The Link - Summer 2023

SPRING 2023

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING AGTEGRA COOPERATIVE!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p.04

THE SPERRY FAMILY: 4 GENERATIONS OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE

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BUILD DAKOTA SCHOLARSHIP

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GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL COOPERATIVE

Pictured: Matthew, left, and his dad, Scott, are fourth and fifth generations of Sperry Farms, Inc. and serve as delegates on Agtegra's delegate council.

Pictured: Justin & Jason Landis at the Colman, SD office.

03 MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP 04 COVER STORY: 4 GENERATIONS OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE 08 START HERE. GROW HERE. 12 BUILDING FUTURE INNOVATORS: MITCHELL TECH PARTNERSHIP 14 BUILD DAKOTA SCHOLARSHIP 16 INVESTING IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES 18 SPONSORSHIP SPOTLIGHT: GROUNDWORKS CONNECT 19 DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: JEFF LAKNER 20 GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL COOPERATIVE 22 IN THE NEWS: SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, LEADERSHIP UPDATE, NEW AGTEGRA ALLIANCE

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FROM THE CEO JASON KLOOTWYK - JASON.KLOOTWYK@AGTEGRA.COM

Hello!

Thank you for your business! We have experienced much change this year at Agtegra. I have been in the CEO role for over a year, and I am honored that I get to lead such an amazing organization. We have had a host of new team members join the organization through recruitment, growth, and acquisitions as we try to build a local cooperative that is sustainable for years to come.

We are working hard to build strategic relationships with our customers, employees, and partners that help put Agtegra in a winning position. While I know we have work to do, those relationships are bearing fruit as we are now a global player in the grain business through our partnership at EGT, are a partner with Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative in Steele, North Dakota, and are seeing tremendous growth in our energy business. In the end, I believe these will help keep Agtegra in a winning position to help serve your farm and family.

We are focusing on several projects designed to bring additional value to our core customers by adding new and improved assets, removing bottlenecks in grain handling and agronomy operations, and increasing customer access to fuel and animal nutrition products through upgraded and new energy and feed locations.

As we near the end of our fiscal year, Agtegra is performing well. We know that the compressed spring planting window this year challenged us to get across all the acres that needed work. For some, we performed better than expectations, and for others, we fell short. We will take advantage of this opportunity to get better as we evaluate processes and consider the projects I mentioned above.

In closing, I know you have several places where you can do business, and I appreciate that you chose to consider our team at Agtegra for your needs. Thank you for your business.

Stay safe, and have a great rest of your summer!

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All in the Family MEET THE SPERRY FAMILY: FOUR GENERATIONS OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE LEADERSHIP

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hile multi-generational family farms are common across much of the Midwest, it is not as common

to find multiple generations involved in the governance of a cooperative. But for the Sperry family of Bath, South Dakota, four generations have been involved in Agtegra’s governance through its board and delegate council.

Father/son duo Scott and Matthew Sperry currently sit on Agtegra’s delegate council, which serves as the liaison between the board of directors and the member-owners.

Scott’s father, James (Jim), served as a director for South Dakota Wheat Growers from 1996 – 1999, and Jim’s father, Allen, served as a director from 1948-1972. Allen and Jim are one of only seven father/son combinations who have served on SDWG’s board. Now, Scott and Matthew continue the family legacy by both serving on Agtegra’s delegate council.

The family farm, Sperry Farms Inc., started when Allen’s father purchased the farm near Bath in the ‘20s. Once Allen began managing the farm, he also became involved in serving several organizations, including as chairman of the State Federation of Dairy Farmers, Aberdeen Milk Producers Association and Brown County Extension Board, director of the Brown County Crop and Livestock Improvement Association and senator in the South Dakota Senate from 1965-1966 and 1969-1974.

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GROWING THE

FAMILY LEGACY For 20 of Allen’s 24 years on SDWG’s board of directors (1950-1970), he served as president, making his presidency one of the longest in SDWG board history. Allen’s son, Jim, followed in many of his father’s footsteps by also serving on the SDWG board from 1996 – 1999 and in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1997-1998.

primarily grows corn and soybeans.

