The Link - Summer 2024

SUMMER 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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MITCHELL & TYNDALL LOCATIONS JOIN AGTEGRA

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JOIN AGTEGRA'S GOVERNANCE

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW KIDS' CORNER! Pictured: Agtegra Director Randy Sell of Oakes, North Dakota, backs up his John Deere 4020, which was the first tractor he ever drove. Read more about Randy, his farm, and his involvement with cooperative governance on page 4.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Rick Osterday | Java, SD

First Vice President Heather Beaner | Mellette, SD Second Vice President Matt Johnson | Webster, SD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Secretary Steve Halverson | Pierre, SD

03 MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Directors Chad Boekelheide | Northville, SD Glen Crawford | Aberdeen, SD Joel Erickson | Langford, SD Jay Esser | Redfield, SD Chris Eymer | Reliance, SD Wallace Knock | Willow Lake, SD Jeff Lakner | Wessington, SD Steve Pfeifer | McLaughlin, SD Randy Sell | Oakes, ND Kim Vanneman | Winner, SD Andy Weisser | Roscoe, SD Nonvoting Advisory Directors Scott Baumiller | Hazelton, ND Jordan Nitschke | Jud, ND

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about Agtegra's governance, visit agtegra.com/ governance or scan the QR code below!

04 PIONEERING A NEW LEGACY 10 MITCHELL & TYNDALL LOCATIONS JOIN AGTEGRA 12 CORE OPERATIONS TRAINING 14 PROTECT THE CORE 16 BUILD DAKOTA RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED 17 AGTEGRA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED 18 GET INVOLVED WITH AGTEGRA GOVERNANCE 20 KNOCK RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 21 DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: CHAD BOEKELHEIDE 22 KIDS' CORNER 23 SAFETY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

CONTACT US

605-225-5500 | www.agtegra.com Copyright 2024 Agtegra Cooperative. All rights reserved.

Agtegra Cooperative is a local agricultural cooperative headquartered in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is owned by over 6,700 farmers and ranchers, predominantly in North and South Dakota, with a network of over 70 locations and 850 employees.

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

Hello!

Thank you for your business! Growing season is finally here! I attended my first Legion baseball game of the season a few weeks ago, and we will be well into summer by the time this letter goes to print. Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate so we can get this crop off to a great start.

We continue to focus on building relationships with our customers, our employees, and our vendor partners that help put Agtegra in a winning position. This winter, I was able to attend several customer dinners where I got to provide a brief overview of how the cooperative was performing and then listen to feedback. These were great sessions for me. They were well attended by our customers, and it was good to get feedback on areas where we are performing well and areas where we need improvement.

The focus on strategic partner relationships continues to bear fruit as we were able to work with West-Con Cooperative on agronomy storage and sales this year. This has been a major addition to our northeast footprint in agronomy supply chain and logistics, and those benefits have been obvious this spring for our existing customers in those areas.

We have begun our capital planning for 2025, and we continue to focus on projects that will bring more value to our core customers. We focus on projects that will make us more efficient and help contain costs while putting products and services in places that are desired by our customers. Our Energy, Feed, and Agronomy businesses will likely see significant investment again. Additionally, the record 2023 crop has highlighted some areas where we need more efficient grain operations.

As we near the end of our fiscal year, Agtegra is performing well, led by strong execution in Grain.

Agronomy should also have a good year. After the spring of 2023, we made several changes in our custom application service, which combined with the great fall and mild winter, created a great opportunity this spring. We continue to work on improving our processes every day. Our Energy and Feed businesses are also having solid years, and that shouldn’t change as we approach the July 31 finish line.

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

Stay safe, and have a great summer!

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Pioneering a New Legacy Oakes farmer Randy Sell carries on his family's long-standing legacy of farming and strong values of local service to cooperatives as Agtegra's newest director.

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L

ike many farm kids, Randy Sell always had this idea in the back of his mind that he would join his dad full-time on their farm one day. After graduating with an animal science degree from North Dakota State University, Randy took a job at his alma mater as a research economist.

In 2000, 10 years into his professional career, Randy received a phone call from his dad that would bring him back to their family farm near Oakes, North Dakota. Now, Randy could not imagine any other lifestyle for him and his wife, Anna, or a better place to have raised their three children: Makenzie, Kaleb and Logan.

