2009 GROWMARK Intern Class Selected

In the fiftieth year of the program, 48 college students are exploring career opportunities as GROWMARK Summer Interns. They are working at FS cooperatives in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ontario; at GROWMARK FS, LLC and Seedway, LLC; and at the GROWMARK corporate office in Bloomington, Ill.

The interns are exposed to accounting, marketing, research, communications, and product and service-related activities.

The group attended an orientation program at the GROWMARK corporate office in May, and will reconvene in June for an agribusiness tour. Each intern will complete a special project and deliver a presentation on that project in August.

The interns come to GROWMARK from:

Brock University

Megan Farr, daughter of Gord and Kelly Farr of Churchill, Ontario, is majoring in business administration and working at Vineland Growers Co-operative, Ltd.

Delaware Valley College

Kery Swope, son of Ken and Sue Swope of Marietta, Pa., is majoring in agribusiness and working at Seedway, LLC.

Lucas Waybright, son of Bert and Cheryl Waybright of Gettysburg, Pa., is majoring in agribusiness and working at GROWMARK FS, LLC.

Illinois College

Heather Miller, daughter of Robert and Kathi Miller of Bloomington, Ill., is majoring in communications/political science and working in the Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Division of GROWMARK.

Illinois State University

Nathon Scheirer, son of Daniel and Debera Scheirer of Metamora, Ill., is majoring in agricultural industry management and working at Ag View FS, Inc.

Matthew Thompson, son of Tom Thompson of Sherman, Ill. and Donna Hartman of Greenview, Ill., is majoring in agricultural industry management and working in the Agronomy Division of GROWMARK.

Matthew Witte, son of Chris and Linda Witte of Shirley, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness and agronomy and working for Evergreen FS, Inc.

Iowa State University

Andrea Beatty, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Beatty of Mendota, Ill., is majoring in agricultural education and studies and is working at Ag View FS, Inc.

Garrett Boeding, son of Lynn and Dee Boeding of New Hampton, Iowa, is majoring in ag studies and working at AgVantage FS, Inc.

Michael Brown, son of Robert and Debra Brown of Winfield, Iowa, is majoring in agriculture studies and working at New Century FS, Inc.

Jess Cavin, son of Mark and Diane Cavin of Sigourney, Iowa, is majoring in agribusiness and working at New Century FS, Inc.

Brandon Milligan, son of Mark and Christie Milligan of Baxter, Iowa, is majoring in agricultural studies and working at New Century FS, Inc.

Jennifer Mormann, daughter of Dan and Sandy Mormann of New Vienna, Iowa, is majoring in dairy science and working at Three Rivers FS Company.

Travis Rudat, son of Todd Rudat of Columbus, Neb. and David and Melissa Poore of Council Bluffs, Iowa is majoring in logistics and supply chain management and working in the Logistics Division of GROWMARK.

Chasen Stevenson, son of Rick and Tamra Stevenson of Knoxville, Iowa, is majoring in agricultural studies and working at AGRILAND FS, INC.

Pennsylvania State University

Joseph Leslie, son of David and Brenda Leslie of Connoquenessing, Pa., is majoring in agribusiness management and working at GROWMARK FS, LLC.

Kristina McAllister, daughter of Wesley and Paula McAllister of Petersburg, Pa., is majoring in animal sciences and working at GROWMARK FS, LLC.

Andrew Snyder, son of Ed and Sally Snyder of Boyertown, Pa., is majoring in agribusiness management and working at GROWMARK FS, LLC.

Kathryn Tokarz, daughter of Joseph and Cecelia Tokarz of Mansfield, Pa., is majoring in agribusiness management and working at Seedway, LLC.

Purdue University

Travis Coty, son of Mike and Gina Coty of Reminton, Ind., is majoring in biology and working at Ag View FS, Inc.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Kathleen Carmack, daughter of John and Janet Carmack of Villa Grove, Ill., is majoring in plant and soil science and working at Illini FS.

Kevin Fry, son of Clell and Rita Fry of Stoy, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness economics and working at Wabash Valley Service Company.

Lucas Harre, son of Curt and Jodi Harre of Nashville, Ill., is majoring in plant and soil science and working at AgriPride FS, Inc.

Dane Kief, son of Elmer and Karen Kief of Rankin, Ill., is majoring in agricultural systems technology and working at Illini FS.

Truman State University

John Sheehan, son of John and Barbara Sheehan of Jefferson City, Mo., is majoring in accounting and working for AGRILAND FS, INC.

