From the Desk of Jeff Krejdl

We can all agree that it has been challenging this year as we near the end of wheat harvest. The damp, humid weather has hampered the ability to get the wheat out of the field in a timely fashion and has kept the moisture content high. That creates challenges for you and us as we try to move that wheat into the marketplace. That said, we have been pleasantly surprised with some of the yields we have seen.

The rains this year have been a welcome sight, especially after what we experienced last year. Unfortunately, some of those rains have come with hail which has undoubtedly caused some crop and property damage throughout the trade territory. As you assess the damage and have questions regarding plant health or your other options, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help, if we can provide some assistance.

We opened our new Jennings facility to receive wheat this year. We had a few hiccups with the startup, but overall it went well. It is an impressive facility, and if you are in the area, I would encourage you to stop by and take a look. We will have an open house for everyone to enjoy before fall harvest, so please watch for that announcement and join us if you can.

As we finish up the financials for the first quarter, I want to pass along that your cooperative is performing well this year. The 2022 drought has undoubtedly affected our volumes in all departments, affecting our sales for the year. Expenses are down, and we continue to see good returns from the regional cooperatives we do business with. The management team and employees are committed to controlling our expenses and finding operational efficiencies while providing you with the best service possible.

At the July board meeting, your Board of Directors voted to redeem the equities of our patrons born in 1945 and those acquired in the Big Springs merger that was earned in 2004. Those equity retirement checks will be issued in August, representing years of support and loyalty to Ag Valley Co-op. We are incredibly pleased to give back to the producers that have supported their local cooperative. That is an essential aspect of being a cooperative system member and sets our business model apart from everyone else.

In closing, I again want to say thank you for your business. We know that we would not exist without you and your business. The rest of the employees of Ag Valley Co-op and I are thankful that you allow us to assist you with your farming operations. Our goal is to help make your operation run smoother. I would welcome the opportunity to visit with you, so please give me a call or stop in Edison and let me know what we can do to help make that happen.

Thank you!

Be sure to congratulate these employees!