While Randy had traveled between Fargo and Oakes to help his dad and grandpa during college and the first years of his career, the transition back to the farm did not come without its challenges.

“When I first came back, I was so focused on our ROI and making money. My dad, on the other hand, told me he was more worried about the farm’s legacy and the next generation. Twenty-four years later, I’m starting to understand what he meant about the legacy because I care about that too,” says Randy.

Four Generations of the Sell Family: Rod and Rose Sell; Steve and Renae (Randy's sister) Lindgren; Kaleb Sell and his fiancé, Shaunay Jones; Claire and Logan Sell; Makenzie and Jalen Breitbach; Anna Sell; Julianna Breitbach; Randy Sell; Alex and Reece Breitbach

The farm continues to be about continuing the family legacy for the Sells. Randy’s dad, Rod, is still involved in the daily operations of the farm, and his son, Kaleb, comes to the farm as often as his work schedule allows. Randy is also thankful for their employee, Faffa, and others who will help during the busy seasons, including Anna, who is the superintendent at Oakes School District.

Raising their kids on the farm meant that his job became a “we” instead of a “me” career – whatever he was outside doing, his kids were often right alongside him.

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Randy prepares his sprayer for fieldwork on the same land where his great-grandfather originally homesteaded in the early 1900s near Guelph, North Dakota.

"My grandpa Rudy served on the Guelph Farmers Elevator board, and he still had their annual report from 1918. Prices have changed quite a bit in the last 100+ years," says Randy.

There is no other career that could give me that kind of satisfaction of being able to do what I love and do it every day alongside my kids.

You’re all in it together.

Randy’s own childhood included many of the things his kids experienced on the farm. Randy vividly remembers mowing hay for the first time with their 4020 tractor, which is still on the farm today.

“I was probably 12 or 13 when I first drove that tractor,” Randy laughs. “ I pulled into our homestead fast and couldn’t figure out how to stop it. Dad was alongside me with another tractor trying to tell me how to hit the clutch, and I ended up running over his tractor tire before I finally figured it out.”

Farming isn’t the only legacy that the Sell family continues to uphold. Randy, Rod, and Rod’s dad, Rudy, have all shared the value of local service 6

by being on area boards, especially the legacy of service to their local cooperatives. Rudy served on the Guelph Farmers Elevator board and Guelph school board when he was farming the land Rod and Randy are still farming today.

Guelph Farmers Elevator eventually became a part of Norway Spur Farmers Cooperative, whose board Rod and Randy both served on. Randy has served as president of that board for several years.

In 2001, Rod was involved in the decision made between Agtegra and Norway Spur to form James Valley Grain (JVG), a joint grain venture, to better serve their member-owners in their communities. Because of JVG’s business structure, its board consists of representatives from both cooperatives. While Randy was serving on Norway Spur’s board, he also served as their representative to JVG’s board for a little over a decade where he had the opportunity to serve as vice president.

The Sells still use the first tractor Randy drove as a kid - a John Deere 4020.

At Agtegra's 2023 annual meeting, Randy was elected to Agtegra's board of directors.

James Valley Grain and Agtegra Through his involvement in JVG’s board, Randy was able to meet and connect with members of Agtegra’s board, and in 2023, Randy made the decision to run for Agtegra’s available at-large director position. Earlier that year, Agtegra’s board of directors implemented a new policy that at least one of their three at-large directors must be from North Dakota. This intrigued Randy to run for the available at-large position on the 2023 ballot. He was later elected to the position

by Agtegra’s members at the 2023 annual meeting held last December.

As an Agtegra board member, Randy has had the opportunity to interact with members from across Agtegra territory and interact with his fellow directors at their monthly board meetings.

“I’ve learned so much from being on Agtegra’s board already in the first few months,” Randy says. “I think it’s very important to have North Dakota representation on the board as Agtegra continues to grow and serve farmers in my area.”

Randy's involvement with Norway Spur, JVG and Agtegra stems from the cooperative spirit that the two cooperatives have brought together in their joint venture partner.

