The Kansas Agribusiness Update, Fall 2014

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

The Kansas

Fall 2014

AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE

The official publication of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

Kansas Agri Business Expo, November 19-20 2015 Sponsorship Commitments Due December 1 Summer Training Programs Recap

Fall 2014

THE KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS UPDATE

K S A G R E T A I L E R S . O R G

CONTENTS Come “Blaze New Trails” at the 2014 Kansas Agri Business Expo on November 19-20...3 Scholarship Auction to Raise Funds for Agricultural Education...3 The Expo Has Gone Mobile...4

President & CEO Tom R. Tunnell Senior VP, Government Affairs Ron Seeber

1A Recertification Offered in One Day...4 CEU Bonus Session Available in December...4 Kansas Applicator Institute a Success...4

Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Jensen Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey

Field Days Draws a Crowd...4 Agribusiness Industry Gathers in Manhattan for Annual Meeting...5 TAL Class Lobbies Washington...6

Vice President of Event Planning Shari Bennett VP of Member Services Mauri Ann Domer

2015 TAL Class Applicants Needed...6

VP of Marketing & Communications Shahira Stafford

Become a KARA Partner in 2015...7 ResponsibleAg Initiative Holds Inaugural Auditor Credentialing Course...8 Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting...8

Legal-Link...Newest KARA Benefit...8 KARA Goes on No-Ties Tour...9 CCA Board Announces Anniversary Members...10 KARA Welcomes New Members...10

Senior Director of Internal Operations Lisa Anschutz Executive Assistant to the President Julie Stueve The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.

Mail contributions to KARA, Attention: Shahira Stafford, 816 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612. The KARA team welcomes your comments, contributions and suggestions.

Trade Talk...10 Advertising Opportunities...10 Member Spotlight: Tim Giesick, Garden City Coop...11

Annual subscriptions for members can be purchased for $25.00. © 2014 KARA Read this newsletter online at www.ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters. ........................................................................

To follow us on Facebook, search for KARA. For Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ ksagretailers.

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KANSAS AGRI BUSINESS EXPO

Come “Blaze New Trails” at the 2014 Kansas Agri Business Expo on November 19-20 On November 19-20, the Kansas Agri Business Expo (KABE) will be “Blazing New Trails” with exciting changes! Instead of educational speakers that take attendees away from the trade show, there will be two “New Products & Technology” sessions directly on the floor. This will give exhibitors a chance to showcase their new services and give attendees a first-look at the latest and greatest in the industry.

Don't miss keynote speaker, Colonel David Hunt, give the main address during the Thursday morning breakfast. Aside from his 30 years of extensive military and intelligence service to the United States, Colonel Hunt is now considered the "Best Military Analyst in the Business" and Fox News’ "Go to Guy on the War."

Colonel David Hunt

Loop Rawlins

Rusty Rierson

Attendees will not be disappointed by this year's entertainment. Loop Rawlins will perform his Wild West Show on Wednesday and Thursday on the trade show floor. Loop is one of the most versatile Western Performers in the world today and has been featured on ABC, History Channel and MTV. Don’t forget to come dressed in your best western gear for this year’s Chairmen’s “Boots & Bling” Reception. Cash prizes will be given to one man and one woman with the best cowboy boots; and live music will be provided by Rusty Rierson, a country western artist from Leon, KS. Visit www.ksabe.org for hotel accommodations, schedule of events and to register for the largest, indoor agribusiness show in the Midwest!

Scholarship Auction to Raise Funds for Agricultural Education The 2014 Scholarship Auction at the Expo will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Century II Convention Center. All proceeds from this auction directly benefit high school and college students in Kansas wanting to pursue an education in agricultural-related fields by providing much needed financial relief for deserving students and their families.

This auction is the only fundraiser for the KARA scholarship program, and your participation will be a HUGE part of its success. Because of your contribution, we can continue to support agricultural education in Kansas and further our industry's future workforce.

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TRAINING PROGRAMS

The Expo Has Gone Mobile!

KARA strongly encourages Expo attendees to download the FREE mobile guide to enhance the experience at the Kansas Agri Business Expo on November 19-20, 2014 in Wichita. Attendees will be able to plan the day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, entertainment, speakers, maps and general show info.

