The Kansas
Summer 2011
AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
The official publication of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Agribusiness Interests Protected at Kansas Statehouse Mark Your Calendars for KARA’s Summer Events Field Days Professional Applicator Training Environmental Stewardship Day Annual Meeting
Summer 2011
THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE
K S A G R E T A I L E R S . O R G
CONTENTS President’s Message...3 Agribusiness interests protected at Kansas Statehouse...4-5 Legislators gather at KARA office for final Tuesday Night Reception...6 KARA hosts luncheon for Huelskamp...6
President & CEO Tom R. Tunnell COO & Sr. VP of Govt. Affairs Mary Jane Stankiewicz
KARA awards $4,500 in scholarships...6
VP of Government Affairs Ron Seeber
Brandon Larsen wins CCA scholarship...6 Kansas CCA recognizes anniversaries...7
Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Jensen
KARA/KSU Field Days...7
Director of Event Planning Shari Bennett
NEW! Environmental Stewardship Day...7 CCA Exam...7
Director of Member Services Sarah Sexton-Bowser
Professional Applicator Training...7
Director of Mktg. & Communications Shahira Stafford
Annual Meeting & Chairmen’s Golf Outing...8
Systems/Insurance Manager Lisa Anschutz
Kansas Agri Business Expo...8 Farmway Co-op celebrates 100 years...8
Administrative Assistant Julie Stueve
Nurse tank inspections on the rise...8 Roberts proposes diesel fuel exemption...9 Roberts seeks input from KARA on CME proposed limit changes...9 USDA announces disaster designation for 21 Kansas counties...9 New law passes for scrap metal dealers...9 TFI offers training materials on anhydrous ammonia, unveils new website...9 KSU Extension Office published guide on managing Kochia...10 Publication available to help agronomists identify crop pests...10 Complete the mini-bulk recycling survey to participate in the 2011 program...10
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 can be purchased for $25.00. © 2011 KARA Read this newsletter online at www.ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters.
Let KARA help you locate job seekers...10 Are you taking full advantage of your KARA membership benefits?...11
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“Just think. „If your local citizens are calling KARA, who else are they calling for information? Are you educating your citizens about the value of fertilizer and chemicals in feeding the world?” Tom R. Tunnell President and CEO
A
s a father of three daughters myself, all parents know there are certain uncomfortable conversations that need to occur with your children as they grow through the stages of life. These are not pleasant conversations and are often filled with fraught and indigestion. The angst and potentially uncomfortable questions surrounding these conversations can provoke procrastination. Be wary, though. If you wait too long to have the conversation someone else will beat you to the punch. Parenting is not the only part of life that brings chance for needed uncomfortable conversations. The spring season kicks things into high gear with sprayers and applicators busy across the countryside. Over the past few weeks, KARA has received several phone calls from concerned citizens. Recently, a rural citizen called with concern for his pets being exposed to NH3. The application was occurring a mile or so away- could his dog die? After a brief conversation his concerns were put at bay. Education can clear up so many potential problems. If your local citizens are calling KARA, who else are they calling for information? Are you educating your citizens about the value of fertilizer and chemicals in feeding the world? Have you shared the stewardship practices you take? Do you have an internal complaint system in place where concerned citizens can call you? As you continue through your busy season, consider putting in place a community communication and branding program. Certain conversations should not be procrastinated. I invite you to take it a step further and attend a new training program KARA is hosting. Environmental Stewardship Day is designed to give agricultural retailers the latest information on stewardship practices in the industry to prepare you to defend and explain the safe use of fertilizer in your community. We’ve invited experts to discuss issues such as: spill preparedness, properly securing nitrate, the Kansas Ag Remediation Board program, chemical shuttles, DOT audits and much more. The event will be on August 2 in Wichita, and as a bonus, CEU credits will be available. See the enclosed form to register or do it online at www.ksagretailers.org. There are also a number of helpful resources made available by The Fertilizer Institute, CropLife America and the Agricultural Retailers Association that give compelling facts on fertilizer’s role in world food production, fertilizer best management practices, and pesticide regulations and safety. To close, I want to strongly encourage you be informed and stay engaged in the debate. Because if the industry doesn’t communicate the safe use of fertilizer and pesticides in food production, then who will?