"Everything that Norway Spur does through JVG and everything that Agtegra does comes through their communities. They're investing back into their communities and helping others - it's why they're called cooperatives."

- Randy When JVG was formed in 2001, members of the two cooperatives decided that better opportunities would arise from coming together in a joint grain venture.

“The two cooperatives decided they could be stronger if they pooled their resources as one unit, which is how JVG came to be,” says Eric Larson, general manager of JVG. 7

At the time of JVG's formation, it only had one location in Oakes. Today, it has grown to include locations in Berlin and Verona. The most recent addition to Oakes' JVG presence includes the recent acquisition of Columbia Grain International's Oakes shuttle loading facility. The company differentiates their two Oakes facilities as East Terminal, which is their original location on the east side of town, and Westgate, the location acquired from Columbia Grain.

Customers that conduct business with JVG can earn patronage from Agtegra and even qualify to be an Agtegra member, which enables them to be involved with Agtegra’s governance.

JVG customers can also participate in Agtegra programs such as Triple Play through their business with JVG. By booking and prepaying fertilizer, seed and crop protection with Agtegra, farmers can qualify to receive grain premiums at JVG and energy and feed discounts.

JVG’s growth has enabled the company to decrease the amount of time trucks have to wait to dump grain at their east location and has increased their storage capacities. Their three shuttle loading facilities, Oakes East Terminal, Oakes Westgate and Verona, have a combined bushel capacity of 19 million bushels.

"Not only does our Triple Play program promote collaboration across Agtegra’s business divisions, but it also allows JVG customers to take advantage of doing agronomy, energy and feed business with Agtegra too. We’re excited to be able to continue promoting programs like Triple Play in our north region through our partnership with JVG,” says Travis.

"The addition of the recent acquisition in Oakes allows JVG to have flexibility with the markets since they have three shuttle loaders in the area in addition to shorter truck lines, more storage capacity, and faster dumping speed, which is all thanks to the management of their successful team," says Agtegra Senior Vice President of Grain Marketing and Rail Logistics Travis Antonsen.

JVG's Chief Financial Officer Tiffany Heier notes how JVG's rail structure offers Agtegra and Norway Spur members unique opportunities.

"Our access to two main lines and two short lines allows us to reach multiple processing, sweetener and ethanol plants, which is something unique to our area," says Tiffany.

While JVG itself is not a cooperative, its ownership by cooperatives and its employees have instilled the cooperative spirit in everything they do.

From supporting area meal programs to local school and community projects, JVG supports not only the towns its locations are in, but several other smaller communities their customers and employees live in too.

JVG's east facility office is shared with Agtegra's Oakes Agronomy location, with JVG officing upstairs and Agtegra occupying the downstairs.

Eric notes how the shared space fosters comradery amongst their two teams.

"We work well together, and if we need help, they are always willing to lend a hand," says Eric.

JVG General Manager Eric Larson and Chief Financial Officer Tiffany Heier

Aerial view of JVG's East Terminal in Oakes

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Agtegra Partners with DFC in Steele

Agtegra continues to support North Dakota farmers by increasing its goods and services and partnering with others such as JVG and Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative (DFC). In 2023, Agtegra announced its newly formed alliance with DFC for the management and operation of DFC’s ag supply center near Steele, North Dakota.

The Steele location is co-branded by both cooperatives, which helps emphasize the importance of collaboration amongst cooperatives to provide their customers with the best products and services available.

“With DFC providing the buildings and infrastructure and Agtegra providing rolling stock and employees, the Steele location is equipped to jointly service both cooperatives and their members," says Agtegra Senior Vice President of Agronomy Daryl Molskness.

Steele currently specializes in offering agronomy products and services to farmers in the area. Over the past year, the region has seen tremendous growth for the agronomy business.

“Many don’t realize the presence Agtegra has in North Dakota, primarily because both legacy cooperatives were headquartered in South Dakota, and the majority of the assets were also in South Dakota.

However, we have served customers all the way north to Interstate 94 and beyond for decades. We continue to see opportunities for expansion of service in North Dakota, whether it be on our own or in partnerships like we have with JVG and DFC. For those reasons, having representation from North Dakota on the board is important, and Randy Sell has been a great addition to our board.”

