LEARN HOW AGTEGRA TURNED UNCERTAINTY IN SOYBEAN EXPORT MARKETS INTO OPPORTUNITY
p.13
SAVE THE DATE FOR ANNUAL MEETING + MEET THIS YEAR'S DIRECTOR & DELEGATE CANDIDATES
p.20
READ ABOUT AGTEGRA DIRECTOR WALLY KNOCK'S INDUCTION INTO THE SDAC HALL OF FAME
operates a locomotive remote control while loading a corn train. Learn more about how Agtegra has adopted locomotive remote control technology on page 4.
Pictured: Mellette Grain Operations team member Cameron Akin
FALL 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Rick Osterday | Java, SD
First Vice President
Heather Beaner | Mellette, SD
Second Vice President
Matt Johnson | Webster, SD
Secretary
Steve Halverson | Pierre, SD
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
Matt Micheel | Cavour, SD
Steve Pfeifer | McLaughlin, SD
Randy Sell | Oakes, ND
Kim Vanneman | Winner, SD
Andy Weisser | Roscoe, SD
Nonvoting Advisory Directors
Garrett Masat | Redfield, SD
Casey Nilsson | Mansfield, SD
LEADERSHIP
Jason Klootwyk | Chief Executive Officer
Paul Forst | Chief Finance & Technology Officer
Mike Rizor | Chief Operating Officer
Kristi Johnson | Chief Human Resources Officer
Mike Traxinger | Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Government Affairs
Milt Handcock | Senior Vice President, Energy & Feed CONTACT
605-225-5500 | www.agtegra.com
Agtegra
FROM THE CEO
JASON KLOOTWYK JASON.KLOOTWYK@AGTEGRA.COM
Hello!
As the Fall 2025 edition of the Link goes to print, harvest is going strong across Agtegra’s operating region. While the soybean yields did not achieve their potential, the returns so far on corn harvest have been robust. Thank you for allowing us to serve your family and farm this season and for your continued support of Agtegra Cooperative.
The corn crop is big - the largest we have ever handled - with multiple record volume days at our locations. I’m proud of the work the team did to plan for this, starting last fall with the Agtegra Board of Directors authorizing an additional 17 million bushels of grain storage space and related capacity improvements. Despite the challenging market conditions, we have stayed aggressive on corn sales, working to keep our locations open and able to serve. I want to thank our dedicated team of employees for their service and commitment to the long hours needed to get this harvest wrapped up.
Agtegra closed out another strong fiscal year 2025, led by solid performance in grain handling and agronomy sales and record volumes in energy. We will provide a more thorough reporting of our financials at our upcoming annual meeting in December, but we paid almost $13.5 million out in equity distributions back to our member-owners and invested over $100 million in the business with new and improved assets while adding $33 million in new equity to the balance sheet. I’m proud of what the team accomplished in FY 2025, and we are off to a strong start in FY 2026 with a record-setting harvest.
We recognize the current challenging operating conditions for the farm economy, and your cooperative is no different. We will continue to focus on reducing costs while becoming more efficient in our processes and product offerings. We must maintain the service quality you expect from your local cooperative while still pursuing growth and working with potential partners to leverage size and scale.
I want to close by thanking our customers for their business and our valued team members for their effort and dedication.
Stay safe and have a great holiday season!
THE BRAIN OF THE TRAIN
How Agtegra Cooperative’s Grain Teams Use Locomotive Remote Controls to Boost Safety and Streamline Train Loading
While an essential part of Agtegra’s grain business, loading trains to ship grain for export can often be viewed as a time-consuming and complex process, requiring a constant stream of communication via radio between employees for the several hours it takes to load a 110-car shuttle.
Most train loadings typically require at least four employees. One employee operates the locomotive, pulling it forward as grain is dispensed from the elevator. Another monitors the process from the control room, managing the control panel that transfers grain from the elevator into the railcars while keeping an eye on the train through the loading window. Meanwhile, two additional team members, secured with safety harnesses, walk along the tops of the railcars to open, close, and seal
the lids as grain is loaded.