University of Guelph

Claire Daly, daughter of Keith and Annette Daly of Uxbridge, Ontario, is majoring in animal science and working at Sunderland Co-operative, Inc.

Cate McCorquodale, daughter of Murray and Cassie McCorquodale of Embro, Ontario, is majoring in animal science and working at FS PARTNERS.

University of Illinois

Rachel Deters, daughter of Michael and Rebekah Deters of Teutopolis, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness marketing and management and working at Effingham-Clay Service Company.

Bradley Follmer, son of Michael and Mary Follmer of Graymont, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness marketing and management and working at Evergreen FS, Inc.

Chris Keblusek, son of Michael and Sue Keblusek of St. Charles, Ill., is majoring in advertising and working at Conserv FS, Inc.

Mak Kern, son of Michael Kern of Kansas, Ill. and Suz Stevens of Kansas, Ill., is majoring in agrifinance and working at Illini FS.

Adam Leady, son of Ed and Vicky Leady of St. Charles, Mo. and Ralph and Sue Mateer of Blue Mound, Ill., is majoring in Technical Systems Management and working at Illini FS.

Mitch Lindberg, son of Kevin and Kim Lindberg of Galva, Ill., is majoring in agricultural engineering and working in the Facility Planning and Supply Division of GROWMARK.

Adam Moritz, son of Phillip and Kristi Moritz of Buckingham, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness and working at Conserv FS, Inc.

Mark Smith, son of Roger and Carol Smith of Earlville, Ill., is majoring in crop sciences and working in the Seed Division of GROWMARK.

Ben Wendling, son of Rick and Sara Wendling of Mason, Ill., is majoring in agricultural economics and working at Total Grain Marketing, LLC.

University of Northern Iowa

Ryan Musson, son of Robert and Barbara Musson of Iowa City, Iowa is majoring in accounting and working at AGRILAND FS, INC.

Krista Schmeling, daughter of Mike and Bobbi Schmeling of Milford, Iowa, is majoring in finance/real estate and working at AgVantage FS, Inc.

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Scott Rowntree, son of Tom and Kay Rowntree of Waterford, Wis., is majoring in agronomy and soil science and working at Conserv FS, Inc.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Ross Brunsman, son of Wayne and Denise Brunsman of Dyersville, Iowa, is majoring in soil and crop science and dairy science and working at Three Rivers FS Company.

Curtis Goeke, son of David and Valerie Goeke of Dakota, Ill., is majoring in agricultural business and working at Stephenson Service Company.

Joel Lasack, son of Jim and Lola Lasack of Oxford Junction, Iowa, is majoring in agribusiness and working at AgVantage FS, Inc.

Drew Nesemeier, son of John and Jan Nesemeier of Milledgeville, Ill., is majoring in soil and crop science and working at Gold Star FS, Inc.

Jacob Robinson, son of Richard and Nancy Robinson of Alexis, Ill., is majoring in agribusiness and working at Gold Star FS, Inc.

Matthew Schlachter, son of Todd and Lorrie Schlachter of Lena, Ill., is majoring in soil and crop science and working at Stephenson Service Company.

Western Illinois University

Jake Bonnell, son of Janice Bonnell of Amboy, Ill., is majoring in agricultural business and working in the Seed Division of GROWMARK.

Brian Fairfull, son of Bruce and Jill Fairfull of Virden, Ill., is majoring in agricultural science/agronomy and working at M & M Service Company.

Shannon VanTine, daughter of Tim and Robin Ebert of Oquawka, Ill., is majoring in accounting and working at Ag View FS, Inc.

“This year’s intern group is one of the largest, and very diverse,” said Steve German, GROWMARK university relations and member employment manager. “The interns come from the Midwest, the East Coast and Ontario, Canada. They represent a range of career interests as well – agronomy, seed, crop protection, communications, logistics, structures, accounting, turf, dairy nutrition, precision farming, agri-finance, marketing, and grain.”

The GROWMARK intern program began in 1959 with three interns. Since then, 685 students have been involved in the program. “We are currently hiring an average of 50-70 percent of our summer interns into full-time employment throughout the System,” German said.

Krista Wolf Honored by NAMA

Krista Wolf, GROWMARK manager, brand strategy and marketing communications, was recently honored by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) with the Horizon Award at its recent conference in Atlanta, Ga.

The Horizon Award recognizes achievements by up-and-coming members of the organization on local, regional, and national levels. Wolf’s work in energizing the Heartland NAMA Chapter and leadership role in planning Regional Best of NAMA events earned her the award.

