Co-operative Partners Retreat 2011

Submitted by Dianne Kennedy, UPI Energy manager, corporate events and public relations

The 4th Annual Co-operative Partners Retreat (“CPR”) was held at the beautiful Blue Mountain Resort near Collingwood, Ontario from September 23 to 25, 2011.

CPR is an annual event sponsored by UPI Energy LP and partners of GROWMARK, Inc. and is hosted by UPI Energy, GROWMARK and the local FS Co-operative. This year’s Co-operative host was Huron Bay Co-operative Inc.

CPR provides the Co-operative general managers and senior management with networking opportunities to share results and successes from the previous year and look towards the coming year. The attendees received updates from UPI Energy president & CEO Robert Sicard. From GROWMARK, particpants heard from vice president of Member Services and Retail Dennis Farmer, vice president Agronomy Jim Spradlin and Claude Gauthier, Ontario region manager. Jeff Hurst, general manager of Huron Bay Co-operative presented an overview of the co-operative’s history and current dealings.

UPI presented the Millennium Joint Venture Audit Award to North Wellington Co-operative Services in recognition of excellence in energy marketing and operations. This was the third consecutive year that North Wellington Co-operative received this award, and the fourth time in five years. The co-operative's general manager Kelly Boyle and Allan Williamson, Energy Division manager were on hand to accept the award from Robert Sicard and Tony Silvestro, UPI director, Member Services.

Other FS Co-operatives participating this year were AGRIS Co-operative Ltd., La Co-opérative Agricole d’Embrun Limitée, Lucknow District Co-operative Inc., Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing Sudbury Limited, Sunderland Co-operative Inc., Thunder Bay Co-operative Farm Supply and Vineland Growers’ Co-operative, Ltd. Also in attendance were representatives from County Farm Centre and FS PARTNERS.

From L-R- Robert Sicard, president & CEO UPI Energy LP,  North Wellington Co-operative's Energy Division manager Allan Williamson, general manager Kelly Boyle and Tony Silvestro, UPI Energy director, Member Services.



AALP Class 14 visits GROWMARK Ontario office and distribution centre

AALP Class 14 at GROWMARK, Kitchener office

“It is an excellent time to be in agriculture, an innovative, growing and diverse sector offering great opportunities for industry leaders like you,” said Frank Campbell, GROWMARK Ontario marketing director as he welcomed the 30 new Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program students to GROWMARK’s Ontario region office in Kitchener. "It is good to see such diversity in the room," says Campbell. "Whether you are involved in agriculture production or pursuing a career in agribuisness, your leadership will help drive the sector forward."

The main reason for the visit to GROWMARK was to get a better understanding of the co-operative model as well as GROWMARK’s leadership in the industry. After hearing from presenters about the co-operative model and GROWMARK’s initiatives in agronomy, energy, grain marketing, youth development and social media, the AALP Class 14 was given a tour of the GROWMARK distribution center. Pat Gallagher, GROWMARK Ontario logistics manager led the group and spoke about the complexity of crop protection and seed logistics, such as, the many regulatory agency compliance requirements and the state-of-the-art safe-storage practices.

Will Heeman, one of the AALP students present, was recognized as a graduate of the Co-operative Young Leaders Program in which GROWMARK supports. In 2007 Heeman was chosen to be the Ontario youth speaker at the GROWMARK’s Annual Meeting.

Pat Gallagher, GROWMARK Ontario logistics manager

gives tour of GROWMARK Ontario distribution centre.

AALP IS DELIVERED BY THE Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the program has graduated over 380 leaders who are now making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond.  Graduates use their increased skills and knowledge of the entire agri-food system to work with others to lead, direct and manage change within the industry. For more information visit http://www.aalp.on.ca/

Final yield and crop quality report for 2011 Crop Assesment Tour

By:    Don Kabbes, Great Lakes Grain marketing development manager
          Dale Cowan, Southern Co-operative Services senior agronomist


Reporting on 30 corn and 31 soybean sites, the Great Lakes Grain 2011 Crop Assesment Tour covered the trading area from Essex County to Simcoe County. On Sept 6, two smaller tours took place prior to the entire team meeting for the main two day event on September 7 and 8.

The average corn yield in the co-operative trading area came in at 159 bushels per acre. May planted corn was estimated at 169 bushels based on plant populations of 30,807, June planted corn was estimated at 146 bushels per acre based on 28,605 plants per acre on average. As reported in the preliminary issue the two main factors affecting yields the most from observations were plant population and Nitrogen deficiencies.