To ensure safety and coordination, the team relies heavily on radio communication. Adjustments are often needed—sometimes the train must inch forward or backward to align the grain spout with the car’s opening. What seems like a minor correction actually involves several radio exchanges: signaling the locomotive operator, confirming clearance from the lid crew, and getting final approval from the control room. This back-and-forth happens every time the train shifts, adding to the overall loading time. And when radio signals lag or drop, the delay not only slows the process—it poses safety risks.
Enter the locomotive remote control.
Designed to enhance efficiency and safety of train loading processes, the
remote control system has two main pieces of equipment – a box that is placed on the lead locomotive and the remote itself. The remote can do anything that the control panel of the locomotive can do – from brakes to horns, it becomes the new “brain” of the train.
The remote can operate 3,500+ feet from the locomotive, which allows it to be operated from the control room where the operator is loading grain. Now, instead of having to radio back and forth with the locomotive operator to move the train, the operator can do so with the remote and line up the grain spout seamlessly, right from the loading window. This greatly enhances speed and efficiency in loading trains.
Agtegra owns three of these remotes, which rotate between its
grain locations depending on train loading schedules. The Mellette location has been using a remote control for two years now and has seen an increase in efficiency because of its use.
“Our team is able to be much more accurate when loading because we aren’t relying on a person a radio call away to move the train. Instead of grabbing for a radio and the inevitable delay in movement, it’s the push of a button now, right from the loading window,” Mellette Grain Manager Jonathan Knight said.
Safety is always a priority at Agtegra, and that’s especially true when team members are working atop railcars to open and close lids. With remote and elevator operations located next to the train loading platform, the operator has a clear view to ensure both team members are ready before the train
The locomotive remote control can be operated from anywhere within 3,500+ feet from the locomotive, meaning it can be housed in the control room, right where the operator can see the grain flowing into the railcars.
moves. The remote system also includes horns and other audible signals that provide safety alerts and operational cues, helping communicate locomotive status and operator actions to the crew on top of the railcars.
“The remote’s horns and buzzers make it much easier to communicate with the guys who are on top of the railcars. They can hear it easily, which helps keep them safe when communicating what the operator’s next move is,” Jonathan said.
At locations where the locomotive may cross a road during loading, Agtegra continues to prioritize public safety. Team members place train crossing barricades to alert traffic, and the remote operator still sounds the horn when approaching certain crossings—just as was done when an operator was physically inside the locomotive. To reassure passersby, signage is displayed on the locomotive indicating it’s being operated remotely. In Mellette, cameras mounted on buildings along the track provide the remote operator with a clear view of the locomotive’s movement, ensuring safe and efficient operation throughout the process.
Some may worry that automating a process like the locomotive operation removes the need for people. However, someone still must operate the remote, and the person who used to sit in the locomotive for several hours at a time can now work in other areas of the facility during this time.
“We operate in a challenging environment for sourcing talent; engaging automation allows us to focus on our employees' development and enhance Agtegra operations, creating strong business continuity for our member-owners.”
- Mike
Rizor,
Agtegra Chief Operating Officer
Innovative technologies are paving the way for increased automation across the industry. While human involvement remains essential, these advancements offer safer and more efficient ways for employees to perform their tasks. Companies have started introducing technologies such as autonomous railcar loading, which includes systems capable of opening, closing, and sealing railcars automatically. Beyond train loading, grain elevator functions like operating grain dryers can be managed remotely from miles away. This allows on-site staff to concentrate on supporting farmers, while others focus on monitoring and managing equipment from a distance.
“Staying with the leading edge of technology is a critical focus for Agtegra; we can integrate these new advancements in our people and processes to increase our effectiveness,” Mike said.
Mellette Grain Operations team member Cameron Akin stands in the control room at the Mellette grain elevator where he can load the train and operate the locomotive remote, all in one place.
The remote control system has two main pieces of equipment - a box that is placed on the lead locomotive and the remote itself. The box can be seen on the front of the train steps here.
Mellette Grain Operations team member Jorge Machado seals the lid of a railcar.
APPLICANTS WHO:
Attend a two- or four-year post-secondary institution in North or South Dakota
Pursue an agricultural degree/ program or career field after college graduation
Apply by February 27, 2026
COULD RECEIVE:
$1,000!
Ten scholarships available for the Class of 2026, plus one collegiate scholarship!
TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO
O P P O R T U N I T Y
Uncertainty is a constant in agriculture—whether it’s unpredictable weather or shifting trade dynamics, the unknown can be daunting. That’s why Agtegra Cooperative stands ready to support farmers through every challenge, serving as a dependable partner no matter what lies ahead. When questions emerged around the soybean export market earlier this year, we stayed the course— strategizing, adapting, and ensuring our customers had access to a stable and reliable market for their grain.
Agtegra’s grain team started planning for this fall’s harvest long before the seeds were even planted in the ground. From freight decisions and investments to storage plans, the team’s early, thorough planning helps our member-owners get their crops to market efficiently.
Because of this early planning for harvest, Agtegra was prepared for
the uncertainty that loomed in the soybean market this year. While many farmers are used to seeing Agtegra facilities ship soybeans during harvest, many of those soybeans were stored. Meanwhile, opportunities in the corn export markets, combined with our early freight planning, enabled us to ship corn during harvest instead.
Last year, Agtegra’s board of directors approved a grain storage investment project that included adding 17 million bushels in grain storage and investing in dumping speed at nine grain receiving locations. This additional storage capacity enabled Agtegra to store more bushels this fall as the harvested crop started rolling into our facilities. On top of that, Agtegra continued to pile grain in bunkers and on the ground to keep farmers moving all harvest long.
“When farmers market their grain at Agtegra, we’re going to strive to find them the best value for that bushel for them. That’s what they built the co-op for, and that’s what we’re here to do.”
- Travis Antonsen, Agtegra Senior Vice President of Grain Marketing & Rail Logistics
When a soybean export program didn’t appear feasible for the fall harvest season, Agtegra’s grain team started making plans to handle and store beans until the market needed them. A few of these market opportunities included shipping beans domestically to processing
plants and to St. Louis, which offers access to Gulf export markets via the Mississippi River route to New Orleans.
"Throughout harvest, we have been poised to be flexible with whichever market presented the best opportunity for our farmers. If that meant storing beans until that opportunity came, we did. If our traditional export market via the PNW came available, we were poised to reach that market, too," Travis said.
In an industry where uncertainty is a mainstay, it's the unwavering foundations that help farmers persevere. That’s why Agtegra Cooperative remains a dependable partner—committed to supporting farmers through every challenge. Built on a locally-grown legacy of strength and stability, we continue to look ahead, planning for a future rooted in trust and progress.
That’s who we are.
With a growing number of soybean processing plants in the upper Midwest, domestic market opportunities have grown significantly, too. Processing plants provide solid marketing opportunities for soybeans to stay here and be made into locally-grown and processed products like renewable diesel. A map of several soybean processing plants located in the upper Midwest can be found below.
FAMILY REUNION
At Agtegra, our annual Appreciation Night event feels a lot like a family reunion — because in many ways, it is. It’s a time when familiar faces come together to share stories, laughter, good food and good times, surrounded by the people who make our work meaningful. Just like family, we depend on one another, each playing a vital role in keeping our cooperative strong and growing. This gathering is more than a thank you — it’s a celebration of shared values, hard work and the deep-rooted connections that bind our community. Whether you’ve been part of Agtegra for decades or just joined, you’re part of the family
312
5,600
200
144
4,700 CONCERT ATTENDEES
183 BUS RIDERS
48 SPONSORS
DENNIS SCHOCK
40 YEARS BOWDLE APPLICATOR
Congratulations to our 40-year service milestone recipient, Dennis Schock! Dennis was recognized for his achievement at the 2025 Appreciation Night employee recognition event for his dedication to the Agtegra Cooperative team.
Agtegra offers full-service solutions for your whole farm - everything from ear tags to fertilizer! As a member-owner of a local cooperative, taking advantage of the comprehensive portfolio Agtegra has to offer benefits your farm, Agtegra and the community you live in. We’re celebrating our employees and member-owners who support Agtegra’s whole offering with our sixth annual summer concert at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, SD on August 1, 2026!
