recertification Recertification training will be offered for anyone certified in categories 7B/4 and 1A during the 2017 Kansas Agri Business Expo at the Hyatt Century II Convention Center in Wichita. The 7B/4 - Fumigation and Seed Treatment program will take place on Wednesday, November 15th, and the 1A - Ag Plant/Application program will occur on Thursday, November 16th. These programs will provide all required hours for recertification. The 1A program on Thursday will also be submitted for CCA CEU credits.

Grain Handlers Workshop

Make plans to join KGFA on December 6th at the KSU Research Center in Hays for our annual Grain Handlers Workshop! This program will take a unique look at the challenges grain handlers and elevator operators faced during the 2017 harvest. This course will be approved as a full 7B recertification program.

Nov. 15-16 RECERTIFICATION

Dec. 6 GRAIN HANDLERS WORKSHOP

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 the state and federal legislative and regulatory process and how to be a better leader within the industry.

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. 16-17 TAL

Jan. 17 LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY

Grain Grading Schools KGFA and Kansas Grain Inspection Service will be offering valuable information to elevator operators, producers, brokers and grain buyers about grades and how to use grain standards in marketing during our 2018 Grain Grading Schools to be held February 20-22nd (Topeka, Parsons, Wichita) and March 6-8th (Colby, Dodge City, Salina). Hands-on training will be given to recognize various types of kernel damage and samples will be graded to assist in practical, cost effective procedures for grain inspection. Register online at www.ksgrainandfeed.org/events today!

Elevator Safety and Maintenance Workshop Employee safety and grain condition are directly correlated to a well-maintained elevator. This day-long training offers practical lessons in elevator maintenance. Attend to learn everything from the basics to new technologies. 14

Grain and Feed Report

Feb. 20 - March 8 GRAIN GRADING SCHOOLS

May 1-3 ELEVATOR SAFETY


SERVING THE GRAIN HANDLING INDUSTRY IN KANSAS SINCE 1896

KEEPING YOU SAFE Courtesy of National Grain and Feed Association

BEFORE

Train employees and supervisors in the following roles and responsibilities: Entry Supervisor; Attendant; and Entrant. Incidents potentially can occur when a worker stands next to or underneath bridged or cliffed grain inside of a grain bin. Therefore, as the fall harvest draws near, here are a few suggestions to prepare for a proper bin entry, if one is absolutely necessary, so as to prevent incidents such as entrapments from occurring. If it is

necessary to have employees enter a bin, silo or tank, commercial facilities are to follow the applicable practices, including the issuing of a bin entry permit, found in OSHA’s grain handling facilities standard [29 CFR 1910.272(g)], which took effect in 1988, to help minimize the risk. Once it has been determined that a certain task must be completed inside the bin, then the facility can begin the pre-task planning and permitting process.

Illustration courtesy of United States Department of Labor

REMEMBER • Every effort should be taken to avoid entry, if possible.

• Test the bin’s atmosphere before entry.

• Turn off and lock out all potentially hazardous energy sources.

• The attendant must remain by the entrance during the entry process.

• Never walk on or walk “down” grain to make it flow.

• Ensure that rescue equipment is serviceable and available.

• Never enter on or below bridged grain or hung up grain.

• Follow the permit and all other safety precautions.

DURING

Have the following roles:

Entry Supervisor

Attendant

Entrant

Leads the process for the entire duration of the entry. Responsibilities: »» Inspects the space to be entered; looks for bridged grain, grain beyond the natural angle of repose, hung up grain and anything else potentially threatening; »» Ensures the air monitor is calibrated, bump tested, and the space is safe for human occupancy; »» Leads the bin entry team through a lock out, tag out and verification process for all equipment that poses a risk of entanglement or engulfment to the entrant; and »» Follows compliance criteria in the permit process, issues it to the approving authority.

Stays in direct communication with the entrant, has access to additional assistance through the entire duration of the entry. Responsibilities: »» Monitors the space and outside factors for any changes that could pose a hazard to the entrant and terminates the entry if unexpected hazards or abnormal conditions arise; »» Controls entry into the space to authorized entrants only; and »» Stays in direct communication with the entrant, if possible within eye site.

Works inside the space and communicates with the attendant. Responsibilities: »» Conducts the work needed inside the space; »» Communicates with the attendant as often as necessary; »» Wears appropriate harness and lifeline when entering bins containing grain or other commodities; »» Maintains control and use of air monitor and other tools; and »» Stays alert for changing conditions inside the space that could pose a hazard and immediately exits the space if necessary. Fall 2017

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

Kansas Grain and Feed Association | Fall 2017 Editors Tom Tunnell Ron Seeber Staci Storey Randy Stookey Shari Bennett Samantha Tenpenny Mitzi Dodds Trae Green Devon Stewart

Photography & Illustrations Cover Photo iStock.com/DarcyMaulsby Grain Engulfment United States Department of Labor Restoring Hope Janell Smit

Remember »» Donate to the Scholarship Auction

»» Attend the Expo »» Stay up-to-date at ksgrainandfeed.org »» Consider becoming a sponsor »» Get recertified with our many courses »» Submit material for our next newsletter

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