After Scott graduated from South Dakota State University, he and his wife, Kathy, pursued other career opportunities before coming back to the farm to join Scott’s father and brother on the farm.

These same values of service to their community run deep in the fourth and fifth generations of Sperry Farms Inc. through Scott and Matthew.

“They were always very communityminded,” says Scott about his father and grandfather. “And now I’m also involved in several of the same organizations.”

Coming back to farm during the ‘80s farm crisis had its challenges.

Over the years, the family farm has been home to dairy cattle, feeder cattle, wheat, oats, barley, corn, alfalfa and finishing hogs. Today, the farm 6

“I always planned on coming back at one point,” explains Scott.

“The first few years were breakeven at best because the prices were terrible,” says Scott. “We just weren’t making much money, but no one else was either.”

When his father decided to retire and his brother moved away in the ‘90s, Scott started managing the farm himself. After Matthew, the youngest of Scott and Kathy’s five

Matthew, right, shows his dad their latest map technology.

children, graduated from SDSU in 2021, the farm’s legacy of father/son partnerships continued.

“I can remember working on homework in the combine, and then I would fall asleep on Dad with my homework all over the floor of the cab,” laughs Matthew. “I just wanted to be with Dad.” Growing up on the farm also meant Matthew and his four siblings learned a lot of life lessons in the field or in the shop.

“We were always learning, asking questions, and figuring things out,” says Matthew. “When we would have a new idea, Dad would let us try it out, but we would often realize our ideas maybe weren’t the best or easiest ways to do things. There was a reason Dad did things the way he did.”

COVER STORY ROOTED IN

AGRICULTURE

For Matthew, getting the chance to come back to farm is something that he realizes not every farm kid has, especially as the youngest sibling. And once he found that he could combine his love for technology with farming, he saw the value he could bring to his family’s farm.

“I have always been the fixer when it came to technology,” says Matthew.

“Growing up on the farm is what I knew, and when I realized how much technology is in farming, it all clicked for me.”

While studying agronomy and precision agriculture at SDSU, Matthew sought experiences to diversify his knowledge of the industry, which led him to intern with Agtegra’s agronomy team in 2020.

Now as a delegate for Agtegra, he appreciates how he can continue learning more about products and services while playing a role in Agtegra’s governance.

Matthew was elected to the council in December 2022, just a year and a half after graduating from college.

“It’s about time someone else stepped in,” laughs Scott as he gives Matthew a nudge. “My dad encouraged me to get on the council just to learn more about it, and I’ve really enjoyed being on it,” says Scott.

Like his father and grandfather, Scott, pictured to the left of his son, Matthew, has served on many boards, including Northern Electric, township and soil conservation boards.

Scott and Matthew agree that others should get involved in the cooperative’s governance.

“It’s an opportunity to meet many people and help guide the future of our cooperative.” says Scott.

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Start Here. Grow Here.

Learn more about current Agtegra team members who started their careers with the cooperative as interns!

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any college students gain their first “real-world” job experiences through internships. Whether

required by the school’s academic program or not, internships provide students with invaluable connections and opportunities that enhance their college resumes and enable them to apply classroom knowledge in the field or office.

Agtegra’s internship program has been a part of the cooperative for several years. Now known as the Agtegra First internship program, interns receive experience in five main categories that align with the “FIRST” acronym: foundational excellence, investment in our communities, relationships with integrity, skill development and teamwork. Because of this program, Agtegra exposes students to the cooperative business structure and provides them a glimpse of what a full-time career could look like. Whether students are pursuing degrees in agronomy or accounting, Agtegra seeks experiences for students of all backgrounds and degree paths to provide them with a hands-on experience in the agriculture industry.

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Explore how six Agtegra team members' career journeys started with an Agtegra internship!

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Q: Why did you join Agtegra?

A: I knew working here would offer me the most opportunity to reach (and then expand) my potential as an employee. Benefits aren’t limited to health and dental—Agtegra’s career development programs have grown and are offered to employees of all levels and disciplines. I have always had something new to learn!