- Jason Klootwyk, Agtegra CEO

The Steele location is co-branded by both DFC and Agtegra.

"The partnership with DFC in Steele has enabled Agtegra to provide best-in-class service to customers, better asset utilization and efficiency and overall optimization of staffing and service to farmers in the area," says Agtegra CEO Jason Klootwyk.

From relationships with JVG and DFC to a North Dakota at-large director position, Agtegra is committed to serving North Dakota members in the areas it serves and continuing to emphasize the importance of building relationships across the region.

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SOUTHERN GROWTH

E

arlier this year, Agtegra announced its acquisition of Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company's two South Dakota agronomy locations at Mitchell and Tyndall. This addition helps support Agtegra's Strategic Growth priority by providing more South Dakota farmers access to Agtegra's agronomy products and services.

Since the acquisition, employees from the Mitchell location have transitioned to the Agtegra team. Over the course of this spring season, the team at Mitchell and its surrounding locations have stepped up to the plate to serve the customers in the area, spreading fertilizer on a record number of acres soon after the transition.

Agtegra South Region Manager Jack Nelson has been impressed by the region's teamwork.

"A good example of the region's teamwork has been shown through the spring agronomy season. If a field by Mitchell was being spread, a Woonsocket machine and a Stickney Mitchell truck would come help out. That is just one of the many ways our locations have truly demonstrated the cooperative mentality of working together for a common goal," says & Tyndall Jack.

Agronomy Locations Join Agtegra's Footprint 10

While the Tyndall location asset has not been staffed yet, plans are in the works to be able to provide a full array of agronomy services to the area in the coming months.

“We are excited to expand our industry-leading agronomy products, services, and programs in the Mitchell and Tyndall communities. The addition of these two locations will allow us to serve our current customers more efficiently and expand into new markets that complement our current footprint and offerings,” says Agtegra Senior Vice President of Agronomy Daryl Molskness.

MITCHELL seed and crop protection warehouse

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dry and liquid fertilizer storage

TYNDALL

seed and crop protection warehouse liquid fertilizer storage

Farmers look for a stable home, and Agtegra's long-standing legacy provides that for them when they're looking for a place to do business. Because weather varies in different geographies, our southern growth through the addition of Mitchell and Tyndall allows us to diversify our geography into new areas and provide a stable place for farmers to fulfill their agronomy needs.

- Jack Nelson, Agtegra South Region Manager 11

C O R E L

OPERATIONS TRAINING

ast year, Agtegra initiated its first Core Operations Training event, which was designed to provide team members with hands-on safety training and illustrate how safety is not just a priority - it is the top priority.

"One of Agtegra’s strategic focus areas is Protect the Core, which places priority on investment in our most critical asset – our people. Core Operations Training was designed with this in mind. It is a one-of-a-kind, sustainable and repeatable approach to training, where both instruction and hands-on techniques are used by our own team members and industry subject matter experts to teach the safest and best methods necessary to accomplish the important work we do.

There are many methods for teaching foundational safety and operations topics, but in my opinion, Core Operations Training is clearly a leading practice in the industry," says Agtegra Chief Operating Officer Mike Rizor.

The event includes hands-on training in areas such as fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, 12

rope rescue, hazard monitoring, and much more.

This year, the event concluded with keynote speaker Chad Hymas, who shared a powerful message on why safety is a core value to him, which changed his life when a bale of hay shattered his neck almost 20 years ago.

Over the past two years, over 500 Agtegra employees have attended the annual February event.

"Agtegra’s Core Operations Training was designed with one of Agtegra’s key initiatives in mind: Protect the Core. By investing in our employees, providing education on our highest areas of potential exposure and being exposed to inspirational leaders who are willing to share their safety ‘why’, our employees are provided a unique opportunity to network with their peers and Agtegra leadership. This is a unique opportunity to reinvest in our employees and provide continued education around our core operations," says Agtegra Director of Safety and Environmental Beth Locken.

Huron Innovation Center Precision Ag Equipment Technician Sean Crandall suspends from the ceiling during a ropes exercise at the Core Operations Training.

Guest speaker Chad Hymas (left) asks Ipswich Farm Store Manager Michelle Braun a question during his keynote speech.