Kansas Applicator Institute a Success Over 150 members attended the Kansas Applicator Institute in Hutchinson on August 6-7. Presentations were given by KSU and UNL professors, and agronomists from Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, United Suppliers, BASF and WinField.

Speakers from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and TeeJet Technologies were also featured. Thank you also to all of the exhibitors that participated in the Ride and Drive portion of the program.

The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches and Android devices. Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry users can access the same information via our mobile site at http://guidebook.com/browse/.

To get the guide, choose a method below: 

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Download 'Guidebook' from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace Visit http://guidebook.com/ getit from your phone's browser Scan the following image with your mobile phone (QR-Code reader required, e.g. 'Red Laser Barcode Scanner' recommended) The guide will be listed under the "Download Guides" section of the application.

Attendees get a close-up look at precision ag equipment during the Ride and Drive program at the Kansas Applicator Institute.

Field Days Draws a Crowd KSU Field Day brought 93 agronomy professionals  to the North Agronomy Farm on July 8-11.

Highlighted topics from this year’s program include: Insects, Diseases, Weed ID, Herbicide Efficacy, Mode of Action, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. A special thank you to Dorivar Ruiz Diaz for his 1A Recertification Offered in One Day Take advantage of the 1A Recertification offered at partnership to make Field Day a successful event. the Kansas Agri Business Expo on November 20 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita.

Individuals whose certification expires in December 2014, 2015 or 2016 will be able to earn all hours needed to recertify. See the enclosed form to register.

CEU Bonus Session Available in December Join KARA for an end-of-the-year CEU Bonus Session on December 3 in Salina. Featured topics range from Technology to Mechanical Soil Testing.

This program will count for 7 CEU credit hours. The registration cost for members and CCA's is $100. See the enclosed form to register.

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KSU Field Days provides members with the latest advancements in the university’s agronomy research.

ANNUAL MEETING

Agribusiness Industry Gathers in Manhattan for Annual Meeting KARA enjoyed another successful Annual Meeting with 106 members gathered in Manhattan at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Conference Center on August 18-19. KARA was honored to have Governor Sam Brownback as the keynote speaker during the Tuesday morning breakfast. Then, KSU Basketball Coach Bruce Weber and Scott Rawlins with Wilbur-Ellis as our educational session presenters. Of course, it wasn’t all business. Monday night’s social dinner followed by video horseracing, as well as the Chairman’s Golf Outing on Tuesday afternoon all were opportunities for members and enjoy good food and fellowship.

Roland Martin and Troy Coon visit before the Welcome Dinner on Monday night.

Bruce Weber gives members an inside look at the 20142015 KSU basketball team and season line-up.

Attendees hear from Governor Sam Brownback as he speaks candidly about his contentious run for reelection.

Congratulations to Roger Long, Rosen’s Inc., for being named the 2014 Distinguished Service Award Winner.

Wyatt Rundel, Rick Vrbas and Tim White win the top three cash prizes during the “Night at the Races” video horseracing event on Monday evening.

(l-r) KARA Chairman Mike Shirley, David Convoy, Tom Tunnell, and Dave Wilcox enjoy an afternoon of golf during the Chairman’s Golf Outing.

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TOMORROW’S AGRIBUSINESS LEADERS

TAL Class Lobbies Washington In July, the 2014 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders class traveled to Washington D.C. for Session II, where they gained invaluable experience and contacts that will allow them to grow professionally and add to their respective companies, the industry and associations.

2015 TAL Class Applicants Needed The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders (TAL) Program is a leadership development program jointly coordinated by the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association.

The TAL program is designed to improve the leadership skills of Kansas agribusiness men and women and accomplishes that goal through five In addition to touring several historical monuments primary objectives: 1) To increase member and the capitol in Washington, the TAL class, board understanding and knowledge of the programs, chairmen and staff met with our national services and representation provided by KARA and associations, members of our Congressional KGFA; 2) To increase member understanding of the delegation, and Surface Transportation Board state and federal legislative process; 3) To increase Commissioner and former Kansas Secretary of member understanding and awareness of the various Transportation Deb Miller. During their meetings at state and federal agencies that provide oversight of the United States Capitol, our team relayed thoughts the agribusiness industry in Kansas; 4) To improve and concerns about the rail issues and regulatory member leadership and communication skills through environment facing agribusiness to Kansas professional development sessions: and 5) Prepare Congressmen, Senators and Commissioner Miller. members for possible public service through involvement in political campaigns and holding of public office.

