SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE
The Kansas
Fall 2013
AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
The official publication of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Kansas Agri Business Expo “Champions of Agribusiness”
Featuring...
Gregg Marshall, WSU Shocker’s Head Basketball Coach Nick Jordan, Kansas Secretary of Revenue Paul Derig, J.R. Simplot Company Sarah Bittleman, Environmental Protection Agency
Fall 2013
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
K S A G R E T A I L E R S . O R G
CONTENTS 2013 Kansas Agri Business Expo “Champions of Agribusiness”...3 The Expo has gone mobile...3 One-day recertification training offered at the Expo...3 Register for CEU Bonus Session...4
President & CEO Tom R. Tunnell Senior VP, Government Affairs Ron Seeber
Kansas Applicator Institute a success...4
Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Jensen
Field Day draws a crowd...4 Support agricultural education through the Scholarship Auction...5 Professor Emersion Program...5 Agribusiness industry gathers in Manhattan for Annual Meeting...6
Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey Vice President of Event Planning Shari Bennett VP of Member Services & External Operations Dana Minihan
No-Ties Tour...7 TAL class takes on Capitol Hill...7 New guidance on custom fertilizer blends retailer exemption...8
VP of Marketing & Communications Shahira Stafford
Fire Marshal finalizes explosive materials regulation with fertilizer exemption...8
Senior Director of Internal Operations Lisa Anschutz
Sponsorship Program…Be seen in 2014...9
Executive Assistant to the President Julie Stueve
KARA welcomes Dana Minihan to staff...9 Member Spotlight: Mark Wegner...10
The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.
Trade Talk...10 KARA welcomes new members...10 Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership?...11
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. © 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.
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KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO
2013 Kansas Agri Business Expo “Champions of Agribusiness” On November 20-21, hundreds of agribusiness professionals in the region will be gathering in Wichita to share the latest ideas, products and technology and learning to become better “champions of agribusiness.” See the enclosed form or visit www.ksabe.org to register. This year’s speaker line-up is guaranteed to not disappoint. Wichita State University Basketball Coach, Gregg Marshall, will share his fantastic story about their road to the Final Four; Kansas Secretary of Revenue Nick Jordan, will give unique insight into the Governor’s Tax Vision Policy for Kansas; Paul Derig, Environmental, Health and Safety Manager with J.R. Simplot, will talk about the industry’s response to the West, Texas fertilizer tragedy; and Sarah Bittleman, EPA Ag Advisor to Administrator Gina McCarthy, will address today’s agricultural input regulations. You don’t want to miss it!
Gregg Marshall
Nick Jordan
Paul Derig
Sarah Bittleman
The Expo has gone mobile The Kansas Agri Business Expo has gone mobile! The staff strongly encourages you to download the mobile guide to enhance your experience at the 2013 show. You'll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. Blackberry users can access the same information via the mobile site at guidebook.com. To get the guide, choose one of the methods below:
Download 'Guidebook' from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace Visit http://guidebook.com/getit from your phone's browser Scan the following image with your mobile phone (QR-Code reader required) The guide will be listed under the "download guides" section of the application.
One-day recertification training offered at the Expo Take advantage of the full 1A recertification training opportunity on November 21 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. The registration fee is $140/person/day. The recertification class covers a wide range of topics from Secondary Containment to Precision Technology. Individuals whose certification expires in December of 2013, 2014 or 2015 will be able to earn all hours needed to recertify. See the enclosed form or visit www.ksabe.org to register.
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TRAINING PROGRAMS
Register for CEU Bonus Session Join KARA for an end-of-the-year CEU Bonus program on December 4 in Wichita. Featured topics range from Crop Residue Management to Balanced Fertility for Kansas Crops. This program is for 7 CEU credit hours (SW - 2; CP - 2; NM - 2; PD - 1). The registration cost for members and CCA's is $100. See the enclosed form to register. Kansas Applicator Institute a success Over 200 individuals participated in the Kansas Applicator Institute in Hutchinson on August 7-8. Presentations included KSU and UNL professors, agronomists from DuPont and Helena Chemical, along with technology presentations from MapShots, AgJunction and Capstan. Exhibitors were able to enjoy an air conditioned building this year at the Fairgrounds. While much needed rain caused a halt to the driving part of the Ride and Drive, participants still enjoyed talking to the equipment dealers about their machines.