Q: What was your favorite part about your internship with Agtegra?

ABBEY Miedema Grain Marketing Specialist Wolsey, SD

A: It gave me an opportunity to see what the company was all about before committing to a full-time job. I loved what I saw, and I knew I wanted to come back again!

Accounting Intern (2015)

Q: What advice do you have for current college students looking for an internship?

A: Never be afraid to ask questions or put yourself out there! Our internship program has really expanded in the past few years, and I feel that whatever area of the cooperative you are interested in—Agtegra can give you real-world experience in it.

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COLTON Hanson Seed & Technology Specialist South Region Crop Scout/Sales Intern (2017-2018)

Q: What did you enjoy most about your Agtegra internship?

A: I enjoyed learning from the agronomists and location manager I worked with, in addition to putting in a variety of test plots.

Q: What do you love about working at Agtegra?

A: My favorite part about my job is being able to work directly with growers as well as fellow co-workers. I enjoy being able to do a wide variety of activities every day, as my job can vary from working with seed to technology in a matter of minutes.

Q: Why should students consider interning with Agtegra?

A: We have such a wide array of job areas and opportunities that it is almost impossible not to find a job that you would enjoy here at Agtegra.

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2020-21

Grain Marketing Intern (2009)

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BRENT Haas Area Manager Langford, Bristol & Andover, SD

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EDDIE Price Warehouse Supervisor Warner, SD Agronomy Intern (2020-2021)

Q: Why did you join Agtegra?

Q: Why did you join the Agtegra team?

A: It all comes down to the people. The hours can get long, and the work can get tough at times, but we have an amazing group of teammates and customers that make this an excellent place to work and be a part of.

A: I started with Agtegra by chance. I was looking for an agricultural internship, and I was lucky enough to find the Agtegra internship program. The people I worked with during my internship and continue to work with today are great teachers and are enjoyable to be around. I chose Agtegra because when I looked to the future, I saw a place to grow through employee training opportunities.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your internship?

A: Getting to work the hedge desk and doing the hedging for the company to offset the futures risk we take on when we purchase grain was a highlight for me.

Additionally, visiting all of our grain facilities to run protein comparison tests to check variances to ensure accuracy was really cool. I also had the chance to do a crop tour to count the rough percentage of corn, beans, wheat and sunflowers planted in particular areas and build information around the data procured.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job today?

A: Seeing my team succeed – especially through challenging seasons and tasks - and working with the excellent team members and customers we have here.

2018

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2019

Q: What have you liked the most about your career at Agtegra?

A: As an intern, the on-the-job experience I got was invaluable to my development as an employee and my knowledge of agricultural operations and businesses.

Today, I continue to enjoy the customer interactions I have, especially during the spring season when we are loading out seed and chemical.

Q: Why would you encourage current college students to pursue an Agtegra internship?

A: The experience is irreplaceable. The training, onthe-job experience, interaction with customers, and information shared with you by experienced people lead to a wealth of knowledge that can’t be read in a book. It also provides you with a chance to show you can excel at a job with Agtegra and be hired full-time after your internship.

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A: I didn’t know I wanted a career in agriculture. My internship was my first exposure to the industry, and I fell in love with the people, company, cooperative model and overall mission of serving our farmer member-owners.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories of your internship?

A: In the summer of 2013, we organized a 90th Anniversary Celebration for Wheat Growers where we entertained and fed a few hundred customers and employees with a pig roast, live music by Mogen’s Heroes and an antique car and tractor show. I remember how big of an event it was for our company and how much work it was to plan. Now, I plan a much larger event (Appreciation Night) each summer with thousands of customers, employees, and business partners in attendance!

Q: How did your internship lead you to a full-time career?

A: After promoting our sales and marketing programs during my internship, I saw a gap in the analysis of those programs and sales reporting. I knew that the company supported employees taking the initiative to act on their ideas. I lobbied to be hired full time to make our sales reporting easier and analyze our marketing impact.

Leadership agreed it was a gap and hired me to fill it!

2022

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Q: What led you to a career in the agriculture industry?