HOW MEMBERS CAN EARN CONCERT TICKETS:
Purchase or sell a minimum of $5,000 in at least three categories to receive:
3 categories = 2 tickets
4 categories = 4 tickets
5 categories = 6 tickets
6 categories = 8 tickets and 2 VIP passes
7 categories = 10 tickets and 4 VIP passes
Qualifying purchase dates: August 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. Agtegra Cooperative employees will receive 2 tickets to the event.
SAVE DATE THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 | DAKOTA EVENT CENTER | ABERDEEN, S.D.
MONDAY FRIDAY 19
TUESDAY
THURSDAY 16 17 18
WEDNESDAY
Annual Meeting!
As a local cooperative owned and governed by agricultural producers, our primary focus is always to serve our members. During Agtegra Cooperative's Annual Member Meeting on December 17th, members will have the opportunity to learn more about the cooperative's accomplishments, earnings and patronage allocated and paid to patrons over the past year. One of the essential ways members govern the cooperative is by voting to elect directors and delegates who represent the members. Ballot and voting information was mailed and emailed on October 31st. Keep reading to learn more about this year's director and delegate candidates. The map to the right depicts Agtegra's territorial districts; members may vote for a director at-large and director and delegate candidates from their respective district. For more information about the annual member meeting, registration information and director and delegate candidate information, visit agtegra.com/meeting.
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Every Agtegra member can vote for the at-large director position, regardless of which district they are from.
Chad Boekelheide of Northville, SD, grows corn and soybeans alongside his parents, brother and son. Chad has served on Agtegra Cooperative’s board as a director for the past two years and as a nonvoting advisory director for one year. Additionally, Chad has served on his local school’s community foundation and church’s finance council. Chad believes that his listening abilities, analytical decision making and respect for others’ opinions will serve him well in this role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Chad responded: “The co-op system is beneficial for many reasons, such as member ownership, stability, positive impact to local communities and patronage. It is important that members get involved with strategic direction of the co-op as well as protecting member interests and building long-term relevance in a changing world.”
DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Matt Johnson of Webster, SD, grows corn and soybeans alongside his brother and their families. Matt has been on Agtegra Cooperative’s board for 18 years where he has served as the second vice president and on the finance and executive committees.
He is a graduate of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program and has received training from the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives and FCCS Advanced Governance Series. Matt also serves as board chairman of James Valley Grain.
Matt’s passion for learning, strategic thinking abilities and collaboration are qualities he believes will serve him well on Agtegra’s board.
When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Matt responded: “Agtegra’s profits stay local in our communities. It helps build our level of service and expand our services we can offer our customers.”
DISTRICT 1 DELEGATE CANDIDATES
For biographies on each delegate candidate, visit agtegra.com/meeting, or scan the QR code above.
Justin Deutsch Langford, SD
Casey Nilsson Mansfield, SD
Matthew Sperry Bath, SD
Carson Stange Stratford, SD
Mike Vogel LaMoure, ND
DISTRICT 2 DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Mark Boekelheide Northville, SD
Randy
DISTRICT 2 DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Heather Beaner of Mellette, SD, farms row crops alongside her husband on her family’s fourthgeneration farm. Heather has been involved with Agtegra Cooperative’s governance as both a delegate and director, including serving as first vice president. Additionally, she has served in leadership positions in a variety of other organizations, ranging from the SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council to the American Legion.
Heather’s knowledge and passion for the cooperative system, dedication to the board and skill set are qualities she believes will serve her well in this role.
When asked why she is passionate about the cooperative system, Heather responded: “Cooperatives form the framework for our farming communities and are vital for the free business environment our farms need to be successful. When the producers can own the business and all the profits are reinvested back into the co-op or paid out to member-owners, everybody wins.”
Nathan Glanzer Carpenter, SD
Nelson Carpenter, SD
Rory Troske Turton, SD
Eric Zell Huron, SD
Nicole Erasmus Huron, SD Special Delegate Election (1-year term)
DISTRICT 3 DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Kim Vanneman of Winner, SD, operates a diversified crop and beef farm alongside her husband, son and daughter-inlaw. In addition to serving on Agtegra Cooperative’s board, Kim’s leadership experiences have included serving as South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, member of the South Dakota legislature, including serving as chair and vice chair on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee and numerous roles within the Farm Credit Services of America organization and its boards and committees and graduating from the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program.