Congratulations to the winners of the Weed ID quiz contest: Kenny Tucker (middle), Sterling Heritage Farms in Sterling, took first place; Bryan Fishburn (right), Lone Pine Ag Service in Lecompton, took 2nd place; and Brett Skinner (left), Farmway in Beloit, took 3rd place.
A special thanks to the members that sponsored this excellent KARA program: KFSA, BASF, Helena Chemical Co., Crop Production Services, United Suppliers, Coffeyville Resources, Heartland Ag, Morrill Elevator Inc., Syngenta, Lang Diesel Inc., Dow AgroSciences, CHS Inc., SFP, CoBank ACB, Bayer CropScience, Monsanto. Field Day draws a crowd KSU Field Day brought 127 agronomy professionals to the North Agronomy Farm. Highlighted topics from this year’s program include: Insects, Diseases, Weed ID, Herbicide Efficacy, Mode of Action, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. A special thank you to Dorivar Ruiz Diaz for his partnership to make Field Day a successful event.
Attendees of the Kansas Applicator Institute at the Ride and Drive.
A big thank you to the Ride and Drive exhibitors: Brother’s Equipment, Fairbank Equipment, Heartland Ag Inc., John Deere, Lang Diesel Inc., Simpson Farm Enterprises. Exhibit booths: Ag Leader Technology, Agrilead, Brother's Equipment, CP Products Company Inc., DuPont, Farm-Stucky Becker Inc., Gypsoil, Helena Chemical Company, John Deere, Lang Diesel Inc., MapShots, Precision Laboratories, Record Harvest, Rosen's Inc., Simpson Farm Enterprises Inc., Sure Fire Ag and Terracon.
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Attendees at the KARA/KSU Field Day.
EDUCATION
Support agricultural education through the Scholarship Auction KARA’s Scholarship Auction at the Expo will be held on November 20 in Wichita. All proceeds from this auction directly benefit high school and college students in Kansas wanting to pursue an education in agricultural-related fields by providing much needed financial relief for deserving students and their families. 2013-2014 Winners Karly Frederick, Alden, Studying Agribusiness at KSU Morgan Halderson, Delphos, Studying Agronomy at KSU Samantha L’Ecuyer, Morrowville, Studying Agronomy at KSU Katrina Sudbeck, Seneca, Studying Agronomy at KSU Michael Welch, Haddam, Studying Agronomy at KSU
Karly Frederick
Morgan Halderson
Samantha L’Ecuyer
Katrina Sudbeck
Michael Welch
This auction is the only fundraiser for the scholarship program, and your donation will be a huge part of its success. Not only will your donation and company be published in the auction program, but several of the higher value items will also appear on Purple Wave's website weeks prior to the event. Because of donations from businesses like yours, we can continue to support agricultural education in Kansas and further our industry's future workforce. See the enclosed form or visit www.ksabe.org to donate. Professor Emersion Program Johnny Schaben (right), Golden Valley in Rozel, hosted KSU Professor Dr. Nathan Nelson as part of a practical emersion program sponsored by KARA and the KSU Department of Agronomy.
KARA Board Member, Johnny Schaben of Golden Valley Inc. in Rozel, hosted KSU Professor Dr. Nathan Nelson as part of a practical emersion program and joint effort between KARA and the Kansas State University Agronomy Department. In order to stay relevant and competent to train the future agronomists in Kansas, professors need to know what real world skills are needed on a daily basis.
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ANNUAL MEETING
Agribusiness industry gathers in Manhattan for Annual Meeting KARA enjoyed another successful Annual Meeting with 117 members gathered in Manhattan at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Conference Center on August 19-20. KARA was honored to have U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder as our keynote speaker during the Tuesday morning breakfast. Then, Dr. John Floros, Dean of the KSU College of Agriculture, and Andy Lavigne, President & CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, as our educational session presenters. Of course, it wasn’t all business. Monday night’s social dinner followed by bowling, as well as the Chairman’s Golf Outing on Tuesday afternoon all were opportunities for members and enjoy good food and fellowship.
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(l-r) Larry Sheridan, Jan Pruitt and James Jirak enjoy the Welcome Dinner and Reception.
Breakfast attendees listen to U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder speak about his new appointment to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Ag Appropriations.
KSU College of Agriculture Dean Dr. John Floros speaks to KARA members about their latest research activities.
(l-r) Immediate Past Chairman Doug Wright, U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder, Chairman Mike Shirley and Vice Chairman Kevin Brady after the Breakfast.