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Agribusiness interests protected at Kansas Statehouse The Kansas Legislature ended its regular session on Friday, May 13, at 6:02 am. KARA staff monitored the entire marathon at which the Senate and House approved a $13.8 billion budget that wiped out a $500 million shortfall primarily through cuts and left $70 million in an ending balance. This was all done without a tax increase. While it was the Mary Jane Stankiewicz, KARA first time in eight years that COO & Sr. VP of Government both chambers and the Affairs, gives a legislative reGovernor’s office have port to members at January’s been held by Republicans, Legislative Action Day. it was not all family. The new conservative leaning House was much more ambitious on social issues, tax reform and budget cuts than their Senate counterparts. The Senate was more focused on maintaining the status quo and bringing forward a balanced budget while minimizing cuts in education and programs. Governor Brownback, in the mean time, let the chambers squabble then played the mediator role to get parties to agree on a budget. Below is a review of vital agribusiness issues your lobbying staff watched this session: Workers Compensation The House and Senate approved and the Governor signed into law Sub. for HB 2134. KARA participated substantially in the development and advocacy of this game changing legislation. This bill is the first significant workers compensation reform in Kansas since the early 1990’s and is a compromise between labor and employer interests. It revises portions of the Workers Compensation Act by tightening up definitions and adjusting language concerning the exemptions from compensation benefits, notice of injury, drug testing, administrative hearings, preexisting conditions, permanent total and temporary total disabilities, wage calculations, the caps on benefits, lump sum retirement benefits, medical treatment, and ancillary provisions.
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In addition to injury caused by an accident, as provided by current law, the bill would require an employer to be liable to pay compensation to an employee that has been injured in the course of employment because of repetitive trauma or occupational disease. An injured employee would have to show that the work incident was the prevailing factor that caused the injury. Pest Plant Bill The Legislature approved and the Governor signed into law the conference committee report for HB 2271. The bill allows the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture (KDA) greater ability to stop and inspect transports they believe contain plant pests, provides for the establishment of diagnostic and identification service fees through rule and regulation, renames the Entomology Fee Fund as the Plant Protection Fee Fund and allows for an increase in civil penalty authority. This bill was requested by the Kansas Nursery and Landscape Association to stop illicit out of state entities from selling diseased plants in Kansas. The bill proponents requested violators be charged as felons. Your association helped convince policymakers that a misdemeanor is a more appropriate penalty. The Senate Committee amended the bill raising the fee cap from $30 to $80 dollar for an export inspection. Again, your association was able to add a dollop of common sense and worked with KDA to take the cap back to the $30 level. KDA will set the fees by rules and regulation for inspection with the goal of mirroring the fees currently charged by the Kansas Grain Inspection Service. KBA Funds in Budget During House debate on the budget, two floor amendments were added to the bill dealing with the 2011 fiscal year budget. One amendment diverted $16 million ($2 million per Center) to each of the Centers of Excellence and Innovation. These Centers include the Kansas Alliance for Bioenergy and Biorefining (KABB) and Heartland Plant Innovations (HPI). The other amendment directs $1.4 million from the KBA fund to the Department of Corrections. The Senate conference committee members stood firm in opposing almost all of the transfers allowing only $1 million to be transferred from the KBA to the Center for Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopedic Research.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Pesticide Clarification The Governor signed into law SB 186. This is a clean -up bill after laws regarding pesticides were amended last year. The clean-up deals with hearings for the suspension of a pesticide business license. SB 186 passed out of committee. KARA testified in favor of the bill and assisted in amending it to better conform to the industry. SB 186 goes into effect July 1, 2011.