Kim believes her strategic thinking, listening skills and commitment will serve her well in this role.
When asked why she is passionate about the cooperative system, Kim responded: “The cooperative model allows for the customer-owners to be part of the governance of the organization. Customer-owner representation gives a valued perspective to management in strategic planning.”
DISTRICT 3 DELEGATE CANDIDATES
For biographies on each delegate candidate, visit agtegra.com/meeting, or scan the QR code above.
Ryley Beidler Orient, SD
Tom Hills Kennebec, SD
Liam McManus Reliance, SD
Ronnie Prien Stickney, SD
Slade Roseland Faulkton, SD
DISTRICT 4 DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Don Eberle Strasburg, ND
Andy Hulm Hague, ND
Ashley Terhark McLaughlin, SD
DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Caleb Wiest of Herreid, SD, farms and ranches with his dad, his wife and their two sons. Caleb has been involved in Agtegra Cooperative’s governance for the past five years as a delegate. He is also involved in his local church council by serving as vice president.
Submit your ballots by December 16th at 12:00 p.m. CST!
Caleb believes that qualities of efficiency, time prioritization and Agtegra delegate experience will serve him well in this role on the board.
When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Caleb responded: “Co-ops have been around for generations. I am a fourth-generation farmer and am raising what I hope turns into the fifth generation. Co-ops are good for communities, and small communities need co-ops. I want to help Agtegra make decisions that will help those communities.”
Steven Gill Java, SD
Candice Mizera McLaughlin, SD
GENERATING IMPACT:
A glimpse into how Agtegra First interns provide value to the cooperative beyond their summer
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Agtegra First internship program is that interns leave with far more than just a résumé boost—they gain meaningful, hands-on experiences that reinforce their academic learning and often shape their future career paths. In return, these interns bring fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to the cooperative, leaving a lasting impression that can influence Agtegra’s future in powerful ways.
Agtegra First interns can impact the future of the cooperative through the variety of projects they work on throughout the summer. From piloting an internal technology program to trialing a new agronomic product on a plot, our interns' projects provide real-world findings that impact future directions and decisions that the cooperative makes, proving the real impact interns can have on the cooperative.
Some internship projects involve a one-on-one collaboration between an intern and their supervisor, while others offer team-based opportunities where interns work collectively on shared goals. For example, this summer, a team of
internships
engineering interns collaborated on a group project where they identified methods to increase operational efficiency at one of Agtegra's grain locations. Because of their findings, Agtegra was able to implement their recommendations and increase the location's operational efficiency prior to the busy harvest season. Additionally, this project allowed the intern team to drive awareness around process efficiencies that impacted more than just the location their project was focused on - from power consumption to grain flow planning, their research generated an impact on operational efficiency across the cooperative.
"Bringing in the engineering competencies and skills these interns are learning about in school has driven our operational efficiency at Agtegra," Agtegra Vice President, Operations - Operational Excellence Ethan Taube said.
Another group of interns worked with Agtegra's seed & technology team this summer to research a specific corn trait's performance when planted right here in Agtegra territory. By selecting fields across the region, the data gathered
from these trials allows Agtegra agronomists and farmers a better understanding of how new traits perform in soil types similar to their own fields through the various plant characteristics the team observed all growing season, from plant stand to stalk width and more. In the end, this research will impact how Agtegra promotes the corn trait to our customers.
"These interns brought back very valuable information to our company. They spent a great deal of time both in and out of the field utilizing all their available resources to collect data to bring back to the team. They also did an excellent job collaborating as a group and each bringing their strengths forward to best research this corn trait," Agtegra Seed & Technology Specialist Allison Hohn said.
Intern projects are more than learning experiences—they're meaningful contributions that help shape the cooperative's future.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Agtegra IT Infrastructure Interns Camara Raap (left) and Corbin Mackaben (right) give a presentation on their summer project in August.
Agtegra Cooperative team members had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and U.S. Senator John Hoeven at the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee event at The Brown County Fair in Aberdeen, South Dakota, this summer.
The senators provided valuable updates on key issues in Washington, D.C., including making Section 199A permanent law, recent updates to farm programs and the Farm Bill.