NAMA is the nation’s largest professional association for professionals in marketing and agribusiness.

New General Store Open in Effingham

Effingham-Clay Service Company recently held a grand opening celebration for their new General Store in Effingham, Ill. The store not onlyfeatures traditional FAST STOP fueling options and convenience store items, but also a propane dispenser for propane-powered vehicles, Illinois homegrown products, and a general store area with pet food, boots, fencing supplies, and more. Garage doors are also on display, courtesy of the cooperative's Altamont Overhead Door business.

The Illinois Homegrown products display includes jams and jellies, salsas, preserves, sauces, candles, and dry mixes. A cooler holds a variety of meats and cheeses.

Certified Propane Specialist Clinton "Shorty" Devall, Jr. (right) talks to Greg English of Midway Ford Truck Center about the propane-powered F-150 English had on display during the open house.

The general store area of the building has a wide variety of farm and animal supplies. The prize drawing table was a popular stop for guests at the grand opening.

The overhead garage door display is visible along the back wall.

Wabash Valley Earns ERA Award

The Browns, Ill. facility of Wabash Valley Service Company has been named the Illinois state winner in the 2009 Environmental Respect Award (ERA) program. They are one of 20 agribusinesses nationwide selected for the top honor in their respective states.

The ERA awards are the agricultural industry's highest recognition for environmental stewardship among U.S. agricultural retailers, those serving growers and ranchers with the nutrients, pest control, and agronomic information critical to effective crop production.

A panel of industry experts gather each year to recognize achievement in environmental stewardship, professional excellence, and community involvement. The state winners are chosen based on evidence of excellence in site design, in-plant storage and handling procedures, emergency preparedness and response, proper application, and leadership in safety and stewardship among customers and employees.

Wisconsin Essay Contest Winner Announced

Isabel Cupino of Oconto Falls, Wis., has been named the Wisconsin winner of the 2009 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. The theme of this year’s contest was “Homegrown Fuels: Good for American Agriculture.”

In her contest entry, Cupino said: “Ultimately, the increased usage of these alternative fuels decreases the demand for oil. Reducing our dependency on this non-renewable resource will offer America the opportunity for an economic boost through the advancement and development of the biofuel industry on our own soil.”

Cupino is a student at Oconto Falls High School and a member of the Oconto Falls FFA chapter. Her FFA advisors are Crystal Retzlaff and Beth Porior.

As the contest winner, Cupino will receive a $500 scholarship from GROWMARK at the Wisconsin FFA State Convention, held in Madison during June. The Oconto Falls FFA chapter will also receive a $300 award in honor of her accomplishment to help future students.

Four state runners-up will each receive a $125 scholarship. The runners-up and their FFA chapters are: Sarah Henderson, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau FFA; Brad Hesebeck, Clinton FFA; Ben Julka, Laconia FFA, and Breanne Wieser, Elk Mound FFA.

Students were asked to describe renewable homegrown fuels made with agricultural commodities and the benefits they provide.

This is the sixteenth year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

Cupino's essay is below.

BIOFUELS: GOOD FOR COOPERATIVES, GOOD FOR AMERICA

“Homegrown fuels will help America reach our goal of a more domestic fuel source. The use and production of E diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol will essentially add to U.S. gasoline supplies and strengthen our independency from foreign oil.”
-Lewis Bowman
Servco FS Cooperative
Antigo, WI

E diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol are three of the most advantageous types of biofuels. E diesel is composed of diesel, ethanol, and other additives that prevent the ethanol and biodiesel from separating at very low temperatures. This biofuel helps unmodified diesel engines to burn cleaner. Currently, E diesel fuels are considered experimental, but they can be used in off-road application and have shown to release considerably less greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel that is produced from domestic and renewable resources. It is derived from natural oils like soybean oil. It contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. In 2008, the United States was estimated to have produced 700 million gallons of biodiesel.

Ethanol is a renewable alcohol fuel made mostly from agricultural resources such as corn, switch grass, and sugar cane. Mid-level blends of ethanol like E20 and E50 are less expensive than standard gasoline, but have been shown to increase the gas mileage on many vehicles. According to a study from the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, ethanol production has also caused retail gasoline prices to be $0.29 to $0.40 per gallon lower than what would have otherwise been the case. The United States is the leading producer of ethanol, producing 6,498,600 gallons of the grain-based alcohol in 2007.

