From the Desk of Jeff Krejdl

February 28th marks the end of our 2023 fiscal year, and as I reflect on the events of this past year, I can undoubtedly say it has been challenging for all of us. As I look outside at our empty ground piles and bunkers, I always come back to how thankful I am to be part of a cooperative system that has been around for over 100 years and is designed to handle this type of pressure. We continue to watch the geo-political events unfolding worldwide and how they will affect the global, national, regional, and local agricultural supply and commodity markets. As I contemplate that uncertainty, I am reminded of the significant benefits of being part of the cooperative system. We were formed to withstand these pressures and to have the products and services available for you during uncertain times. We assume some risks in these volatile market situations, hopefully allowing you to concentrate on managing and operating your farms.

While I cannot share specific financial results with you right now, your cooperative performed well despite our weather challenges. I look forward to finishing the annual audit and sharing those financial results with you.

Looking ahead, we know that fiscal year 2024 will have challenges. Some we know about, but if the last three years have taught us anything, we know there will be a new set of challenges that none of us can predict. Your Board of Directors and the management team met for our annual strategic planning meeting in early January. We aim to position Ag Valley Co-op to be relevant to your farming operation 1, 5, 10, and 20 years from now. The strategies and initiatives we will focus on in the next 12 months are in place to ensure we are working toward that goal.

Keeping our members return on investment is a priority to us. Ag Valley Co-op will be selling the Holbrook Cardtrol Station to Theron and Katherine Andrews on March 31, 2023. Putting this business into the hands of someone with strong local ties will enhance the services to Holbrook along and the surrounding communities, while allowing Ag Valley to focus on our core lines of business: providing strong grain, agronomy, feed, bulk fuel, and propane services.

In closing, I want to thank you for your business and your support of Ag Valley Co-op. We know we would not exist without your support. We will continue to focus on being your partner in production agriculture and bringing value your operations. We appreciate the opportunity to help you be successful.

Thank you,

Be sure to congratulate these employees!