such investments, including tax credits for the HPIP. Taxpayers electing to expense qualified investments would be prohibited from also claiming a number of existing tax incentives that might otherwise apply to such investments, including tax credits for the high performance incentive program (HPIP); research and development; alternative fueled vehicles; swine facility improvements; integrated coal or coke gasification nitrogen fertilizer plants; biomass-to-energy plants; Immigration Reform integrated coal gasification power plants; renewable The anti-business immigration bill, HB 2372, remains electric cogeneration facilities; and biofuel storage in the Judiciary Committee over the interim despite a and blending equipment. Taxpayers claiming expensprocedural attempt to bring it to the House floor for ing also would be prohibited from claiming accelerdebate. The bill mandates the use of e-verify (the fed- ated depreciation otherwise available for the latter eral immigrant verification system) for businesses seven of these investment purposes. who contract with any government entity within the state and provides for penalties of 25% liquidated HPIP income tax credits are modified such that bedamages of the amount of the contract. The bill also ginning in tax year 2012, the current $50,000 miniincludes law enforcement provisions similar to a law mum investment threshold in five urban counties passed in Arizona empowering local law enforcement (Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyanto detain individuals suspected of being in the coun- dotte) would be increased to $1 million. All other try illegally and includes language for making it a fel- counties remain at $50,000. The legislature also apony to harbor 10 or more undocumented workproved the conference committee report for SB 193, ers. Many of the provisions in the bill have been ap- a bill lengthening the time companies can utilize the proved in other states are tied up in litigation. HPIP credits from 10 to 16 years. Your association joined a coalition of like minded business organizations in opposition. KARA has a firm position that this is a federal issue. The bill also places yet another level of regulation over businesses and is an unfunded mandate on local units of government that would result in a tax increase to cover the costs of the bill. We continue to work with stakeholders to find common ground on this issue. HPIP Expensing The House and Senate approved the conference committee report for SB 196, legislation that includes a new state income tax deduction known as “expensing” for certain qualified investments and changes to the high performance incentive program (HPIP). “Expensing” allows a taxpayer to claim an expense deduction from Kansas net income before expensing or recapturing the cost of certain machinery and equipment depreciable under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Companies electing to expense qualified investments would be prohibited from also claiming a number of existing tax incentives that might otherwise apply
Rural Economic Zones The Governor signed into law SB 198. This measure designates 50 counties as Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ), effectively providing an income tax exemption for certain out-of-state taxpayers who relocate to those counties; and authorizing the counties to participate in a state-matching program to repay student loans of up to $15,000 for certain students who establish domicile in ROZ counties. The counties which would receive the ROZ designation are: Barber, Chautauqua, Cheyenne, Clark, Cloud, Comanche, Decatur, Edwards, Elk, Gove, Graham, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mitchell, Morton, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Trego, Thomas, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Wilson and Woodson. The law becomes effective July 1, 2011. Surprisingly, KARA was one of only a handful of groups that supported the bill -- one of the Governor's top priorities for bringing employees back to rural Kansas.
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ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Legislators gather at KARA office for final Tuesday Night Reception To celebrate the end of the 2011 legislative session, KARA served over 100 legislators and lobbyists during the annual Tuesday Night Reception (TNR) Steak Fry on April 26. Every year from January to May, KARA hosts receptions on Tuesday evenings for legislators to relax and socialize. This reception ends the session with a steak dinner that draws the largest crowd of the year.
KARA awards $4,500 in scholarships KARA recently awarded $4,500 in college scholarships to deserving students in Kansas. The Kansas Agricultural Education Foundation, KARA's scholarship program, awarded one $500 Jim Lee Memorial scholarship, one $1,000 Dr. David Whitney Agronomy scholarship and three $1,000 KARA scholarships. Congratulations to the following 2011-2012 winners: Kurtis Clawson, Satanta – studying Agronomy/ Mechanical Engineering at Kansas State University Kyler Coupal, Clay Center – studying Ag Engineering at Cloud County Community College Dylan Crosson, Minneapolis – studying Agronomy at Kansas State University Jeremy Houser, Solomen – studying Agronomy at Kansas State University Matti Kuykendall, Manhattan – studying Agronomy at Kansas State University
On April 26, over 100 lawmakers and lobbyists gathered at the KARA office for the final Tuesday Night Reception Steak Fry. KARA is one of 40 sponsoring companies of this event.
KARA hosts luncheon for Huelskamp KARA helped host a luncheon on March 28 for Congressman Tim Huelskamp and the First Congressional District legislative delegation. Other host organizations included the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Association of Ethanol Processors, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Cooperative Association and the Kansas Bankers Association.