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Marketing Intern (2012-2013)

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JENNIFER Kilber Marketing Lead Aberdeen, SD

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STEVEN Zemlicka Sales Agronomist Bath, SD Agronomy Intern (2010)

Q: What led you to your career field?

A: I have always been a part of agriculture on our family farm and thoroughly enjoyed the work. I was also very involved in FFA throughout high school and into college. I never really saw myself going another direction and have always held a deep appreciation for agriculture.

Q: What has your career journey looked like since joining the Agtegra team?

A: Once graduated with my degree in the spring of 2011, I immediately started as a sales associate in our program. I hit the ground running with six growers and quickly became a sales agronomist that same year. I have held that position for nearly 12 years and now work with over 100 growers.

Q: How did your internship experience lead you to pursue a full-time career at Agtegra?

A: My internship experience allowed me to see the value of a cooperative that operates in a professional manner and will continue to operate at a high level far into the future.

2023

Are you or someone you know looking for a summer 2024 internship?

Gain hands-on experience while working side by side with industry experts through our Agtegra FIRST internship program! Our summer recruitment process starts in the fall, and interns are selected on a rolling basis. Learn more at https://www.agtegra.com

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FUTURE INNOVATORS

BUILding

Huron Innovation Center places emphasis on agricultural education through Mitchell Tech partnership.

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Joe Airheart (far right) teaches the class of precision agriculture technology students at Mitchell Tech.

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ow many college students can say they built an entire planter during college?

Students in Mitchell Technical College’s Precision Agriculture Technology program can now say they have thanks to a partnership with Agtegra Cooperative’s Innovation Center.

Building planters is nothing new to Joe Airheart, Agtegra Innovation Center Manager in Huron, South Dakota. Having been with the cooperative in a variety of roles since 2008, he has been working directly in the precision technology field for the last 11 years. He and his team at the Innovation Center install precision hardware in equipment ranging from planters to sprayers, liquid fertilizer systems and more.

“Devon has always wanted to bring his students up to Huron for a day so they can see what we do here, but that would have been such a small window for students to really see everything we do,” explains Joe. “This project collaboration allows students to gain hands-on experience and be a part of a project from start to finish.”

Two students at Mitchell Tech put together parts of the planter.

After a conversation at a career fair between Joe and Devon Russell, Program Director/Instructor of the Precision Agriculture Technology program at Mitchell Tech, the planter build project came to fruition. This experiential learning partnership is the first of its kind for both Agtegra and Mitchell Tech’s precision agriculture technology program.

First-year student Carter Robertson, above right, is excited to use these skills on his family farm located near Parker, South Dakota.

“My favorite part about the planter project is seeing how fast something like this can be put together when you have a whole classroom working on it,” says Carter. “All the trades I’ve been learning at school will get me ready for troubleshooting in the field and on the farm.”

Utilizing the precision technologies used at the Innovation Center, Agtegra provided Mitchell Tech with the materials needed to build the planter. Starting with a 24-row Harvest International planter bar, students equipped the planter with Precision Ready 9000 series row unit, hydraulic hoses, vacuum fans, Yetter SharkTooth Row Cleaners with Residue Commander, vApply Base InFurrow Starter System and Precision Planting products DeltaForce (automated downforce control system), FurrowForce (closing system) and vSet2 with vDrive (seed meter with electric drive system).

“This is a real-world project that Agtegra’s Innovation Centers do regularly, so if our students go directly into the precision ag field, they’ll be a step ahead of everyone else because of this experience,” says Devon.

From driving to Mitchell to provide instruction and guidance during the build to assisting students with quality control checks once completed, Agtegra’s Huron Innovation Center team has been a part of the project from start to finish.

Service Manager Braxton Steffen, Assistant Manager Patrick Wetzel, Equipment Technician Stacey Eddy and Joe collaborated with Devon in providing classroom instruction to the students.

“What excites me the most is the opportunity to give the Mitchell Tech students real-life hands-on experience with precision equipment,” says Joe. Around 30 students played a part in building the planter, which was completed this spring. Now, these students can add “experience with building a planter with precision technologies” to their resumes before they graduate from Mitchell Tech.