(l-r) Steve Peterson, Dale Leikam, Lawrence Baxa and Dave Wilcox during the CCA Recognition.
(l-r) Zac Fleming, Jon Shackelford, Gick Fleming and Aaron Dye at the Chairman’s Golf Outing.
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
Fall 2013
NO-TIES, TOMORROW’S AGRIBUSINESS LEADERS
No-Ties Tour KARA President Tom Tunnell, Senior VP Ron Seeber and General Counsel Randy Stookey spent several days on the road this summer visiting members and hearing predications on fall harvest and several other industry issues. Thanks to the members that opened their doors and welcomed KARA into their facilities.
Ag Services in Hillsboro: Jeff Mayfield and Randy Whisenhunt.
Pro-Ag Marketing in Kensington: James Jirak.
Baker Services in Atchison: Patti Brooks and Bob Chew.
Manhattan Coop in Manhattan: Doug Biswell and Darin Marti.
TAL class takes on Capitol Hill This summer, the 2013 TAL class traveled to Washington D.C. for Session II, where they gained invaluable experience and contacts that will allow them to grow professionally and add to their respective companies, associations, communities and the industry. In addition to touring several historical monuments and the capitol, the TAL class, along with KARA’s Immediate Past Chairman Doug Wright, met with our national associations and members of the Kansas Congressional delegation to lobby on issues vital to the success of Kansas agribusiness.
2013 TAL class members lobby in Washington during Session II.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
New guidance on custom fertilizer blends retailer exemption The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), requires facilities that store hazardous chemicals above certain threshold quantities to file annual inventories of chemicals. In Kansas, those inventory reports - referred to as SARA Tier II reports (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) are filed with the “Right to Know Program” coordinator at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
While KARA disagrees with EPA’s interpretation on this point under EPCRA, we want to ensure that our agribusiness members have the most current information. Frequently asked questions about the retailer exemption can be found on EPA’s website.
Fire Marshal finalizes explosive materials regulation with fertilizer exemption The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has released a final permanent administrative regulation (K.A.R. 22-4-5) on explosive materials. The final regulation was published in the October 3, 2013 The EPCRA exempts “fertilizers held for sale by a edition of the Kansas Register. The new regulations retailer to the ultimate consumer” from the definition adopt by reference, and in part, the 2013 edition of of a “hazardous chemical” and, therefore, from the the National Fire Prevention Association’s (NFPA) SARA Tier II filing requirements. Historically, Explosive Materials Code 495. KDHE has applied this “retailer exemption” to custom fertilizer blenders when fertilizer products In September, at an OSFM hearing, KARA staff filed were blended on a custom, per-customer basis, and joint comments (with the KCC) and appeared in the blender did not stock-pile those products. person to request clarification of potential duplicative or conflicting regulation of ammonium nitrate (AN) Earlier this year, however, EPA released guidance and other fertilizers. Crop protection and input that it would no longer allow states to apply the products handled by KARA members are currently retailer exemption to custom fertilizer blenders. After regulated by multiple state and federal agencies. EPA’s announcement, KARA staff reached out to These regulations, collectively, apply to the products the KDHE “Right to Know Program” coordinator, themselves and to the manner in which they are Marla Oestreich, for KDHE’s guidance on this issue. handled, stored, and transported. The addition of yet According to Oestreich, KDHE would review its another layer of regulation of the same products had internal policy after meeting with EPA. the potential to create duplicative or conflicting requirements on our members. KDHE contacted KARA again on August 13, following their meeting with EPA. According to The State Fire Marshal, Doug Jorgensen, and his staff KDHE, Kansas was the only state in Region 7 that gave consideration to our concerns and our still allowed custom fertilizer blenders to take recommended language for avoiding duplicative advantage of the retailer exemption. KDHE provided regulation over fertilizers and fertilizer materials KARA with its new guidance on how it would apply currently under the jurisdiction of the Kansas the retailer exemption, as follows: Department of Agriculture (KDA). We appreciate the State Fire Marshal’s efforts to insure that fertilizers EPA Region 7 directed KDHE to enforce and fertilizer materials, which might have otherwise EPA’s interpretation of the exemption been classified as “precursor chemicals” under the beginning in the 2014 reporting year. proposed regulation, will now be exempted from that Under EPA’s interpretation, the exemption classification. However, the language of the will only apply to finished, non-blended, regulation requires handlers of ammonium fertilizer products. nitrate to inform the state fire marshal, and local Facilities that blend are not exempt from Tier law enforcement, within 24 hours of discovering II reporting under the exemption. a theft of AN. If a facility blends, then they will be required to file annual SARA Tier II inventory reports The OFSM regulations do not change existing with KDHE for all hazardous chemicals held requirements for the handling of fertilizers and above the threshold quantities. materials imposed by other state or federal agencies.