At approximately 5.3 bushels per 1000 plants the June planted populations have given up 12 bushels of corn yield to May planted corn. Western Bean Cutworm damage was most pronounced in the Bothwell area, however Smartstax and Herculex traited corn limited the damage. The affected cobs however may have been prone to ear mold infection.

All fields showed Nitrogen deficiency to various degrees. We encourage you to check your own fields to obtain plant harvest populations, observe N deficiency, ear molds and to check on stalk quality to determine standability. At the time of the tour stalk quality was quite good. However as grain fill continues and the cob dominates the sugar demand, cooler nights and shortening hours of sunshine, stalks may have weaken significantly from early September. Determining which fields should be prioritized for harvest will help to conserve yield and maintain combine efficiencies.
The main deviation from estimated yield to actual will be due to the extent and the number of areas challenged by drainage.

The two sites of Oakwald are interesting to note from the Ayr location of FS PARTNERS. It is the site of the Max Yield Plots (field scale). The main difference is an aggressive fertilizer build program as soil fertility is very low and the application of a fungicide. Between those two treatments we estimated a 63.2 bushel / acre yield increase over the farmer’s standard practice this is a highly responsive site.

The soybeans are coming in at 44.8 bushel per acre average. With a more diligent effort to count only beans filling the pod cavity we may have underestimated soybean yields slightly. There were a significant number of pods on the upper most nodes that were yet to be filled or aborted. If they fill before harvest there will be many fields in the upper 40 and low to mid 50 bushel per acre range. The final ten bushels will be weather driven.

Most noticeable was the onset of leaf diseases. Septoria Brown spot was higher up on the canopy due to rain splash in August. In August of 2010 the trading areas had less than 10 mm of rain this August we are well in excess of 100 mm. Rain in August makes soybeans! It also brings on plant disease. Bacterial Blight was evident and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) was easy to find in most fields in the southwest. Soybean Cyst Nematode was also noted. All of these disease point to too high of frequency of soybeans in the rotation.

Soybeans in seven inch rows continue to be the most variable in plant populations and the most difficult to estimate yield. Row spacing of 15 inch offered similar yield and the opportunity to lower plant populations by approximately 30,000 seeds per acre or 14 per cent reduction in seeding costs. Overall it appears the trend in 2011 was to reduce seeding rates.

Again the two sites of Oakwald are interesting to note from the Ayr location of FS PARTNERS. It is the site of their Max Yield Plots (field scale). The main difference is an aggressive fertilizer build program as soil fertility is very low and the application of a fungicide. Between those two treatments we estimated a 9 bushel / acre yield increase over the farmer’s standard practice.

We wish to thank the co-operators who allowed us onto their farms, without them this tour would not be possible. This affords us an opportunity to sharpen our skills as crop specialist in a field classroom. There is no better way to learn than being in the field. We do not do this tour alone, the generous support from DEKALB who were our single sponsor in 2011 and valued supply chain partner allowed us to do this in a first class way.

This tour along with many hours of training throughout the year from GROWMARK and supply chain partners allows us to become better agronomists so we in turn can help you reach your goals and objectives of being better farmers.

Visit http://http://www.agris.coop/ or http://www.greatlakesgrain.com/ or http://www.fspartners.ca/ for more information.

Cochrane area residents made FAST STOP their first stop at succesful grand opening

Almost 10,000 litres of fuel pumped and 200 donuts consumed during the FAST STOP service centre’s grand opening celebration on Wed. Sept. 21 in beautiful northern Cochrane Ontario.

An official ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off with support from the Mayor of Cochrane Peter Politis, MPP Ramsay’s constituency assistant for the Cochrane District, Paul Latondress and Keven Robin, president of the Cochrane Board of Trade stopped by to say a few words as well as representatives of the station from FS PARTNERS and Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing Sudbury.

After the ceremony, customers filled up their tanks at reduced prices from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a portion of the sales donated to the local Tim Horton Events Centre.

Mario and Mariel Vachon are the owners of the FAST STOP site and long time residents of Cochrane. They were very pleased with the support they received by the community and thrilled to see the long line ups of people that came out to fill up at the reduced prices. “We are very happy with the new FAST STOP branding and the overall look of the station and look forward to working with the FS team. Also, being open 24 hours non-stop along with our convenient location and many amenities, we feel the station is very handy for both local residents and for truckers travelling long distances in northern Ontario,” says Mario Vachon.

Designed for people on the run, customers can purchase fuel 24 hours a day, seven days a week paying with VISA, MasterCard, Interac, and FS Fuel cards. The FS Fuel card allows consumers to be part of a large network of fueling sites across Ontario offering 24-hour convenience with just one card. The Cochrane FAST STOP station offers clear diesel fuel and environmentally friendlier ethanol blended gasolines. The site also features a full-service restaurant, convenient store, laundry facilities, a comfortable lounge area and personal showers. 

This station is part of network of more than 250 FAST STOP branded stations in the United States and now the third in Ontario. Through the Ontario FS Co-operative System, FS PARTNERS and Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing Sudbury have worked together to provide the newly branded FAST STOP station to the Cochrane area community.



From (L-R) Emile Faddoul, FS PARTNERS energy logistics manager; Paul Lantondress representing MPP Cochrane-Temiskaming (David Ramsey); Keven Robin, president Cochrane Board of Trade, Raymond Savage, general manager Co-operative Regionale de Nipissing Sudbury, Terry Vachon, Cochrane development officer; Mayor of Cochrane, Peter Politis; FAST STOP owners Mariel and Ginette Vachon, Jen and Mario Vachon and their two children, Andrew Troyer, FS PARTNERS sales and marketing manager.



Bigger is better when it comes to grain bins

Mayor Dennis Travale, thanked the Great Lakes Grain and FS PARTNERS team for making Norfolk County “the home to the largest steel grain bin in Ontario” when he spoke to approximately 200 farmers and guests at an open house event in Delhi on Sept 14.

Construction of the newly enhanced grain facility began in May of this year and was completed in September. It can store up to 735,000 bushels or 20,000 metric tons of grain, making it the largest storage capacity for Ontario.

“The intake improvements and new bin is going to dramatically reduce delivery times in harvest season for our farmers,” says Don Kabbes, marketing development manager for Great Lakes Grain. “The reduced congestion and our faster intake speed will allow them to quickly get back on their combines to continue their harvest.”

During a demonstration of the faster intake system at the open house, Devin Homick, Great Lakes Grain Delhi area grain originator, pointed out how the enhancements will move drivers in and out of the facility in half the time. A simple change in driveway access along with additional staging areas for probing, significantly speeds up traffic flow reducing congestion at peak times. Intake time is twice as fast resulting in approximately 44 tonnes of grain dumped in five minutes or nine tonnes per minute.

“This is all part of a three year expansion project with more storage and drying capabilities planned for Delhi and Straffordville in 2012 and 2013,” says Alex Elliott, Great Lakes Grain general manager. Elliott spoke about the power of working together, being farmer owned and making every dollar count for the betterment of the farmer.

Ribbon cutting ceremony -Sept. 14-Delhi
(L-R) Alex Elliott, Great Lakes Grain general manager; Dennis Travale, mayor of Norfolk County; Kim Fysh, GROWMARK director and AGRIS Co-operative director; Ed Benjamins, FS PARTNERS Board of Directors Chair; Don Kabbes, Great Lakes Grain market development manager and Devin Homick, Geat Lakes Grain Delhi area grain originator.

Local youth attend GROWMARK's Annual Meeting

Ed Sauve of Woodslee, Ontario, recently attended the 2011 GROWMARK, Inc. Annual Meeting in Chicago as this year’s youth speaker where he spoke in front of more than 1000 attendees about his views on co-operative leadership. Sauve was one of three young people chosen to take part in the travel opportunity sponsored by GROWMARK.

Also travelling to Chicago was Alissa Goodfellow of Napanee, a 2011 4-H Ontario Ambassador and Sarah McLaren of Courtice, representing Junior Farmers Association of Ontario.

Ed Sauve is a graduate and now a volunteer facilitator at the Ontario Co-operative Association’s Co-operative Young Leaders summer camp program. In his closing remarks in Chicago, Sauve commented on the need to promote co-operatives more than ever especially with 2012 being named by the United Nations as the International Year of Co-operatives.

Ed Sauve was sponsored to attend CYL camp by AGRIS Co-operative based out of Chatham. Attending camp gives young people like Sauve the opportunity to learn about co-operatives and build strong leadership skills through their roles as a facilitator or camp participant.

Each year GROWMARK provides travel opportunities to youth who have shown dedication to leadership development. They travel to Chicago to learn more about GROWMARK and network with business people and other young leaders. As part of their experience, they took part in the annual meeting’s grand opening ceremonies with young leaders from (FFA) also known as Future Farmers of America and had the opportunity to visit the Chicago Board of Trade.

Twelve young represenatatives from FFA and Ontario's Co-op Young Leaders Program, 4-H Ontario
and Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario took part in the
 Colour of Flags opening ceremony at GROWMARK's 2011 Annual Meeting in Chicago in August.

GROWMARK Board of Directors update

Kim Fysh, Thamesville, Ont., was elected to the GROWMARK board of directors at the regional cooperative’s annual meeting in Chicago.

Fysh will serve a three-year term and represent Zone F on the board. He and his wife Merry operate an 1,100-acre grain and vegetable farm with his brother. Fysh currently serves on the board of AGRIS Co-operative.

Ed Benjamins, Moorefield, Ont., has retired from the GROWMARK Board of Directors. He was commended for his years of service at the organization’s 2011 annual meeting in Chicago.

He and his wife Gina operate a chicken farm, and farm 1,000 acres with a son-in-law and operate a trucking company. Benjamins was elected to the GROWMARK board in 2005. He is involved with several cooperative organizations and is chair of the FS PARTNERS board of directors.

Five of the 16 director seats, established by geographic zone, were up for election this year. GROWMARK has six established governance zones which cover all of North America. In addition, one director-at-large represents Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin Farm Bureaus. GROWMARK is affiliated with Farm Bureau in those states.

GROWMARK reports estimated year-end financial results

On Aug. 26 in Chicago, GROWMARK officials reported unaudited, estimated results for the fiscal year that ended August 31, 2011. Jeff Solberg, chief executive officer, announced estimated sales of $8.4 billion for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. GROWMARK net income is estimated to be $182 million.

“2011 was a great year for the GROWMARK System,” Solberg said. “The company generated the highest level of sales and the second highest level of pretax income in company history.”

“These results are attributed to a very strong group of member companies committed to a highly successful cooperative system, supported and served by a great team of very knowledgeable and dedicated employees,” he said.

An estimated $80 million in patronage refunds will be returned to GROWMARK member cooperatives and farmer-owners.

FS PARTNERS takes QR code technology to the field

Stefan Dewaele, FS PARTNERS crop specialist at
Pursuit of Maximum Yield site.

“QR” stands for “Quick Response,” and that is exactly what FS PARTNERS is providing customers who are eager to access up-to-date information about this year’s Pursuit of Maximum Yield corn and soybean plots.

This is the second year that FS PARTNERS has run the Pursuit of Maximum Yield project. Last year’s program included on-site presentation at five different fields, attended by more than 160 producers.

 

This year, FS PARTNERS took the communication and marketing of this event to a new level by using QR codes to keep farmers current with stats and analysis of the fields represented in the program throughout the growing  season.  
                                                                   

“The Maximum Yield Plots are designed to showcase corn and soybean trials, and farmers like to stay updated about what’s going on all season,” said Andrew Troyer, FS PARTNERS sales and marketing manager.

Posted at each Pursuit of Maximum Yield site is a large QR code that can be easily seen from a distance. Anyone passing by can learn more about FS PARTNERS by simply taking a picture of the code with their smart phone, which will display real-time information on the crop, variety, applications, and conditions, as well as audio tailored to each site. At FS PARTNERS plots in Ayr, Delhi, Drayton and Elmvale, Ont., information is available and regularly updated.

“We know these codes have a great deal of potential, and we are just at the tip of the iceberg,” Troyer said. “Anywhere someone can use a smart phone, whether at our fuel stations or our corn fields, we plan to have QR codes.”

Juli Paladino, FS PARTNERS retail energy administrator, worked with Troyer to implement the QR codes into the Pursuit of Maximum Yield plot program. She created the behind-the-scenes information to be viewer-friendly on a small screen.

“Today, many farmers are technology savvy and are seeking out new ways to communicate through social media,” Paladino said. “Smart phone technology makes it easy for them to use those tools while out in the field, and we wanted to reach out in a way that makes them want to listen.”

Safety at its best at North Wellington Co-op

Many staff members of North Wellington Co-operative Services walked with a cautious foot on August 18, as they approached the milestone of reaching 1000 days without any lost time from work related accidents.

This achievement comes thanks to the efforts of the members of the co-operative's Joint Health and Safety Committee to ensure that everyone remains focused on the importance of keeping employees safe at work.

Employees enjoy celebratory cake in honour of achieving 1000 days of accident-free success with (L) John Eccles, North Wellington Co-op director and Kelly Boyle, general manager.

4-H Ambassadors tour FS System

In rain and shine, 4-H Ontario Ambassadors took part in a one-day tour to learn more about their sponsors, GROWMARK, Inc, the FS Co-operatives, and UPI Energy LP.

The one-day tour consisted of a visit to UPI Energy’s bulk fuel plant in Guelph, an FS PARTNERS agronomy and Great Lakes Grain facility in Ayr, North Wellington Co-operative’s unique retail store and lawn and garden centre, a demonstration field plot called Pursuit of Maximum Yield and a 24 hour remotely monitored cardlock FAST STOP® fueling station.

This is the seventh year of the program sponsored each year by GROWMARK, Inc., and UPI Energy LP.

(Right) The group learn about the complex operations of UPI Energy from Bob Hodgson, manager of operations for southwestern Ontario.

(Below) The 2011 Ambassadors admire baby chicks for sale at the North Wellington Co-operative Services retail store and lawn and garden centre. From L-R is Ambassadors Alex Mitchell of Pembroke, Alissa Goodfellow of Napanee, Cassandra Chornoboy of Rockwood, Sylvia Megens of Goodwood and Jennifer Betzner of Lynden.

 



(Right) At the FS Green Plan Solutions™ Pursuit of Maximum Yield site in Drayton, Don McLean, FS PARTNERS agronomist demonstrates new QR code technology at the plot.

 

(Below) Kevin Stumpf, FS PARTNERS branch manager gives an overview of the grain and agronomy business at the Ayr site.  



Final stop of the day was a quick visit at the FAST STOP remotely monitored self-serve gas station in Alma.

Ambassadors promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they have and will continue to receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations, communication, writing reports and press releases, public speaking, using visual aids, agricultural and 4-H awareness and etiquette. They will also be able to take advantage of the many networking opportunities and exposure to new experiences.

The Ambassadors will also attend UPI Energy’s annual meeting next month called Rendezvous and participate as flag bearers during the opening ceremonies.











Syngenta gives crop tour at its Plattsville Research Farm

Strobe-light demonstrations showing spray-nozzle efficiencies along with information sessions on herbicides, seed science and fungicides was all part of the knowledge shared with FS crop specialists visiting Syngenta’s Research Farm just outside of Plattsville this summer.

Travelling by tractor-pulled bleachers, participants were chauffeured through a one-hundred acre field of test plots including corn, wheat and soybeans. Different speakers along the way provided insight into what had gone into each plot and demonstrated the advantage of incorporating an integrated cropping system using layered technology to improve yields.

Interaction in the fields at FS Forage Launch

Detecting potato leafhopper at the test plots in Mitchell was just one of the many exercises and topics discussed at this year’s annual FS Green Plan Solutions™  Forage Launch.

Several Ontario FS crop specialists from across the Ontario FS System gathered at the Mitchell Community Center to hear from speakers covering timely topics such as forage fertility, the new WL Alfalfa line up of quality guaranteed seed varieties and hear about the most common pest problems and solutions this year.


Huron Bay Co-operative FS Crop Specialists John Verhoeve (L) and Jim Peeters (R) inspect for Potato Leafhopper at Mitchell test plot at recent FS Ontario Forage Launch.

After the formal sessions of the launch, the group headed to the FS PARTNERS Mitchell test plot where Bill Brown, GROWMARK Ontario field agronomist, Dave Gentry, GROWMARK product manager –forage and turf-grass, Mike Peterson of WL Research and Don McLean agronomist with FS PARTNERS followed up with some hands-on scouting techniques and seed variety identification.
Each crop specialist received a new 140-page, 2012 Forage Seed Guide to take with them as a reference tool.

Joint golf tournament raises more money for Ontario charities

UPI Energy LP and CASE ‘N DRUM OIL LP held their first Annual Invitational Charity Golf tournament together to make an already big event even better by raising more money for three deserving charities.

Together along with almost 50 proud sponsors and more than 120 dedicated golfers that showed up to support the day, $30,000 was raised providing $10,000 each to Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, the London Regional Cancer Program and The Children’s Health Foundation.

UPI Energy has held an annual charity golf tournament for the past 11 years and has raised over $190,000 for various charities.

(L-R) Recieving $10,000 for the Children’s Health Foundation is Jill Osborne, Robert Sicard, UPI Energy LP and Suzanne Newington of CASE ’N DRUM OIL LP.

FS crop specialists Dave VanCasteren and Brent Troyer earn CCS credentials

Brent Troyer, FS Crop Specialist with North Wellington Co-operative Services in Harriston (R) and Dave VanCasteren, FS Crop Specialist with FS PARTNERS in Alliston both successfully completed the requirements necessary to hold credentials as Certified Crop Specialists (CCS) in the FS System. This prestigious achievement is the next level up in their extensive agricultural training. Both gentlemen already hold the designation of a certified crop advisor in Ontario. 

The Certified Crop Specialist accreditation recognizes crop advisors for their production expertise, says Frank Campbell, GROWMARK Ontario marketing director. “These credentials prove a CCS’s ability to put his or her training to work in finding solutions that help producers optimize agronomic results, economic return and environmental stewardship.”

To earn the original title of Certified Crop Specialist, candidates are required to successfully complete a series of comprehensive written and verbal exams designed to establish base standards of knowledge on the topics of nutrient management practices, integrated pest management, soil erosion and water quality. Among the skill sets assessed are technical knowledge; the ability to discover, identify and analyze yield-limiting factors from a grower’s field records; identify common pest problems and recommend economic treatment measures; discuss and analyze the economic aspects of crop production; and understand the need-identification process.

The GROWMARK CCS program has been in existence for 25 years as a way to offer exemplary FS sales staff the opportunity to excel and receive recognition for achieving the highest level of excellence in sales ability, technical knowledge and outstanding customer service.

Enviromental Leadership honour for AGRIS Co-op

On March 31, AGRIS Co-operative was awarded with Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Environmental Leadership Award,” which was presented during the Chambers 123rd Annual Business Excellence Awards Banquet. The award was handed out at a gala event held at Club Lentina’s in Chatham. Board president Larry Pajot and general manager Jim Campbell accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

L-R Gail Antaya - President and Chief Executive Officer - Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, Jim Campbell - AGRIS Co-operative General Manager, Larry Pajot - AGRIS Co-operative Board President, Sarah Smith - Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant.

Ontario FS directors attend Summit

For the fifth year in a row, Ontario FS System directors got together to share information and gain more knowledge about the director's role, responsibilities and capabilities within the co-operative organization.

The three-day FS Director Summit was held at Blue Mountain Resort and Conference Centre and was attended by 90 people. The event itself and some of the specific training counted towards director certification credits.

Dan Kelley GROWMARK chairman of the board and president, Dennis Farmer senior vice president, Member Services & Retail, Jim Spradlin vice president Agronomy and Matt Hynes manager, Agronomy Marketing & Agronomic Services spoke on a variety of topics. There was also a youth component with Kerr Smith from the Ontario Co-operative Association and Sylvia Megans, 2011 4-H Ontario Ambassador spoke about the importance of supporting youth leadership programs. Chuck Spencer Director Government Affairs closed the program with an interesting presentation on American politics.

Dan Kelley, GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President speaks to the group about GROWMARK’s strategic direction. Dennis Farmer, senior vice president Member Services & Retail (far right).

UPI Energy celebrates 20 years of success

In March UPI Energy LP proudly announced its 20th anniversary. Since 1991, UPI has provided quality petroleum, propane, and lubricant products and services to customers across rural Ontario. On an annual basis, UPI markets more than half a billion litres of petroleum, propane, lubricants and energy related services province-wide.

UPI’s 20 year history and timeline of success:

Early 90’s: UPI was renowned for pioneering province wide-marketing of Ethanol-blended gasolines.

2001: UPI opened its first EnviroStation™, a modern, cost effective, above ground storage and dispensing retail gasoline outlet.

2003: UPI became the first in Ontario to retail biodiesel to the agricultural community with the introduction of DIESEL3000™.

2004: UPI expanded its lubricant operations with the acquisition of CASE ’N DRUM OIL Corporation™. Later that same year, the company grew with the acquisition of Damar Fuels, an independent petroleum business which operated in Elmira.

2007 was the launch of E85, a blend of up to 85% ethanol for use in Flex Fuel vehicles. UPI Energy LP’s petroleum, gas bar and cardlock network experienced further expansion with the addition of Ed Taylor Fuels in Cambridge, in 2007, and most recently in June 2010, with Sylvite Fuels & Lubricants in Putnam and Beselaere Fuels & Lubricants in Delhi.

Most recently, Robert Sicard, UPI Energy President and CEO was elected to the Canadian Propane Association’s board of directors.

“Green Plan Solutions™.....Maximizing Every Acre”-this year’s theme at Ontario PROTRACK Agronomy Conference

It may be the best conference yet, was a recurring comment seen on participants’ evaluation forms who attended GROWMARK Ontario region’s Agronomy Conference held at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville.

“ Let’s plant some seeds!” stated Frank Campbell, GROWMARK Ontario marketing director who opened the three-day program with a challenge to all participants to use the conference as a way to plant new ideas in their minds to take back and apply to their businesses and help customers maximize every acre through achieving bigger yields and improved profitability. The conference opened with the launch and positioning of Green Plan Solutions and the importance for members to promote this shared brand collectively.

The line up of speakers included conference co-ordinator and emcee Bill Brown, GROWMARK Ontario field sales agronomist, Dr. Peter Sikkema Ph. D M.Sc. B.Sc (Agr) from the University of Guelph who covered the topics of Glyphosate resistant Giant Ragweed and weed management in soybeans, Dale Cowan Southern Co-operative Services senior agronomist spoke on agronomic fertility solutions, Don McLean, FS PARTNERS/North Wellington Co-operative agronomist and Sean Dunnett, FS PARTNERS seed specialist reported on the Pursuit of Maximum Yield program and Don Kabbes of Great Lakes Grain talked about grain marketing strategies.

Attending from GROWMARK were Dave Gentry, forage/turf retail product manager, who spoke about seed partners and treatments, Kevin Black, insect & plant disease technical manager covered weed and insect identification, Barry Nash, weed science technical manager talked modes of action with herbicides and Joe Dillier, director plant food gave some insight into what is happening around the world in respect to fertilizers.

The final day focused on communication and social media with a session from Andrew Campbell who is owner of Fresh Air Media. “It is not a question as to whether you should use social media to promote your business, but rather how and what tools you should use in your social media strategies,” was Campbell’s key message to his audience.

Terry Stevenson, Southern Co-operative Services communication manager and Janice Johnson, GROWMARK Ontario marketing and communication specialist followed with a session on communicating with customers and provided examples of various website and electronic communication tools that can be adopted easily.

The closing session was given by, Barry Hannah, GROWMARK senior trainer who tied it all the together with his presentation on utilizing all tools to Maximize Every Acre.

The conference was generously sponsored by BASF, Bayer CropScience, DuPont, Monsanto, PRIDE Seeds and Syngenta. Representatives from each sponsor presented new product information and technical advice.

Certified Crop Advisors received 11 certified education units for attending the conference.

Brian Colville, Sunderland Co-operative crop sales & service specialist asks a question to one of the speakers presenting at the Agronomy Conference. Bill Brown, GROWMARK Ontario field sales agronomist (holding microphone). Kimberly Callaghan, Sunderland Co-op crop sales & services specialist listens.

Meet this year's 4-H Ontario Ambassador team

 

Having successfully passed through interviews by a panel of three judges five new ambassadors were selected as to represent 4-H Ontario across the province for the year.

The 2011 Ambassadors are: Jennifer Betzner (Lynden), Cassandra Chornoboy (Rockwood), Alissa Goodfellow (Napanee), Sylvia Megens (Goodwood), and Alex Mitchell (Pembroke).

This is the seventh year of the program and it has been sponsored each year by and GROWMARK, Inc., and UPI Energy LP.

Ambassadors will work to promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they have and will continue to receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations and communication.

We encourage FS member co-operatives to invite an ambassador to your local functions to take part in your activities and speak to your audiences about the importance of supporting 4-H. Contact Janice Johnson, at the GROWMARK Ontario office at 519-895-4286 if you want to book an ambassador.

4-H has come up with more innovative ways to promote the program. You can view a testimonial video from Valerie Stone, 2010 Ambassador posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/4HOntario and read more about the program at http://www.4-hontario.ca/youth/opportunities/youth-positions/default.aspx

(L-R) Dianne Kennedy-UPI Energy LP, 4-H Ambassadors Sylvia Megens, Jennifer Betzner, Alex Mitchell, Cassandra Chornoboy and Alissa Goodfellow of Napanee, Barry Hannah-GROWMARK, Inc.

Ninety years of growth celebrated at AGRIS Co-operative AGM

“Celebrating 90 years of farmer-owned innovation” was the theme presented to more than 150 member-owners, supporters and friends of AGRIS Co-operative at its Annual Meeting in Chatham, Ontario earlier this year with Jeff Solberg, CEO of GROWMARK there to pass on his congratulations.

“We are very honoured to have you speak to our group especially knowing that this is the first annual meeting you have attended in your new role as CEO of GROWMARK,” said David Malott, AGRIS Co-operative president.

Solberg told AGRIS Co-operative members that they should be very proud of their accomplishments in reporting solid financial results. “A co-op has to be profitable to be able to grow and provide patronage refunds back to its farmer-owners and AGRIS is doing a great job of maintaining a high level of success.” The co-operative reported annual sales of nearly $50 million for 2010, income of $2.1 million and declared patronage refunds of $500,000 to its members for the second year in a row.

Solberg reiterated the strength of GROWMARK’s commitment to support and serve its members by saying, “GROWMARK values and sees every dollar we handle as a farmer’s dollar.”

During the meeting, AGRIS Co-operative filled four open board positions from a selection of eight strong nominees. “This was a great example of true democracy in action!” says Jim Campbell, AGRIS Co-operative general manager. “Seeing this many candidates come forward confirms that being farmer-owned and having a say in how the business is run means a lot to our members.”

The annual meeting also marked the retirement of the co-operative’s president David Malott from the board of directors, after more than 30 years of involvement with the co-op. Larry Pajot, of Windsor was elected as the new president.

Also attending from corporate GROWMARK was Davis Anderson, vice president grain, Marshall Bohbrink, vice president risk management and treasurer, Joe Kapraun, manager grain marketing division and Eric Smalley, grain business operations director all in support of Great Lakes Grain, a grain partnership between AGRIS Co-operative and GROWMARK.

As part of the 90th anniversary celebration, a tribute to past presidents was recognized, new testimonial banner displays and posters were displayed and a new video production was presented to the audience.

GROWMARK, Inc. Chief Executive Office Jeff Solberg brings greetings from GROWMARK at AGRIS Co-operative’s Annual General Meeting and 90^th anniversary celebration.

National biodiesel bumper sticker campaign launched by CRFA

FS PARTNERS is the first distributer of biofuels across Canada to be involved in the The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association and Grain Farmers of Ontario newly launched biodiesel bumper sticker campaign.

The initiative was announced March 21 in London at GFO annual meeting. The plan is to see that all vehicles fueled with biodiesel will have a bumper sticker that reads “Powered by Biodiesel” to show support for the federal government’s national biodiesel standard and promote awareness of the enviromentally friendlier fuel.

 Tom O'Neill, FS PARTNERS energy sales manager says that FS PARTNERS sees the value in using bumper stickers to spread the word. Almost 1300 school busses throughout Ontario have been labelled with Powered by Biodiesel stickers for the past few years. “We believe it is very important to continue the push for renewable fuels throughout Canada and being involved in the ‘Powered by Biodiesel’ bumper sticker initiative is part of that goal.”

“Farmers here and across the country are clearly enthusiastic about the increased production and promotion of biodiesel. This bumper sticker will let them proudly show their support,” said Canadian Renewable Fuels Association President Gordon Quaiattini in announcing the campaign. “The 2% renewable fuel standard for biodiesel is an investment in our future. It is creating good jobs, helping farmers find new ways to prosper and is helping protect our planet for future generations,”



A recent AgCall survey of active Canadian canola and soybean growers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario showed overwhelming support for the production and promotion of biodiesel in Canada. 87% of respondents supported using Canadian grown canola/soybeans in the production of biodiesel. 81% of respondents supported a federal renewable strategy that would promote the use of canola/soybeans in the production of biodiesel.

“Biodiesel is a great potential growth industry for Ontario’s grain and oilseed farmers, but in order for our 28,000 members to see any benefit, we need to see a biodiesel plant built in Ontario and a two per cent renewable diesel mandate passed,” added Don Kenny, Chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Our farmers have seen the benefits of the growth of the ethanol industry and they are hopeful for similar success in the biodiesel industry.”





(L) Tom O'Neill of FS PARTNERS with Gordon Quaiattini, president of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association.