CDFC has a record year By Terri lang, NDFU
Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative (CDFC) held their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 27 in Napoleon. CDFC of Napoleon/ Wishek entered into unification with Hazelton Farmers Union Oil Company Cooperative in February 2012. CDFC completed several updates allowing the cooperative to grow into the future. CDFC General Manager Nick Breidenbach noted the company’s goal is to continue to grow $6 million per year. “Our goal is to continue to provide a return of 6% to our customers,” said Breidenbach. “Adding the Hazelton location to the Dakota Frontier family is a part of that.” CDFC board and manager, front row, left to right: Troy Walth, Gary Schumacher, and Other major updates included Timothy Rath. Back row, left to right: Curtis Haibeck, Leo Ohlhauser, and General purchasing two tender trailers, Manager Nick Breidenbach. Not pictured: Dan Vetter and Kelly Dahl. completing Napoleon agronomy re-elected to a 3-year term. Board secretary Tim Rath center, building new fertilizer plant and adding two read the revised by-laws that were made at this annual blenders in Napoleon, installing additional blender in meeting. Wishek, and adding new floaters, sprayers, tender NDFU Outreach Coordinator Terri Lang spoke trucks and anhydrous updates. about how Farmers Union works with CDFC in Sales for 2012 were nearly $31.5 million compared promoting their cooperative. Lang also discussed the to $21 million in 2011, an increase of 54 percent. many opportunities NDFU has available for members Gross margin was at nearly $4.2 million in 2012 to be involved. “We thank Central Dakota Frontier compared to $3 million in 2011. The year ended with a Cooperative for the funding we receive to provide local net savings of $1,160,872 and total net savings of education for our youth and adults.” $1,949,090. Breidenbach noted that 89 percent of the Patrons were treated to an ice cream social savings was returned to the consumer. following the meeting. s The board positions of Timothy Rath and Gary Schumacher were up for re-election and both were
Earnings announced for Southern Valley By DIANA FREESE, NDFU MEMBER
Over 150 members and employees of Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley (FUOSV) met in Fairmount on March 19 for their 15th annual meeting. After a roast beef supper, board president Brad Kubela brought the meeting to order. Brian Pederson of the auditing firm Hennen and Associates congratulated the co-op on a successful year. In presenting the annual report for the fiscal year that ended January 31, 2012, Pederson reported that the annual sales for FUOSV were over $88 million. The local net savings were just short of $1.5 million with total net savings of $2.24 million. He noted that total expenses were down as a percentage of sales and that the asset figure was up. In his manager’s report, Lynn Nelson presented figures showing the growth of sales at the various co-op locations. Nelson noted that “None of this can be achieved without good employees.” He thanked the patrons for their business. CHS Energy was represented by Doug Van Zee, who works with 64 co-ops in several states. He said “everything indicates that fuel supplies will be tight this 22
fall and you should have 6-8 days of storage for you peak needs.” Van Zee mentioned the “Tanks of Thanks” Cenex campaign that recognizes community volunteers with a Cenex fuel gift card. Community members can be nominated at http://withyou.cenex.com/ tanks-of-thanks/. North Dakota Farmers Union outreach coordinator Yolanda Zimbleman gave a short NDFU update. Wally Hardie of the N.D. Corn Growers also spoke to the group. He encouraged the audience to talk to candidates and ask them to support E15 fuel. It was announced that 67 stock retirements were made. The retirements totaled $330,683. Elections were held for three directors. Brad Kubela of Wahpeton and Tim Matejcek of Fairmount were reelected to the board. Continuing to serve on the board are Barry Gilles of Wahpeton, Jeff Leinen of Great Bend, Herb Prochnow of Fairmount, Corey Theede of Fairmount and Larry Wiertzema, Jr., Breckenridge. Kubela serves as president, with Leinen as vicepresident and Theede as secretary-treasurer.s