Session I - January 20-21, 2015, Topeka, KS An introduction to the legislative and regulatory arena with legislative leaders and Kansas Dept. of Agriculture

2014 TAL Class visits Washington D.C. during Session II in July.

Session II - July 19-23, 2015, Washington (subject to change due to Congressional Schedule) Personal visits with Kansas Congressional Delegation on Capitol Hill; visit National Agribusiness Associations/Organizations headquarters; visit historical sites Session III - September 11, 2015, Wichita, KS Developing an informed and confident agribusiness leader; business leadership development and political activities.

A tuition of $350 per participant covers some program costs. However, the majority of the TAL program is underwritten by corporations and friends of the agribusiness industry. These companies support the TAL program through financial support as well as in-kind contributions.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts meets one-on-one with TAL Class members during their trip to Washington D.C. this summer.

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DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2014. To fill out an application, please visit www.ksagretailers.org.

Don't get left off the list! Sponsorship commitments due by December 1!

2015 SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Become a KARA Partner in 2015

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

Sponsorship Program 2015

Because KARA values and appreciates partners and key stakeholders, the annual sponsorship program is designed to provide the best value for KARA supporters. This program will enhance company exposure and allow members to support a plethora of KARA programs.

Growing the Pledge

Thank you to those companies that have committed thus far: (sponsors received after 11/7 not reflected): Underwriter KFSA

Founder BASF Benefactor Dow AgroSciences Helena Chemical Co. Syngenta Patron Bayer CropScience CoBank ACB Coffeyville Resources Crop Production Services Frontier Ag Inc. Heartland Ag, Inc. John Deere CAD Dealers

Lang Diesel Inc. SFP Simplot Growers Solutions United Suppliers Wilbur-Ellis Co. Builder Allied Environmental Consultants Beachner Grain Inc. DuPont Crop Protection J.B. Pearl Sales MKC Morrill Elevator Inc. Rosen's Inc. Donor AGChoice American Implement, Inc. Brothers Equipment

Central Prairie Co-op Dultmeier Sales Farmway Coop Inc. Harveyville Seed Co. Inc. NACHURS Nemaha County Cooperative Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. Palmer Grain Inc. Riggins Ag Tomorrow's Agribusiness Leaders Central Prairie Co-op Crop Service Center DuPont Crop Protection KFSA Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. United Suppliers Wilbur-Ellis Co.

Visit www.ksagretailers.org to learn more about the various levels of support available through the 2015 Sponsorship Program. Once your team has determined your commitment amount, please return the online form no later than December 1. Please note that this will support 2015 KARA activities, and you will not be billed until January.

If you have historically been a KARA sponsor, thank you. If you have not previously participated in this capacity, 2015 is a great year to reconsider your commitment to the Kansas agribusiness industry.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ResponsibleAg Initiative Holds Inaugural Auditor Credentialing Course Following the launch of the new ResponsibleAg training center, the first “inaugural” ResponsibleAg Credentialing Course for Auditors was held on October 28-31, with a class of 22 participants. The inaugural class was meant as a trial-run where the participants agreed to provide feedback throughout the course. This course served as a test-run for instructors and the Asmark Institute prior to the official first auditor course on November 18-21st.

This inaugural class was not openly advertised, as it was filled in a structured order representing a cross-section of the industry. ResponsibleAg Board members and Technical Committee members were invited first. ResponsibleAg then compiled a mix of retailers, small and large coops, independents, and nationals businesses, plus association representation, an insurance company, consulting firms, and others involved in the process of creating ResponsibleAg.

Scott Morris and David Klahr of KFSA participate in the Inaugural ResponsibleAg Auditor Credentialing Course.

Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting As a reminder, OSHA's new rule titled Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements becomes effective on January 1, 2015. The new rule revises work-related reporting requirements, and mandates a facility to report to OSHA within 24 hours of any severe injury or illness requiring in-patient hospitalization or resulting in an amputation or the loss of an eye. The requirement to The ResponsibleAg Auditor Credentialing Course is a report a work-related fatality to OSHA within eight hours has not changed. rigorous curriculum that prepares participants that want to be recognized as an auditor under the ResponsibleAg certification program. The course focuses on auditing techniques and is based on the Legal-Link...Newest KARA Member Benefit KARA is pleased to federal regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. fertilizer retailers. This first-of-its-kind curriculum is a announce a new member oriented benefit...Legalcombination of lectures, testing, role-playing Link. scenarios, problem-solving sessions and hands-on exercises. It will serve as the cornerstone of Legal-Link will benefit members by providing them ResponsibleAg’s efforts to promote safety for ag with more direct access to their Association's legal chemical and fertilizer retail storage facilities office. More precisely, as an informational tool, Legal throughout the nation.

-Link will help answer members’ general legal and regulatory questions on issues affecting our Persons who would like to become ResponsibleAg industry. Legal-Link news items will appear as a certified auditors are able to apply through the response to members’ questions, or general legal ResponsibleAg website for the ResponsibleAg information, in numerous core areas of the law, Auditor Credentialing Course. The new website includes the course schedule. There are two classes in including state and federal regulatory law, taxation, 2014 (November 18-21, and December 2-5), and nine and general agency legal process issues, and more. courses throughout 2015. The classroom at the training center in Owensboro, KY accommodates up While the answer to any specific legal question is heavily dependent on the unique facts of that to 24 participants for each class. ResponsibleAg is situation, and a service like Legal-Link cannot anticipating a need of 200 total auditors to conduct substitute for direct legal advice from independent this program nationwide. legal counsel, KARA is certain that members will find great value in the Legal-Link newsletter. Beginning soon, members will have access to this benefit now available as a part of your membership package.

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MEMBER CORNER

KARA Goes on No-Ties Tour KARA Senior VP Ron Seeber spent several days on the road this summer visiting members across the state hearing their concerns about issues facing the industry. Thanks to the members that opened their doors and welcomed KARA into their facilities.

Troy Presley, CoMark Grain; and Brad Scheer, Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company, in Cheney.

Underwriter $15,000 KFSA Founder $7,000 BASF Helena Chemical Co. Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC Patron $3,000 Bayer CropScience CHS Inc. CoBank ACB Coffeyville Resources Crop Production Services Dow AgroSciences Heartland Ag, Inc. Lang Diesel Inc. Monsanto SFP Syngenta United Suppliers Wilbur-Ellis Co. Builder $1,500 Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. DuPont Crop Protection FMC Frontier Ag Inc. J.B. Pearl Sales MKC Morrill Elevator Inc. Rosen's Inc. Winfield Solutions LLC Donor $500 AGChoice Central Prairie Co-op Farmers Coop Conway Springs Farmway Coop Inc. Heartland Tank Services Inc. Kansas Coop Council Kugler Company Nachurs Offerle Coop Grain & Supply Co. Palmer Grain Inc. Powercat Seed Treating, LLC Purple Wave Auction Riggins R-Co. LLC. Skyland Grain LLC

Clark Pearson, Miller Elevator, Reading.

Janie Wetta, Andale Coop, Andale.

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MEMBER CORNER

CCA Board Announces Anniversary Members The Kansas Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) board is pleased to recognize 60 members for their 20, 15, 10, and 5 year anniversaries.

Trade Talk If you have a short business announcement you’d like to share with fellow members, email shahira@kansasag.org.

“Kansas CCA commends the continued commitment to professionalism of the 60 CCAs celebrating an anniversary with certification. Agriculture is changing too rapidly to not have the best experts in your field.

Make sure your agronomist is a CCA,” said Steve Peterson, Kansas CCA Board Chairman. Their work is acknowledged and appreciated by the CCA Board.

The collective professionalism and expertise that is brought to production agriculture through the Kansas CCA program is evident throughout the fields of Kansas.

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The Kansas CCA is a professional certification for agronomists throughout the state. To become a CCA, individuals must pass both a state and international test, and maintain certification through continuing education. With this education you are able to understand the rapid pace of technological change and advancements in agronomic practices within Kansas. Additionally, through continuing education you continually reaffirm fundamental skills.

To learn more about the Kansas CCA program, please visit www.ksagretailers.org.