Government Affairs
August Congressional Visits
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson stopped by Agtegra Cooperative to meet with members of our leadership team and board of directors to discuss trade and other key issues affecting our cooperative and farmer-owners.
TheSouth Dakota Association of Cooperatives (SDAC) inducted Wallace “Wally” Knock of Willow Lake, South Dakota, as the 100th inductee into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The SDAC Hall of Fame is the highest honor the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state.
Wally and his wife, Kathy, farm with their son, Jared, and his wife, Kati; and their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Joe. Together, they run a diversified crop and livestock farm where they grow corn, soybeans and hay; run cow/calf pairs; custom feed pigs and lamb out ewes.
As a current Agtegra Cooperative director, Wally has served on Agtegra’s board for over 24 years, including more than a decade as the board’s secretary. His leadership has helped shepherd Agtegra through transformational growth, successful mergers and millions in capital reinvestment.
Characterized by unwavering commitment, visionary thinking and tireless advocacy for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities, Wally’s life and career exemplifies the essence of cooperative leadership. His influence across South Dakota’s cooperative landscape is built on the foundation of a life lived in service—anchored in values, shaped by experience and driven by a clear vision for the future of rural communities. Beginning his farming career during the economic hardships
of the 1980s, Wally quickly recognized cooperatives weren’t just helpful –they were essential.
“Wally Knock is more than a cooperative leader—he’s a statesman, a servant and a friend. His presence commands respect, his insight brings wisdom and his actions speak volumes,” Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday said.
Wally also serves as South Dakota’s sole representative on the Land O’Lakes board of directors, providing a voice for the state’s producers in national-level discussions focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term cooperative strength. His involvement in this role exemplifies statesmanship—advocating for the greater good with a deep understanding of both the local impact and broader cooperative system.
As chairman of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ (NCFC) Animal Agriculture Subcommittee for over a decade, Wally has guided national advocacy efforts on behalf of livestock producers, influencing federal policy on issues ranging from nutrition to environmental stewardship. He regularly meets with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the cooperative system and South Dakota agriculture.
In addition to his work with Agtegra and Land O’Lakes, Wally’s leadership roles have included serving as chairman of Dakotaland Feeds Board of Governors, president of the South Dakota Value-Added Agriculture Development Center, 21 years on
KNOCK
INDUCTED INTO SDAC HALL OF FAME
the Willow Lake School Board (18 of which he served as chairman), Clark County commissioner, now serving his second term as chair, ten years as a 4-H leader, chairman of the Lake Gospel Church council and active community member and mentor across generations.
Wally is also a member of several state ag associations, including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Pork Producers Council, Corn Growers and Soybean Association. He has also consistently pursued continuing education and governance training, obtaining his FCC Services Advanced Governance Certification and the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Director Certification. A graduate of South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership (SDARL) Class III, Wally exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and improvement.
Wally’s most enduring impact, however, may be his mentorship. He has helped shape countless new cooperative directors, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to continue the legacy of thoughtful, member-focused governance. He does not impose his views; he inspires action through listening, learning and leading by example.
“One of the most telling signs of Wally’s character is how we strategically seat new, non-voting members next to him in board meetings,” Rick said. “Why? Because we know that if they sit beside Wally, they’ll learn—how to listen, how to lead and how to serve with integrity. That’s mentorship. That’s impact.”
DIRECTOR CHRIS EYMER Spotlight
Chris Eymer and his wife, Gayle, have been married for 41 years. Together, they raise cattle, sheep and dairy goats on their family farm. Chris and Gayle have two sons and two daughters-in-law — Conrad and McKenzie and Corwin and Kadi.
Deeply rooted in his community, Chris serves as township supervisor and president of his church board and is actively involved with the local fire department and the Reliance Area Community Development Club.
Chris has also dedicated 17 years to serving as a director for Agtegra Cooperative and previously held the role of secretary for the Kennebec Farmers Elevator Board.
“My seat was appointed as part of our merger agreement,” Chris explained. “After my first term, I realized how much I enjoyed representing my district and serving as a director, so I’ve run in all subsequent elections.”
With over 40 years of experience in farming and ranching, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, a deep belief in the cooperative system and valuable board experience to his role as director. His enthusiasm for the cooperative model is personal and longstanding.