Recipients are chosen by an independent Scholarship Committee made up of association members. KARA received over 50 applications for the 2011-2012 school year. Brandon Larsen wins CCA scholarship Brandon Larsen of Vassar, Kansas is the 2011-2012 Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) scholarship winner. The Kansas CCA Board selected Larsen from a group of very qualified candidates. “His academic excellence, and career objectives are what set Larsen apart,” said Sarah Sexton-Bowser, director of the Kansas CCA program. Larsen is the son of Brian and Brenda Larsen. Currently he is a junior at Kansas State studying agronomy. At Kansas State he is involved in the Wheat State Agronomy Club, has worked for an independent crop consultant the past two summers and will be working as a field research assistant this summer.
Ron Seeber, KARA VP of Government Affairs, gets one-on-one time with Congressman Huelskamp during a KARA sponsored luncheon.
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James- Scott City, KS; Vance, Bryce- Dighton, KS; Vance, Mark- Scott City, KS; Vulgamore, Brian- Scott City, KS; Watts, Tony- Montezuma, KS; Zachgo, Kelly- Wamego, KS; Wetter, Scott - Manhattan, KS.
15 Years: Adams, Mitchel- Westmoreland, KS; Bohling, James- Scandia, KS; Cook, Marshall- Satanta, KS; Crimmons, Mike - Clay Center, KS; Gilbert, Robert- Belleville, KS; Grilliot, Jim- Hesston, KS; Holliday, Dennis- Soldier, KS; Juenemann, AlvinColby, KS; Juhl, Justin- Wathena, KS; Kenney, Ronald- Argonia, KS; Kriegshauser, David- Eskridge, KS; Martin, Roland- Belpre, KS; Mason, Lee- Sublette, KS; Maxwell, Thomas- Salina, KS; Murray, John - Goodland, KS; Naysmith, Jeffrey- Newton, KS; Nelson, Craig- Washington, KS; Niblock, Lee- Stockton, KS; Nienke, Scott- Great Bend, KS; Quick, Monte- Larned, KS; Rees, Brian- Bushong, KS; Sothman, Vaughn- Colby, KS; Vaupel, Gary- Salina, KS; Wilcox, David- Beloit, KS; Woerner, Michael- Washington, KS.
KARA/KSU Field Days Agribusinesses from across the state will gather on July 13 and 14 to take part in the annual KARA/KSU Field Days. The event will offer sessions focusing on information and technology 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 terrific opportunity to get 1A and CCA CEU credits. See the enclosed form to register.
10 Years: Bahner, Darrel- Silver Lake, KS; Barrett, Roger- Jamestown, KS; Beason, Eddie- Hepler, KS; Brakey, David- Garden City, KS; Bucl, Loarn- Sublette, KS; Davis, Justin- Salina, KS; Deters, JamiBasehor, KS; Diederich, Shawn- Colby, KS; Fabrizius, Chad-Hays, KS; Grimes, Todd- Lees Summit, MO; Haas, Charles- Larned, KS; Haffner, JerryHutchinson, KS; Inman, Ryan- Colby, KS; Jelinek, Aaron- Kansas City, MO; Johnson, Rodney- Almena, KS; Jones, Bily - McCook, NE; Letourneau, PatrickConcordia, KS; Lofing, Mark- Kinsley, KS; Marshall, Donald- McDonald, KS; Martin, Russell- Colby, KS; Mayeske, Roderick- Halstead, KS; Penner, ArdenInman, KS; Thompson, Samuel- Ensign, KS; Wegener, Donald- Lawrence, KS; Wilson, BurtOmaha, NE; Wright IV, Thomas- Lakin, KS; Zimmerman, Michael- Garden City, KS.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas CCA recognizes anniversaries The Kansas Certified Crop Adviser board is pleased to recognize 73 members for their 15, 10, and 5 year anniversaries.
NEW! Environmental Stewardship Day Learn how to de-stress your stewardship practices at KARA’s newest training program, Environmental Stewardship Day, on August 2 in Wichita. Session topics will cover DOT audits, spill preparedness, proper securing of nitrate and much more. The cost to attend is $75 for members, and sponsorship opportunities are available. See the enclosed form to register. CCA Exam If you missed out on February’s CCA Exam, you can still take it on August 5. To request CCA Exam registration material, call 866-359-9161. The registration period is from May 2 to June 17. Registrations will not be accepted before May 2, and any registrations received after June 17, will not be processed.