Director of Safety and Environmental Beth Locken and Electrical Coordinator Joseph Score demonstrate the importance of lockout/tagout.

DOT Compliance Coordinator Quenton Lau and Director of Operations, Maintenance and Reliability Cody Bonn assemble the ropes for the ropes exercise.

Directory of Agronomy Operations Kaleb Bowman talks about pesticide application safety and considerations for the 2024 planting season during his breakout session.

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PR

HE

O

TECT T

CORE

Construction projects across Agtegra territory continue to support the cooperative's Protect the Core strategy, which places priority on projects that will bring more value to our customers and help our divisions run more efficiently. A few of the 2024 fiscal year's projects are highlighted here.

Bin addition construction progress on November 13, 2023

BATH FERTILIZER BIN ADDITION Expected Completion: Summer 2024 • Constructing a new dry fertilizer shed bin, which will allow access to loading transfer trucks without having to wait in blending lines.

BATH FERTILIZER BLEND TOWERS Expected Completion: Winter 2024 • Replacing both existing towers with new HIM (High-Intensity Mixers), which will nearly triple plant blending speed.

• Installing new fill tripper conveyor, impregnation system and automation controls.

Bin addition construction progress on June 20, 2024

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FAULKTON BUNKER Completed: Fall 2023 • Constructed new bunker, which included four-foot aeration walls and a concrete floor.

• Added a piling conveyor as part of the project, which increases efficiency.

Completed bunker on October 20, 2023

WOLSEY FERTILIZER BLEND TOWERS Expected Completion: Fall 2024 • Replacing both existing towers with new HIM mixers, which will nearly triple plant blending speed.

• Installing new impregnation system and automation controls.

Fertilizer blend tower progress on June 20, 2024 West Bowdle Grain bulkweigher progress on June 19, 2024

WEST BOWDLE BULKWEIGHER Expected Completion: Fall 2024 • Replacing existing rail load-out bulkweigher with higher bushel-perhour bulkweigher.

• Constructing new truck load-out and spouting modifications, which will increase handling efficiencies.

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DAKOTA

2024 BUILD

FEATURING

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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. Starting in 2023, Agtegra became an industry partner of the program in supporting a portion of three students' educational expenses. In exchange, these students will intern with Agtegra and will transition to full-time roles after graduating college. This year, Agtegra is supporting three more students through this program, which brings Agtegra's Build Dakota scholar count to six students. Congratulations to the following students on being selected this year!

Interested in learning more about Agtegra's Build Dakota Program?

High school seniors must plan to attend a South Dakota technical college for a degree program within Agtegra's requirements.

Contact Agtegra Talent Management Lead McKenzie DuFresne at mckenzie.dufresne@ agtegra.com for more information!

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JAYDEN ASSMAN

Hometown: Kimball, SD School: Mitchell Technical College Major: Agronomy

TRISTAN GOSCH

Hometown: Aberdeen, SD School: Lake Area Technical College Major: Agriculture Precision Technology

TREY MOODY

Hometown: Woonsocket, SD School: Mitchell Technical College Major: Precision Ag Technology

AGTEGRA SCHOLARSHIP 2024 RECIPIENTS Agtegra Cooperative has awarded scholarships to 10 high school seniors and one college student who are pursuing agricultural degree programs for the 2024-2025 school year at a South or North Dakota post-secondary institution. High school senior recipients will each receive $500, and the college student recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Agtegra’s 2025-2026 scholarship application will become available online at www.agtegra.com/our-communities/scholarships on October 1, 2024.

Congratulations to this year's recipients!

Cameron NOETHLICH

Connor JOHNSON

Dakota JENSEN

DOLAND, SD

DE SMET, SD

HOVEN, SD

Garrett CRAWFORD

Hailey KIZER

Heidi STEFFES

ABERDEEN, SD

HOWARD, SD

LAMOURE, ND

Kellen KUETER

Kara

SIEMIENIEWSKI

Natalie BIEBER

MONTROSE, SD

GENESEO, ND

BOWDLE, SD

Olivia HADRICK

Simon BOWAR COLLEGIATE RECIPIENT

FAULKTON, SD

FAULKTON, SD 17

Agtegra Board of Directors (back to front; left to right) Wallace Knock, Steve Halverson, Joel Erickson, Glen Crawford, Chad Boekelheide, Scott Baumiller, Jay Esser, Jordan Nitschke, Jeff Lakner, Andy Weisser, Kim Vanneman, Matt Johnson, Steve Pfeifer, Randy Sell, Rick Osterday, Chris Eymer and Heather Beaner.