KARA Welcomes New Members Thanks to the reputation of our membership and industry, KARA continues to grow and provide useful products and services for agribusinesses in Kansas. Please welcome this company to KARA:

Agnition, Hiawatha Bank of the West, Wichita Copeland Insurance Agency, Manhattan Environmental Tillage Systems, Fairbault, MN Ernest/Spencer Inc., Meridan Performance Agriculture, Selden Sparq Natural Gas LLC, Oklahoma City, OK

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Fairbank Equipment acquired Central, Inc. of Evans, CO. Cindra Williams is the Owner/Manager of Williams Ag LLC in Kiowa.

Steve Morris replaced Steve Shaver as General Manager of Andale Coop, following Shaver’s retirement.

United Farmers Coop merged with Central Valley Ag Coop to form Central Valley Ag Cooperative in York, NE. Curtis Kershner replaced Richard Sholz as General Manager of Alida Pearl Coop in Chapman.

Skyland Grain named David Rodriguez as CEO effective August 26.

Advertising Opportunities Website - Reduced rates!

Each month, hundreds visit www.ksagretailers.org for access to industry knowledge and resources. By placing your logo online as a “KARA Partner,” you can attract business and further your brand.

Annual Rate: $500, $700 (non-members) Newsletter - NEW opportunity!

The Kansas Agribusiness Update is KARA's quarterly newsletter and includes industry headlines, association news and member updates. By purchasing 1/4 page, you can announce a product launch, introduce your business or simply increase awareness.

Per Issue Rate: $250

$350 (non-members)

20% discount for directory advertisers. See the enclosed form.

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Member Spotlight: Tim Giesick, Garden City Coop In each issue of the Agribusiness Update, KARA is featuring a different member.

Let’s get to know each other better and share in each other’s industry successes.

Thank you to Tim for answering the call this time; but beware, you may be next!

Full Name, Age: Tim W Giesick, 56 Job Title, Company, Town: VP Crop Production, Garden City Coop, Garden City ,KS What does your company specialize in: Crop production, grain storage, marketing and handling, petroleum and western transport trucking division.

What services/products does your company provide: full service crop production including liquid and dry fertilizer, chemicals, application, full service grain division including marketing, storage and handling, full service petroleum division including fuels and lubricants, trucking division which provides transportation and logistics.

How long have you been in agribusiness and how did you get started? I’ve worked in agribusiness for 15 years. I spent 20 years on the family farm before moving to an ag company as a rig driver.

Where do you consider your hometown? Leoti, Kansas

Fall 2014

Chairman Mike Shirley SFP, Oakley Vice Chairman Kevin Brady Lang Diesel Inc., Benton Second Vice Chairman Clark Pearson Miller Elevator Inc., Reading Immediate Past Chairman Doug Wright MKC, Moundridge Directors Scott Anderson KFSA, Hutchinson Brian Bucl Crop Production Services, Wichita Bill Conrey Koch Fertilizer Co., Wichita Troy Coon Gavilon, Nickerson Roger Cunningham Beachner Grain, Parsons Kevin Dieckmann United Suppliers, Olathe Tim Giesick Garden City Coop, Garden City Jon Ingebretson CHS, Overland Park Kirk Kennedy Valley Coop Inc., Atlanta Dustin Kuntz Harveyville Seed, Harveyville Roger Long Rosen's Inc., Great Bend Lance Nelson Farmers Coop Co., Haviland Brian Norton Syngenta, Girard Johnny Schaben Golden Valley Coop, Rozel Larry Shivers SFP, Salina Tim Stoehr Wilbur Ellis, Kansas City Steve Taylor Fairbank Equipment Inc., Wichita Kevin Tomka Dow AgroSciences, Overland Park Dave Wilcox Farmway Coop, Beloit Craig Zwick B.Z. Bee, Lyons

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PAID TOPEKA, KS Permit No. 545

816 SW Tyler Topeka, Kansas 66612

Visit our website for up-to-the-minute association news and information by scanning this QR Code with your smartphone, or going to

Blazing New Trails Kansas Agri Business Expo

November 19-20, 2014 Century II Convention Center & Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wichita REGISTRATION COMING SOON l www.ksabe.org A jointly-sponsored trade show of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.

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