However, this amount has yet to make a dent in the world oil consumption of 4,000 million tons of oil per year.

Today the U.S. imports more than half of its oil, leaving American consumers at the mercy of other oil-exporting nations. The use of E diesel, diesel, and ethanol reduced our dependence on these foreign and non-renewable oils, enhances our energy security, and contributes to our own economy. These domestic biofuels also create thousands of new American jobs that cannot be outsourced, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support rural communities and farmers.

So what do the major engine manufacturers say about these alternative fuels? When I asked Mr. Bowman, he mentioned the recent ethanol mandate in Washington D.C. to increase the blend rate of ethanol from the current 10 percent to 15 percent. Mr. Bowman said that the major automakers are behind this mandate as it would be a way to reduce reliance on petroleum imports and give a needed boost to the future of the industry.

Mr. Bowman also put an emphasis on the importance of cooperatives, saying that, “Cooperatives matter to our country in the current energy crisis because biofuels are the fuel source of the future. Cooperatives help farmers to produce the crops necessary to manufacture these biofuels by giving them a better price for their product and by making it easier for them to buy more inexpensive equipment and supplies. And, since cooperatives are member-owned, the whole community benefits instead of one or two individuals.”

Ultimately, the increased usage of these alternative fuels decreases the demand for oil. Reducing our dependency on this non-renewable resource will offer America the opportunity for an economic boost through the advancement and development of the biofuel industry on our own soil. Cooperatives further the production of biofuels by significantly helping member-owners to produce the crops needed. By asserting our energy independence and taking control of our fuel supply and demand, it could also positively impact our national security and foreign policy.

The grassroots efforts of cooperatives, such as Servco FS in Antigo, are helping Americans take control of ever unstable energy prices. I believe that farmers and cooperatives are ready, willing, and able to lead the United States toward energy security and independence.

Illinois Essay Contest Winner Announced

Kaitlin Magsamen of White Heath, Ill., has been named the Illinois winner of the 2009 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. The theme of this year’s contest was “Homegrown Fuels: Good for American Agriculture.”

In her contest entry, Magsamen said: “This is a perfect example of the full circle that American dollars would go in because the farmers are the ones growing the crops to make the fuels, and if Americans are the ones buying the fuels, more of the U.S. money is staying in the United States and not leaving the country to buy as much foreign oil, which in turn would help our economy.”

Magsamen is a student at Monticello High School and a member of the Monticello FFA chapter. Her FFA advisor is Bryce Hoffman.

As the contest winner, Magsamen will receive a $500 scholarship from GROWMARK at the Illinois FFA State Convention, held in Springfield during June. The Monticello FFA chapter will also receive a $300 award in honor of her accomplishment to help future students.

Four state runners-up will each receive a $125 scholarship. The runners-up and their FFA chapters are: Savannah Bradford, Leroy FFA; Jamie Kruenegel, Vandalia FFA; Thomas Marten, Lincolnwood FFA; and Amelia Martens, Orion FFA.

Students were asked to describe renewable homegrown fuels made with agricultural commodities and the benefits they provide.

This is the sixteenth year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

Magsamen's essay is below.

Wouldn’t you rather the money you spend on fuel come round trip back to the United States rather than it going to another country? I think that many of us would; it would help our nation’s economy, save the world’s oil supply, and also save you money.

It would help the economy because instead of sending your money overseas it would be coming back to U.S. ethanol producers. It would also lessen our dependence on foreign oil, because ethanol (corn based fuel), biodiesel (soybean based diesel), and E-Diesel (ethanol based diesel) are grown in our country and therefore we would have to import less oil. Matt Busby (Piatt County FS manager) explains perfectly “…our only challenge is that today we can’t produce all we need, but anything that we can produce, it sure limits the amount of foreign oil that we have and the dependence on it.”

Since American famers would be the ones growing the crops for our fuel, you would be supporting the local economy by purchasing homegrown fuels. It would also reserve our oil supply, which statistics show is greatly needed, since oil is a nonrenewable resource and corn and soybeans are renewable. So as long as we have farmers growing corn and soybeans we will always have a source for our fuels.

Most car manufacturers are being very supportive of the move to use ethanol and biodiesel. They have made it so all cars are able to run on at least a 10 percent ethanol blend in any vehicles and at least a 5 percent blend in the diesel. Since car manufacturers are becoming more familiar with the grain based fuels they are continuing to make an attempt to raise the amount of ethanol and biodiesel in all fuels. They are also making a great effort to make cars that run on E-85. There is research being done, so that we could use up to a 20 percent blend of ethanol which would nearly double the amount we would use, and that would be great for the farm economy.