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Investing in the Future of Agriculture: Agtegra Sponsors Three Build Dakota Students

For three South Dakota high school students, their entire college education will be paid for thanks to the Build

Build Dakota Scholarship est. 2015

Dakota Scholarship program and Agtegra Cooperative, marking Agtegra’s first Build Dakota scholars in program history.

The Build Dakota Scholarship program was established in 2015 to address South Dakota’s workforce shortage by providing students a full-ride scholarship to one of four of the state’s technical schools.

Once accepted into the program, recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and commit to working full-time in their career field for their sponsoring company for three years after graduation.

As an industry partner of the Build Dakota program, Agtegra will support a portion of these students’ educational expenses, while Build Dakota will cover the remainder.

Pictured above: Aidan Heitkamp, center, and Agtegra Talent Management Lead McKenzie DuFresne, right, sign Aidan's Build Dakota contract as Mitchell Technical College Scholarship Advisor Robin Jacobsen, left, looks on.

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In exchange, these students will intern with Agtegra next summer and will transition to fulltime roles after graduating college.

“Finding qualified, experienced talent is a challenge for all organizations, including Agtegra. Through the Build Dakota Program, we are able to connect with young individuals to help them start their career journey with Agtegra and support Build Dakota’s mission of keeping younger generations in South Dakota.”

Jane Kuhn, Agtegra SVP, Human Resources & Communications

Meet Agtegra’s 2023 Build Dakota Recipients

INTRODUCING Katherine Grismer

INTRODUCING Aidan Heitkamp

INTRODUCING Brody Miiller

Hometown: Aberdeen, South Dakota

Hometown: Colton, South Dakota

Hometown: Woonsocket, South Dakota

High School: Aberdeen Central High School

High School: Tri-Valley High School

High School: Woonsocket High School

College: Mitchell Technical College

College: Mitchell Technical College

College: Lake Area Technical College

Major: Agronomy

Major: Agronomy

Major: Precision Technology

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ROOTED

IN OUR COMMUNITIES Agtegra partners with organizations in the sectors of food security, agricultural education and health & safety to make each of our communities a better place to live.

“Having Agtegra as a supporter of the South Dakota FFA Foundation enables us to build leaders in agriculture, educate the future workforce of our region and help teach people the value of what modern agriculture is today and its importance to all of us - it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Gerri Eide, SD FFA Foundation

AG EDUCATION 16

HEALTH & SAFETY

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Local Impact

fire departments

41 FFA chapters

141

4-H programs

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food pantries

59

employee blood donations

800+ lunches bagged REPRESENTING 2023 FISCAL YEAR

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AGTEGRA community Agtegra strives to make a meaningful impact in our communities by partnering with organizations whose missions focus on food security, agriculture education and health and safety.

GroundWorks Connect impacts the youth in our communities.

The Root Cause

Above: GroundWorks Connect's Teaching Gardens program provides kids with hands-on experience in the garden.

Realizing that people come together around a common cause, the idea of a community teaching garden at the school came to fruition, which gave birth to GroundWorks Connect. Soon, more schools started asking how they could implement the gardens too.

Founded in 2011, GroundWorks Connect brings agriculture and education together through three programs: South Dakota Ag in the Classroom, Teaching Gardens and YES! (Youth Eating Smart) Camps.

GroundWorks Connect originated in 2011 when cofounders Tim Olsen and Cindy Heidelberger worked with schools in impoverished communities through Sioux Falls Seminary.

When only one parent showed up to a PTA meeting at the school they were working with, they knew something had to be done to drive community involvement.

“It all comes down to how we drive that community involvement,” says Cindy, GroundWorks Connect’s executive director.

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South Dakota Ag in the Classroom, formerly operating as its own entity, joined GroundWorks Connect’s programs five years ago. With the help of many collaborators and partners statewide, this program provides free agriculture-based curriculum to schools. When compared to the typical cost of books, this saves schools thousands of dollars in their curriculum update costs.

“We can link everything to agriculture in some way,” explains Cindy. “If we implemented activities such as separating bean varieties to demonstrate fractions, we can implement math, agriculture and science all in one lesson.”

Stemming from Teaching Gardens, GroundWorks’ YES! Camps aim to enhance what students learned from the gardens during the school year through an interactive summer camp. The camps bring in industry professionals to teach more about where food comes from and how kids can achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

GroundWorks Connect’s three programs currently reach a total of 19,000 students statewide. With 95% of the state’s school districts reached by the organization’s curriculum in some form, GroundWorks Connect is ensuring agricultural education is available to youth across the state.

DIRECTOR Spotlight

JEFF LAKNER

Jeff Lakner, with his wife Myrna and son Drew, operate Lakner Farms LLC, a diversified grain and livestock farm north of Wessington, South Dakota. Jeff received his Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from South Dakota State University and has four adult children.

Before joining Agtegra’s board of directors in 2008, Jeff had previously served on South Dakota Wheat Growers’ board in 2005. He also served on Land O’Lakes’ board of directors from 20142021, in addition to sitting on several regional and national advisory boards related to food and agriculture. Through his involvement on Agtegra’s board, he has also found that several business protocols in the grain and agronomy businesses are a good fit for his farm operation.

“Agtegra is viewed as an industry leader in many areas of agriculture,” states Jeff. “The size and scale of our cooperative creates access to many markets for grain, and seed and agronomy inputs on behalf of our member-owners.”

Food and agriculture are vital to everyone, which is why Jeff finds value in being in an occupation that makes a difference in every person’s life. For him, the cooperative system is an extension of how farmers show up in the marketplace.

Agtegra's board and leadership team work to be an advocate for agriculture in local, regional and national issues, which is one of the benefits of belonging to a strong, local cooperative.

From Jeff’s perspective, working with the professionals within Agtegra’s leadership has been enjoyable and educational.

“Government policy is key for our co-op as it grows,” explains Jeff. “Our message and impact in food and agriculture is growing, and it’s important to keep lawmakers current on global as well as local issues.”

Above: Jeff and his wife, Myrna Right: Jeff and his family

“I believe in the adage: if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." -Jeff Lakner

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GET INVOLVED

WITH YOUR LOCAL COOPERATIVE

Application Deadline: Director - August 18 Delegate - September 1 Nonvoting Advisory Directors - September 22

Interested in running for a director, nonvoting advisory director, or delegate position?

Contact Val Weisser at Val.Weisser@agtegra.com or 605-725-8341

Agtegra Cooperative is now seeking candidates for director, delegate, and nonvoting advisory director positions.

Candidates must be a current Agtegra Cooperative member in good standing that meets the requirements for the position set forth in the bylaws and policies.

Each year there are five director positions and 20 delegate positions elected for a three-year term. The board of directors will also select up to two members to serve as nonvoting advisory directors for a one-year term.

NEW FOR 2023

For More Information 20 20

Starting after the 2023 annual member meeting, one at-large director must be a North Dakota member.

Directors and Delegates Up for Re-election in 2023 District 4

District 1

Director: Rick Osterday - Java

Director: Glen Crawford - Aberdeen

Delegates: Kent Heid - McLaughlin Charles Hettich - Roscoe Thomas Schaefbauer - Strasburg Gary Ternes - Strasburg Caleb Wiest - Herreid

Delegates: Gaylon Anderson - Aberdeen Collin Dutenhoffer - Aberdeen Troy Haselhorst - Mansfield Morgan Holler - Pierpont Jarett Zimmerman - Groton

District 2 District 3

Director: Wallace Knock - Willow Lake

Director: Steve Halverson - Pierre Delegates: Clay Fenenga - Hamill Jeff Messmer - Wessington Springs Adam Schindler - Reliance Alac Terca - Presho Andrew Zastrow - Gann Valley

Delegates: Steve Masat - Redfield Matt Micheel - Cavour Bob Moody - Huron Mike Puffer - Hitchcock Gordon Salmen - Madison At-Large District Director: Open Position - North Dakota

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Announcing 2023 Scholarship Recipients Agtegra has awarded scholarships to 10 high school senior students for the 2023-2024 school year. High school recipients will each receive $500.

ETHAN Boekelheide Northville, SD

SAMANTHA Meehl Oakes, ND

TAYLOR Even Burke, SD

SHAYDIN Ell Mandan, ND

GAVIN Lynch McLaughlin, SD

PAUL Moening Lakeville, MN

CARLY Olson Ortonville, MN

EMILY Robbins Aurora, SD

To qualify, each student must intend or be currently pursuing a full-time undergraduate agricultural degree program at a 2- or 4-year postsecondary institution located in South Dakota or North Dakota.

REESE Voorhees Onida, SD

BENJAMIN Zwart Colman, SD WWW.AGTEGRA.COM

AND MORE! COLLEGE RECIPIENTS

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ZOEY Schentzel Farmington, MN

KATHRYN Rausch Hoven, SD

Agtegra has awarded scholarships to two college students for the 2023-2024 school year. Each college student will receive $1,000 for their education.

Milt Handcock was promoted to Agtegra’s senior leadership team as the Senior Vice President of Energy and Feed in May.

Agtegra Announces SVP of Energy & Feed

Milt Handcock

“We are very excited to have Milt on our team as we continue to grow our energy and feed divisions and add value to our members,” said Agtegra CEO Jason Klootwyk.

Milt joined the Agtegra team as the West Region Manager in August 2020. In April 2022, he gained the responsibility of leading the day-today operations for the energy and feed divisions as the divisions’ vice president. Prior to joining Agtegra, Milt worked in a variety of roles for CHS for 33 years.

In his new role, Milt will lead strategy and direction for both energy and feed divisions. Milt is also a past member and president of the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives, past member of South Dakota Grain & Feed Association and current member of the South Dakota and North Dakota Petroleum and Propane Marketers Associations.

Having dedicated his work life to serving member-owners of cooperatives for his entire career, Milt is excited to join Agtegra’s leadership team.

“At Agtegra, I like working with our collaborative team that genuinely cares for the safety, careers and lives of its employees,” said Milt.

Originally from Long Valley, South Dakota, Milt received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Agtegra Cooperative and Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative Announce Newly Formed Alliance The management and Board of Directors of Agtegra Cooperative are excited to announce their newly formed alliance with Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative (DFC) for the management and operation of the ag supply center near Steele, North Dakota. The objectives of the formation of this alliance are numerous and include providing best-in-class service to the customers, better asset utilization and efficiency, and overall optimization of staffing and service equipment.

“Agtegra is eager to undertake this new opportunity with our partner DFC to service the customers of both cooperatives”, said Jason Klootwyk, Agtegra Cooperative CEO. “The team has been working on this for some time, and we look forward to additional opportunities for Agtegra and DFC to work together.”

The “Steele” Ag Supply location will be branded Agtegra AND DFC, with Agtegra supplying the staffing for operations and DFC continuing ownership of the site. Both cooperatives have committed equipment and rolling stock to the location.

“We’re very excited for the opportunity to service customers in this area, representing both organizations in true cooperative fashion,” said Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday.

Contact Steele Location: 701-658-2236 23

908 Lamont Street South Aberdeen, SD 57401

PROPANE SUMMER FILL RESIDENTIAL | FARM | COMMERCIAL Summer is typically the best time to fill your propane tank so it’s ready when you turn the heat on. Check out our contracting options on our website to determine the best way to keep your tank full. It’s now easier than ever to request a refill delivery online or by using our scheduled delivery program!

ONLINE TANK REFILL

AUTO DELIVERY

When you’re ready for a refill, submit a delivery request online:

With this option, we’ll monitor your tank levels for you and automatically schedule a refill delivery when the tank reaches 25% full.

1. Visit www.agtegra.com 2. Navigate to Energy > Propane > Order Propane Online Tip: Bookmark this page for next time!

3. Fill out the order form and submit

Call us to set up your scheduled delivery service at no additional cost.

605-225-6383