“Compared to doing business with a private company, working with a cooperative is a no-brainer — we own it.”
- Chris Eymer
“My grandfather invested in the startup of our local cooperative,” Chris said. “It’s been part of our operation since I started farming. As a smallerscale farmer, being involved in Agtegra’s governance allows me
to serve something much larger than myself, and it helps me to be a better producer."
For Chris, the most rewarding part of serving as a director is helping shape the cooperative’s direction to meet the needs of its patrons — both today and in the future. He encourages others to get involved with their cooperative, sharing: “You’ll be more satisfied and knowledgeable than you can imagine. Plus, you’ll meet remarkable people who are passionate about agriculture.”
When asked what he loves most about agriculture, Chris doesn’t hesitate: “Everything. There’s so much variety in our rural lives. We’re constantly learning and evolving to stay ahead of change. Growing crops, livestock, and our families — it’s the greatest job ever.”
Left: Chris with his family. Right: Chris (center) interacts with fellow Agtegra Directors Joel Erickson (left) and Steve Halverson (right) at a board meeting.
with Dakotaland Feeds
Agtegra Cooperative's livestock nutrition partner, Dakotaland Feeds, was formed in 2000 as a joint venture between Farmland Industries (now part of Land O'Lakes Purina Animal Nutrition) and both of Agtegra's legacy cooperatives, South Dakota Wheat Growers and North Central Farmers Elevator. Today, Dakotaland Feeds manufactures and distributes dry feeds, minerals and liquid supplements, and Dakotaland Feeds sales representatives work with Agtegra Feed locations to ensure customers have the feed they need when and where they need it. Hear from Dakotaland Feeds Staff Nutritionist, Roxanne Knock, about nutritional considerations for this fall season!
GRAZING CORNSTALKS
Wantanother $0.09/bu for your corn??
If you don't have cattle yourself, why not let your neighbor graze cows on your cornstalks? At $0.50/head/day and an acre lasting a cow around 30 days, that is $15.00. If your corn averaged 165 bushels an acre, for example, that would be equal to about $0.09/bu.
Residue management is a big deal. When a cow eats the residue, she gives rumen microbes all sorts of access to the stalk, breaking it down both mechanically (by chewing) and microbially in the rumen. Then, it is processed into more available nitrogen and smaller particles when spread out on your field as manure. Talk about added biology!
Struggle with volunteer corn in your soybean fields? Cows can help you take care of that! If you planted RoundUp Ready® corn last year, it will still be resistant to glyphosate when it germinates as volunteer corn in your soybean field this year. Now, the glyphosate being sprayed on your beans will not kill one particular weed - that RoundUp Ready volunteer corn. Cows can
help prevent that volunteer corn for you by finding every kernel left in the field this fall. This is particularly helpful in years where we have a lot of ear drop.
Why not let someone graze cattle on your stalks? The first reason I usually hear from farmers is compaction concern. The University of Nebraska has over a decade of data on yields of both corn and soybeans after fall grazing, and they have found both corn and soybean yields INCREASED. Even when they did spring grazing to try to make compaction worse, yields were still slightly higher the following year. Additionally, Iowa State University has found that penetration resistance is not affected if the ground is frozen during grazing. So, let them graze stalks after the ground is frozen.
A four-year study at the University of Illinois found that winter cover crops and cool-season pastures (as compared to continuous corn) improved corn yield despite some increase in penetration resistance. The integrated crop-livestock system in the study also indicated improved total carbon and total organic carbon along with better particulate
Roxanne Knock, PhD
Dakotaland Feeds Staff Nutritionist
organic matter as compared to the continuous corn.
No fence? No problem! A hotwire can be run in an afternoon and charged with a solar charger. It can be pulled out when grazing is done, and you can continue to plant right to the property line like you have been.
No water? Whether you need to haul water to the cows or open a gate and let them in another area to go drink, providing water access can be a simple fix. It isn’t a bad thing to have cows walking ½ a mile to drink - a mile or farther might be less than ideal, but still workable.
You have the potential to turn your corn residue from a problematic cost center to a profit center by letting cows graze your cornstalks.