Cooperatives like FS play a big role in the current energy crisis, because as Matt said “we are owned by our customers and those are the same customers that grow corn and can help produce ethanol and probably have an interest in trying to make sure that ethanol usage continues.” With farmers being the most supportive of using these fuels, they would be more likely to care about it versus another customer that doesn’t care as much about agriculture and therefore wouldn’t care what type of fuel they use. This is a perfect example of the full circle that American dollars would go in because the farmers are the ones growing the crops used to make the fuels, and if Americans are the ones buying the fuels, more of the U.S. money is staying in the United States and not leaving the country to buy as much foreign oil, which in turn would help our economy.

Homegrown fuels can and will save the nation’s oil supply and save you money, but it’s up to you to use them!

Menard Terminal Has New 30,000 Gallon Biodiesel Storage Tank

GROWMARK today announced the completion of a new 30,000 gallon biodiesel storage tank at the Menard Petroleum Terminal near Springfield, Ill. The addition of this tank brings the total fuel storage at the facility to more than 9.7 million total gallons of biodiesel, ethanol, diesel, and gasoline.

The new storage tank is insulated and can be heated when necessary to maintain a consistent temperature of 55°F or above year-round. A state-of-the-art ratio blending system is in place to maintain a precise flow of both the biodiesel and diesel components in every batch, ensuring accuracy whether the desired blend is B2, B5, B11, or B20. The proprietary FS Dieselex Gold performance enhancer and SURE-FLO cold flow improver additives can also be injected through the ratio blending system.

All biodiesel sourced for the Menard Terminal meets the GROWMARK Biodiesel Quality Assurance Program specifications, which exceed national ASTM standards for quality. The GROWMARK System has been a strong supporter of homegrown biofuels and has worked to make sure they were successful in the marketplace through positive customer experiences. To that end, the GROWMARK Biodiesel Quality Assurance Program ensures dependability through management of biodiesel quality characteristics that make a performance difference, according to Mark Dehner, GROWMARK marketing manager, refined and renewable fuels.

“By requiring stricter product specifications, and mandating storage, transportation and handling procedures, customers are assured that our biodiesel blends will keep them operating,” Dehner said. “This commitment to quality above industry standards demonstrates our dedication to their success and is the reason for our continued leadership in the renewable fuels industry. Just being “good enough” is not “good enough” for the FS System energy teams.”

GROWMARK is also pursuing BQ-9000 Certified Marketer accreditation by the National Biodiesel Board. This “seal of approval” is assigned to marketers who consistently meet fuel quality standards and maintain a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices.

Roxana Biodiesel Storage Facility Completed

GROWMARK and Madison Service Company of Alhambra, Ill. announced today the completion of a new 30,000 gallon biodiesel storage facility near Roxana, Ill. The underground storage tank ensures a year-round, consistent 50°F temperature for optimum blending with diesel fuel.

The new facility provides an additional point of supply for biodiesel blends serving GROWMARK customers and FS Member Cooperatives in the southern half of Illinois and eastern Missouri. Distillate/biodiesel blends of B2, B5, B11, B20 or any blend in between are available. Fuels can also be additized with the proprietary FS Dieselex Gold performance enhancer, SURE-FLO cold flow improver and Premium Diesel Express additive. Retail ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and reformulated gasoline for on-road vehicles are also available at the facility.

All biodiesel sourced for the Roxana facility meets the GROWMARK Biodiesel Quality Assurance Program specifications, which exceed national ASTM standards for quality. GROWMARK and the FS System of Member Cooperatives have been strong supporters of homegrown biofuels and have worked to make sure they were successful in the marketplace through positive customer experiences. The Quality Assurance Program ensures dependability through management of biodiesel quality characteristics that make a performance difference, according to Mark Dehner, GROWMARK marketing manager, refined and renewable fuels.

“By requiring stricter product specifications, and mandating storage, transportation and handling procedures, customers are assured that our biodiesel blends will keep them operating,” Dehner said. “This commitment to quality above industry standards demonstrates our dedication to their success and is the reason for our continued leadership in the renewable fuels industry. Just being “good enough” is not “good enough” for the FS System energy teams.”

GROWMARK is also pursuing BQ-9000 Certified Marketer accreditation by the National Biodiesel Board. This “seal of approval” is assigned to marketers who consistently meet fuel quality standards and maintain a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices.