2021 ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS The 2021 Virtual Premier Select Sires Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 24. Although the traditional in-person gathering was greatly missed, the board was able to safely convene for an efficient, effective meeting to keep our cooperative gears turning! Following are a few highlights from the meeting: • The election of directors and delegates took place. The board thanked retiring delegate Alvin Herman for his years of service, and welcomed Jessica Slaymaker as a new delegate (see page 11). • James R. Fries, Certified Public Accountant, presented a 2020 financial review. A recent audit of 2020 financial statements revealed that despite a challenging environment this past year, Premier effectively controlled costs, earned profits, and returned benefits to Premier member-owners. • In May 2020, the Premier Board of Directors held a special vote approving the implementation of the May, June, and July 7 Percent Semen Credit Program, combined with early retirement of equity that accelerated the return to member-owners during a time that was difficult for many producers. This action returned nearly $1 million to member-owners. • Throughout 2020, Premier totaled nearly $58,000 in donations to youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA, local shows and sales, agricultural events across the Premier territory, and more. • The 2021 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship recipients were recognized (see pages 8-9)
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