Professional Applicator Training KARA will host 2011 Professional Applicator Training August 10 - 11 in Great Bend. This comprehensive, hands-on event for agricultural chemical/ 5 Years: Beaton, Aaron- Scott City, KS; Boroughs, fertilizer applicators is sure to have something for Bryan- Cimarron, KS; Carlson, Bradley- Lindsborg, everyone. In addition to hearing from speakers on KS; Crockett, Max- Garden City, KS; Holthaus, Mar- basic application techniques and information on the tin- Hiawatha, KS; Johnson, Jed- Troy, KS; Nelson, latest rules and regulations, participants will particiKathleen- Johnstown, NE; Neff, David- Selden, KS; pate in the popular Ride and Drive. As in past years, Nichols, Kent- Hesston, KS; Niehues, Arlan- Waparticipants will also take part in the “Top Gun” promego, KS; Payne, John- Ransom, KS; Phelps, Aaron- fessional applicator contest as well as earn CEUs and Brookville, KS; Rettele, Benjamin- Fairview, KS; enough 1A credits for anyone expiring in 2011 Schmitz, Justin- St. Benedict, KS; Sparks, Rob- Mary- 2012. See the enclosed form to register. ville, MO; Strickler, Dale- Jamestown, KS; Talbert,
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Annual Meeting & Chairmen’s Golf Outing The 2011 KARA Annual Meeting will be on August 22-23 in Manhattan at the Holiday Inn. Come take a break with your fellow KARA members and enjoy some good food, golf and educational sessions. We are also planning a “Nite at the Races” event in Aggieville for Monday evening, so come ready to make your bets! KARA is reserving a hotel block at the Holiday Inn for $99.95 a night. Please call directly to make your reservation to (785) 539-7531. Be sure to ask for this block when making your reservation. As always, a golf tournament is scheduled at Colbert Hills Golf Course for Tuesday. See the enclosed form to register, and be watching for event details coming soon. Kansas Agri Business Expo It’s hard to believe we’re already planning another exciting Kansas Agri Business Expo in November. It’s a special year for the Expo; we’re going back to Kansas City! Registration information will be mailed later this summer. However, hotel room blocks have already been reserved, so go ahead and make your reservations early. Below is a list of participating hotels:
Farmway Co-op celebrates 100 years On April 21, KARA staff attended Farmway Co-op’s 100-year anniversary celebration at their annual meeting in Beloit. The theme of the meeting was "Learning From The Past - Building Toward The Future" with a focus on the change and growth the organization has seen during that time. The company also recently unveiled a new logo and tagline, "Partners in Growth", as they continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of agricultural producers in this area in these changing times. Farmway Co-op currently has facilities in Beloit, Courtland, Belleville, Scottsville, Concordia, Clay Center, Miltonvale, Leonardville, Asherville, Lincoln, Denmark, Glen Elder, Cawker City, Tipton, Hunter and Westfall.
Sheraton Hotel (host hotel), (913) 234-2100 $151.00 (l-r) Allen Eilert, Farmway Co-op Board Chairman; Ron Seeber, KARA VP of Government Affairs; Art Duerksen, Farmway Co-op CEO, at the 100th anniversary celebration of Farmway Co-op.
Hilton Garden Inn, (913) 345-2661 $119.00, free wireless internet Courtyard Marriott, (913) 317-8500 $99.00 Doubletree Hotel, (913) 323-1905 $99.00, free wireless internet Holiday Inn & Suites, (913) 312-5991 $94.00, free wireless internet Chase Suite Hotel, (913) 491-3333 $89.00, free wireless internet Drury Inn & Suites, (913) 345-1500 $84.99, free wireless internet Pear Tree Inn, (913) 451-0200 $64.99, free wireless internet
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Nurse tank inspections on the rise According to a memo from The Fertilizer Institute on March 31, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) enforcement personnel, is increasing their inspections of ammonia facilities and specifically facilities with nurse tanks. An article published in a March CVSA newsletter indicated that 113 nurse tanks were inspected nationwide and 78 of those were found to have serious issues. This should serve as a reminder to all fertilizer industry members with nurse tanks to have an inspection program and understanding of DOT regulations.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Roberts proposes diesel fuel exemption Senator Pat Roberts' office recently reached out to KARA staff regarding a diesel fuel exemption for agricultural retailers and custom harvesters. This would exempt Class A CDL drivers from the requirement to obtain a hazardous material endorsement if they are hauling 1,000 gallons or less of diesel fuel and the tank is clearly placarded. KARA will report any developments on this issue should they unfold.