GUIDE GROW GIVE By being involved with Agtegra's governance, members have the chance to guide the future of the cooperative, grow in their leadership and give back to the cooperative and their communities.

Apply to serve as a delegate, director or nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra Cooperative!

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Interested in running for a director, nonvoting advisory director or delegate position? Contact Val Weisser for an application: Val.Weisser@agtegra.com

605-725-8341

Application Deadlines Director: August 16

Delegate: September 1

Nonvoting Advisory Director: September 20

Directors & Delegates Up for Re-Election in 2024 District 4:

District 1:

Director:

Director:

Andy Weisser - Roscoe, SD

Joel Erickson - Langford, SD

Delegates:

Robert Conn - Bristol, SD Nathan Duerre - Bristol, SD Chris Nickeson - Pierpont, SD Scott Sperry - Bath, SD Darin Wiedebush - Mansfield, SD

District 3:

District 2:

Delegates:

Troy Beck - Artas, SD Kelly Bosch - Strasburg, ND Jason Fauth - Leola, SD Evan Haar - Onaka, SD Terry Ulrich - Ashley, ND

Director:

Director:

Chris Eymer - Reliance, SD

Delegates:

Kelvin Grey - St. Lawrence, SD Doug Halverson - Kennebec, SD Jake Horning - Cresbard, SD Norval Millard - Presho, SD Dennis Simons - St. Lawrence, SD

Jay Esser - Redfield, SD

At-Large: Director:

Jeff Lakner - Wessington, SD

Delegates:

Andrew Boomsma - Wolsey, SD Brian Johnson - Frankfort, SD Keith Lambert - Frankfort, SD Jason Pazour - Frankfort, SD Dylan Troske - Northville, SD

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KNOCK RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR T

he National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announced Agtegra Director Wallace “Wally” Knock of Willow Lake, South Dakota, as the 2024 Farmer Co-op Director of the Year. The announcement was made at the NCFC Annual Meeting on Feb. 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Knock joins Jeff Lakner of Wessington, South Dakota, and Hal Clemensen of Aberdeen, South Dakota, as the third Agtegra Cooperative board member to receive the prestigious award.

“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in nominating me for this award,” said Knock. “I am the third person in the last 10 years to receive this award for being involved in Agtegra’s board, and it doesn’t just come by chance that those things happen. It has a lot to do with the culture of this cooperative and the board that encourages that kind of engagement and puts us out there to advocate for co-ops and farmers.”

as committee chair and board member with several other organizations, including Dakotaland Feeds and South Dakota Value-Added Agriculture Center.

Outside of the agriculture industry, Knock has served on the Willow Lake school board where he was the chairman for 18 years in addition to his current service as a commissioner for Clark County for the last six years.

“Everybody at Agtegra congratulates Wally for this well-deserved award. It’s very fitting for him to be recognized for his contributions to the cooperative system,” said Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday.

In addition to the recognition at NCFC’s Annual Meeting, the award comes with a contribution made in Knock’s name to a land grant college or university.

Knock operates a diversified crop and livestock farm near Willow Lake with his wife, Kathy, son, Jared, and daughter-in-law, Katie. Together, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and forage and have a cow-calf, contract hog finishing and sheep operation.

Having been a member of Agtegra Cooperative for 45 years, Knock has served on its board for 22 of those years. As a member of Agtegra’s Governance Committee, Knock has been a frequent spokesperson and resource at community and member meetings for several mergers and unification efforts with other co-ops and their members.

“Wally’s impact has been felt far and wide, from the Agtegra boardroom to his local community to Washington, D.C.; no one represents the farmer coop ideal as well as Wally Knock,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC. Currently, Knock also serves as a director on the Land O’Lakes corporate board. Previously, he served as secretary for Agtegra’s board for over 10 years and 20

Pictured from left to right: Chuck Conner, President & CEO of NCFC; Wally Knock, Agtegra Director; and Jay Debertin, President & CEO of CHS Inc.