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2014 SPONSORS
Sponsorship Program…Be seen in 2014 Because KARA values our partners and stakeholders, the annual sponsorship program is designed to provide the best value for KARA supporters. This program will enhance your company exposure and allow you to support a plethora of KARA programs.
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Sponsorship Program 2014
Growing the Pledge
See the enclosed brochure or visit www.ksagretailers.org for details. Please return the commitment form no later than December 1. Your commitment will support 2014 KARA activities, and you will not be billed until February. Thank you to the following companies that have committed thus far: Underwriter KFSA Founders BASF Helena Chemical Co. Patrons Bayer CropScience CoBank ACB Heartland Ag, Inc. SFP Syngenta Wilbur-Ellis Co. Builders Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. DuPont Crop Protection Frontier Ag Inc. Mid-Kansas Coop Assn. Morrill Elevator Inc. Rosen's Inc.
Donors AGChoice Farmers Coop Conway Springs 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 The Farmers Coop Elevator, Nickerson Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Bayer CropScience Danville Coop Assn. DuPont Crop Protection Harveyville Seed Co. Inc. KFSA Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. SFP Syngenta The Farmers Coop Elevator, Nickerson Wilbur-Ellis Co.
KARA welcomes Dana Minihan to staff Dana Minihan joined the KARA staff as Vice President of Member Services and External Operations effective September 3. Minihan oversees KARA’s training programs, membership recruitment and retention efforts, and the Kansas Certified Crop Adviser Program. Minihan spent 20 years in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Student Personnel Services. “Minihan has the ag background we were looking for in our new VP of Member Services, and we are confident she will utilize her knowledge and industry relations to thrive in this vital role in our associations,” KARA President & CEO Tom Tunnell, said. “We are thrilled to have Dana join our staff and welcome her to the KARA team.”
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MEMBER CORNER
Member Spotlight: Mark Wegner Beginning this year, the Agribusiness Update has been featuring a member in every issue. Let’s get to know each other better and share in each other’s industry successes. Thank you to Mark for answering the call; but beware, you may be next! Name: Mark Wegner Age: 38 Title: Fertilizer Marketing Manager Company: ADM Fertilizer in Overland Park, Kansas Been in business since: 1902 Company specializes in: ADM Fertilizer specializes in the wholesale trade and transportation of fertilizer. What services does your company provide: ADM Fertilizer sells most dry/liquid/Ammonia fertilizer products and can also provide logistics and storage in our warehouses. Something unique about your company: With the large scale of our entire company we can bring more value to our customers by utilizing ADM’s international arm, barge line, truck logistic opportunities and other trading opportunities. How did you get started in the agribusiness industry: While growing up, my dad owned a small corn/ soybean farm where I spent most of my weekends. In college I pursued a degree in Agricultural Business. How long have you been in agribusiness: 16 years Where do you consider your “hometown” or where you grew up: I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. What KARA services are the most valuable to you and your company: Ag Expo, Legislative Action Day, and the continuous updates on legislation that will affect the industry. Trade Talk If you have a short announcement you’d like included in the newsletter, email shahira@kansasag.org.
Brian Bucl, CPS in Wichita, was appointed to the KARA Board of Directors to fill out the unexpired term of Tommy Warner, who has moved to work for CPS in Australia. Mike Shirley, regional account manager for SFP in Leawood, was elected KARA’s new chairman during the annual meeting in Manhattan on August 20. KARA members elected Kevin Brady, area manager of Lang Diesel in Benton, as their vice chairman; and Clark Pearson, general manager of Miller Elevator in Reading, as their second vice chairman.
KARA welcomes new members Thanks to the reputation of our membership and industry, KARA continues to grow and provide useful services for agribusinesses. Please welcome these companies to KARA: Agro-Cultural Liquid Fertilizer, St. Francis, KS Novozymes BioAg, Garden Plain, KS Precision Edge, Overland Park, KS ProPartners Financial, Shawnee, KS Terracon Consultants, Wichita, KS W Design Associates, North Platte, NE
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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 forbeing 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.
Fall 2013
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
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Champions
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