These counties will now be eligible for important disaster programs, such as the emergency loan program administrated by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program. These programs will help the farmers and ranchers of Kansas make it through one of the most difficult growing seasons on record.
New law passes for scrap metal dealers KARA has recently learned about a series of copper wire irrigation systems thefts occurring in Stafford Roberts seeks input from KARA on CME county. When stolen and made ready for sale, the proposed limit changes Staff from the KARA and Kansas Cooperative Coun- theft nets $150- $200 while the ag producer is left to cil, along with Ted Schultz of Team Marketing Alli- replace it at a cost of $6,500. Additional loss is incurred when the theft happens at a critical irrigation ance, recently provided Senator Roberts' staff with insight into the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) time. proposed contract limit changes. On May 10, 2011 CME released a statement indicating that they altered The Kansas Legislature just approved a bill requiring the originally proposed changes for a more conserva- registration of scrap metal dealers. On or after January 1, 2012, in order to purchase regulated scrap tive limit. metal, a business would have to be registered for each Pending CFTC approval, daily limits on CBOT corn place of business. Purchasing scrap metal without being registered would be a class A, nonperson misfutures and options would increase to $0.40 per bushel from the current $0.30 per bushel, replacing a demeanor. Furthermore, scrap metal dealers would be required to pay by check or using a system that late April proposal to increase daily limits to $0.50 per bushel. These contracts are listed with, and sub- photographs or videotapes the payment recipient. Finally, the bill would modify the list of scrap metal ject to, the rules and regulations of CBOT. property for which the seller must provide proof of authority to sell. This bill is to help ensure that scrap USDA announces disaster designation for dealers are acting in good faith when purchasing and 21 Kansas counties not simply fencing stolen metal. Currently, the penalThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ties for stealing scrap metal are an increasing level of designated 21 counties in Kansas as natural disaster felonious penalties of sales of $1000 or more. Under areas due to production losses caused by severe drought situations, wildfires, and high winds since the $1000 is considered a misdemeanor. beginning of the year. TFI offers training materials on anhydrous ammonia, unveils new website USDA designated Finney, Gove, Grant, Greeley, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is a sponsor of the Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Lane, Logan, Meade, Transportation Community Awareness and EmerMorton, Ness, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, gency Response (TRANSCAER) program. This year, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Wallace and Wichita Counties as disaster counties. Farmers and ranchers TRANSCAER is sponsoring nationwide training in the following 13 counties in Kansas also qualify for workshops on anhydrous ammonia. natural disaster assistance because their counties are TFI is pleased to announce that the TRANSCAER contiguous: Cheyenne, Clark, Decatur, Ellis, Ford, training resources are now available at www.tfi.org. Graham, Gray, Hodgeman, Norton, Pawnee, RawThe anhydrous ammonia training DVD will be availlins, Rush, and Trego. able in hard copy and online by the end of May. KARA hopes that you will take advantage of this valuable training resource.
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MEMBER CORNER
TFI has also developed a new online resource aimed at helping farmers boost yields, manage input costs and maintain soil health. The website, www.nutrientstewardship.com, is aimed at increasing awareness of 4R nutrient stewardship, a site-specific, scientific framework that addresses farmers' use of the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time and the right place.
Let KARA help you locate job seekers KARA is happy to do its part in helping our members locate job seekers or sell used equipment. If you have a job opening or item for sale that you’d like posted to our website or printed in newsletters, email shahira@kansasag.org.
KSU Extension Office published guide on managing Kochia The Kansas State University Research and Extension Agronomy Department has recognized an increasing problem with Kochia in Kansas. They have assembled an entire series of information to help Kansans manage this weed. Download the guide at www.ksagretailers.org.
Mid-West Fertilizer, Inc. is currently seeking an Agronomist in the southeast Kansas area. They are looking for self motivated, self starting individual with experience and/or a degree in Agronomy. The position would include developing a close working relationship with producers in the area and working to develop our VRT/GIS based offerings. Resumes can be emailed to Mid-west Fertilizer, wgfert@yahoo.com. Please call (620) 839-5251 if you have any questions.
Publication available to help agronomists identify crop pests Identifying insects that may be eating their way through your wheat or corn field just got a bit easier. "Crop Insects of Kansas" is a new publication available for sale from Kansas State University. K-State Research and Extension entomologist, Jeff Whitworth is a co-author of the publication. The publication, described as a field guide to important arthropod pests and beneficial insects that affect major crops in Kansas, has color photos. The cost is $11.40 plus shipping. Call 785-532-5820 to order.
Job Openings
Mid-West Fertilizer, Inc, a full service ag input retailer in Northeast Kansas, is looking for someone with experience in seed and chemical sales. Must be motivated and customer oriented. College degree preferred. Computer skills are a must. Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, 401K, and vacation. Pay based on education and experience. Serious applicants may send resume to mwf_nort@yahoo.com or call 913-886-3435 with any questions. Mid-West Fertilizer, Inc, a full service ag input retailer with feed mill in Northeast Kansas, is looking for someone to handle feed sales, operate feed mill, and manage feed inventory. Must be motivated, detail and customer oriented. Computer skills a must. Pay based on experience. Serious applicants may send resume to mwf_nort@yahoo.com or call 913-886-3435.
Complete the mini-bulk recycling survey to participate in the 2011 program KARA is offering a recycling solution for nonrefillable and unwanted plastic pesticide mini-bulk tanks. TRI-Rinse, Inc. will be managing the recycling for 2011. This program will help pesticide registrants and refillers comply with the new EPA Pesticide Lang Diesel Inc., a full service ag equipment dealerContainer and Containment Rule that will go into ship with ten locations throughout Kansas, is hireffect August 2011. ing the following position: Service Manager – Hillsboro, KS. Applicants must have prior farm equipment serKARA is providing its support of this program and vice operations experience and the ability to manage needs your feedback to make this a successful recycling effort. Please fill out the mini-bulk recycling sur- service department employees. Interested applicants can call Gerald at 620-947-3182 for more informavey at www.ksagretailers.org by June 8. We are hopeful that you will take advantage of this opportunity to tion. Cover letters and resume can be emailed to geraldf@langdieselinc.com. remove unwanted, empty mini-bulks.
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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.
Chairman Randy Whisenhunt Ag Service Inc., Hillsboro Vice Chairman Doug Wright Mid-Kansas Coop, Moundridge Executive Committee Doyle Pearl J.B. Pearl Sales & Service, St. Marys Mike Shirley Frontier Ag Inc., Oakley Larry Shivers Specialty Fertilizer, Salina
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.
Directors Scott Anderson KFSA, Hutchinson Kevin Brady Lang Diesel Inc., Benton Bill Conrey Koch Nitrogen Co., Wichita Jack Dutra Overland Park Alan Goldsby CHS Crop Nutrients, Hillsboro Jon Ingebretson DeBruce 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 Lana O'Connor Wilbur-Ellis, Hiawatha Clark Pearson Miller Elevator Inc., Reading Johnny Schaben Farm Service Center, Ellinwood Andy Smarsh Helena Chemical, Garden City Steve Taylor Fairbank Equipment Inc., Wichita Kevin Tomka Dow AgroSciences, Overland Park Tommy Warner CPS, Garden City Craig Zwick B.Z. Bee, Lyons
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.
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID TOPEKA, KS Permit No. 545
816 SW Tyler Topeka, Kansas 66612
ARE YOU READY? KARA’s HOT summer events are coming to a town near you! KARA/KSU Field Days July 13-14, Manhattan
Environmental Stewardship Day August 2, Wichita
Professional Applicator Training August 10-11, Great Bend
Annual Meeting
August 22-23, Manhattan
Kansas Agri Business Expo November 16-17, Overland Park
Recertification Training
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THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE November Summer 16-17, 2011 Overland Park