DIRECTOR Spotlight

CHAD BOEKELHEIDE

C

had Boekelheide raises corn and soybeans alongside his parents, Jim and Donna, his brother, Scott, and son, Derek, in the Northville and Mellette area. Chad made his way back to the farm after earning a finance degree from Northern State University in 1995. Chad and his wife, Kris, are proud parents to their four children—Derek, Hailey, Jessica, and Ella.

directors and Agtegra’s leadership team. He finds the job rewarding as he expands his knowledge and understanding of the industry and develops a relationship with the leaders and partners of Agtegra.

Chad first served as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra in 2021. He found enjoyment in this position and was enticed to apply for a director position when his advisory term was completed.

Now, Chad is in his second year as a director and has recently been appointed to the CAS board as an Agtegra representative.

Chad has been enjoying the interactions he has with the other

Prior to his involvement as an advisory director, Chad served two terms on the Northwestern Community Foundation. His experience on this board gave him the perspective of just how vital and valuable it is to serve on boards and immerse yourself in community.

“Everyone respects each other and has a common goal of doing what is best for the members," says Chad.

It is common to think you are too busy or not want to step out of your comfort zone, but it is necessary to continue to learn and grow by engaging in new activities.

Along with serving as a director on the finance committee for Agtegra, he is also serving on his church’s finance council.

Interested in learning more about how to get involved with Agtegra's governance? Turn to page 18 for more details about the 2024 Agtegra election process.

Pictured: Chad's family: Derek, Kris, Hailey, Jessica, Ella and Chad Boekelheide

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Let's talk about

K I D S' C O R N E R 22

FARM SAFETY

It's important to be safe on the farm! Learn what is unsafe about each of the images below.

Do not climb ladders without an adult's help. Always have either both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot on the ladder at all times.

Do not stand directly behind animals. Cattle cannot see directly behind them - that area is called their "blind spot."

Never stand too close to a tractor or other farm equipment. The person operating the equipment may not see you, and there are moving parts on many pieces of equipment that are dangerous to be too close to.

Never play near or enter a grain bin! Sometimes, adults may need to check on the grain inside the bin, and they should wear a harness and follow proper procedures when doing so.

SAFETY OUTREACH With over 70 locations between North and South Dakota, Agtegra Cooperative offers its members and the communities we serve with a wide selection of products and services. While designed to support the safety of its facilities and team members, Agtegra's safety department also offers safety outreach programs as one of the services that the cooperative offers to help keep its communities safe.

The safety team, consisting of Director of Safety & Environmental Beth Locken and Regional Safety & Environmental Managers Andy Clemen, Jason Forrest and Bruce Roerick, designed Agtegra's safety outreach programs to educate people of all ages on how to stay safe in a variety of situations, ranging from first aid and CPR classes to farm safety demonstrations. Many of these programs are facilitated at youth agricultural camps, schools, fairs, churches and community front line departments.

Over the years, the safety team has delivered outreach programs to thousands of people, sometimes reaching hundreds in a day.

"We just like helping people as they come," says Jason. "These programs are available to anyone who wants to learn."

To the safety team, their outreach is more than just a program; it's the chance to impact a person's life.

"There is no greater feeling than seeing people months down the road remember why this matters and implement it into their lives," says Beth.

Interested in learning more about how Agtegra's safety team can provide these programs in your community?

Email us at contactus@agtegra.com!

Join us at the Brown County Fair Farm Safety Party!

Thursday, August 15 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Kid's Zone Brown County Fairgrounds | Aberdeen, SD

Free and open to the public!

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908 Lamont Street South Aberdeen, SD 57401

September 12, 2024 | 10 AM - 3 PM Agtegra Research & Technology Plot, Aberdeen, SD • In-field demos • Ride and drives • ATS simulator

• Plot trial tours • Breakout sessions • Keynote speaker

• Door prizes • Food trucks • and more!

Learn more and register to attend at www.agtegra.com/fieldfest