Congratulations to new CMC graduates!

Students of the third (CMC) Co-operative Management Certificate Program  graduated on Dec. 1st. Among the graduating class is GROWMARK procurement and distribution manager Steve Rongits and Paul Emerick, controller for AGRIS Co-operative.


This year, eighteen students, most of who are currently involved with the co-op sector, celebrated the end of their six-month course with a ceremony held at the Executive Learning Centre of the Schulich School of Business at York University. Rongits says this course gave him the opportunity to learn more about the diversity of the co-op sector. "I know that the knowledge I gained and the network of other co-operators that I met will help me in my career with GROWMARK and I have a broader perspective of the co-operative model and sector.”

  The Co-operative Management Certificate Program was designed to be an affordable, practical and accessible learning solution for those in Ontario’s diverse co-operative sectors. The Program was developed by the Ontario Co-operative Association in partnership with the Schulich School of Business. Students represented co-op sectors including renewable energy, housing, financial services, agriculture, organics, transportation and worker co-ops. Some students are from outside the co-op sector, but take the program to learn more about applying the co-op enterprise model to a future business. Almost 60 students have graduated from the program thus far.
 

Recent CMC graduate, Steve Rongits of GROWMARK with Mark Ventry, Ontario Co-operative Association Executive Director (L) and J.J. McMurtry Associate Professor, Business & Society, York University, and 

Program Director of the Co-operative Management Certificate Program.



Recent CMC graduate, Paul Emerick of AGRIS Co-operative with Mark Ventry and J.J. McMurtry.

The fourth cohort of the Co-operative Management Certificate Program begins March 2013. Visit the Ontario Co-operative Association website to learn more about the Co-operative Management Program or call On Co-op at 1.888.745.5521.

Leading employees to safety at GROWMARK's annual Health & Safety Day

What do pigs and health and safety have to do with each other?

In this case, Lester Zmolek, senior safety specialist of GROWMARK took a unique approach with an ice-breaker for more than 30 FS member co-operative employees who attended the annual GROWMARK Health and Safety Day on Dec. 4 at the Holiday Inn in Kitchener when he asked everyone to draw a picture of a pig!


Apparently, many factors of a person’s personality can be exposed by analyzing their individual pig portraits. These key personality traits may have an impact on how we conduct ourselves in regards to health and safety by our ability to respond quickly, focus attentively or whether we are more of a risk taker or approach things cautiously. These are just a few of the personality traits exposed by one's quick pig sketch.

Lester Zmolek of GROWMARK interacts with particpants
quizzing them on some Health and Safety statistics.

Zmolek says that once all safety measures are taken, then usually, the three main reasons accidents occur are that the employee is complacent and has done the task many times before, or he or she is not concentrating on the task or just simply not aware of proper actions.

MTO officer Bud Kneller

“We can follow all the health and safety regulations in the world, but if the correct state of mind and focus is absent at the scene, then a near-miss or accident is likely to occur,” says Zmolek. “You can lead a horse to water......and we must lead our employees to safety.”

Participants then broke off into groups to discuss several different incident scenarios and determine what measures they would take to avoid the same incident in the future. Next on the agenda was Ministry of Transportation Officer Bud Kneller, who covered a variety of topics such as cargo securement, and trip inspections. The group took part in a lively Q&A session and was able to pin-point specifics in regards to best practices in protecting themselves against MTO fines and transportation safety regulations.

The afternoon consisted of an update on Ontario’s health and safety legislations by Erin Aldred, GROWMARK Ontario Health & Safety specialist, and a session on life of an accident. Pete Trotter, legal council for GROWMARK and Ian Campbell, senior partner with Hicks Morley were joined by Bob Dobson, operator from FS PARTNERS Beeton location and Erin Aldred for a panel discussion on a true case accident that occurred in 2010.

GROWMARK Announces 4-H Ontario Essay Contest Winner

Deanna Ringelberg-Winner of GROWMARK
Ontario Essay Contest

Congratulations goes to Deanna Ringelberg of Troy!

Deanna has been named the Ontario provincial winner of the first GROWMARK Essay Contest for Ontario high school students who are members of a 4-H Ontario Association. The theme of this year’s contest was “Co-operatives in a Global Environment, in honor of 2012, The International Year of Co-operatives named by the United Nations.

In her contest entry, Ringelberg said: “The success of co-ops is one of the best kept secrets. Through the International Year of Co-operatives, hopefully we can spread the word about the benefits to co-operative member-owners, communities and worldwide economic growth.”

Ringelberg is a student at Hamilton District Christian High School and a member of the Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H Association.

As the contest winner, Ringelberg will receive a $500 scholarship from GROWMARK at the Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H Association Awards banquet in December. The Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H Association will also receive a $300 award in honour of her accomplishment to help future students.

Four provincial runners-up each received a $125 scholarship. The runners-up and their 4-H Associations, in alphabetical order are: Vicki Brisson, Russell County 4-H, Embrun, ON; Matthew Gerrits, Middlesex County 4-H, Sarnia, ON; Kate Johnson, Durham West 4-H, Port Perry, ON; Sabrina Van Schyndel, Lanark County 4-H, Carleton Place, ON.

This is the first year for the program in Ontario, but the nineteenth year for the program in the United States, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member co-operatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. The essay contest was designed to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of co-operatives.

More information along with this year's Essay Contest winners are posted on GROWMARK and 4-H Ontario websites.

UPI Energy honours its people in style

UPI Energy’s Rendezvous 2012
Rendezvous is an event that brings UPI Energy employees, gas bar agents/dealers and their spouses together for a fun-filled evening that includes an annual business review, followed by dinner, dancing, entertainment and awards. This year's event was held on Sept. 15 at White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

While employees and guests arrived from across Ontario throughout the afternoon, they were welcomed with the vibrant energetic sounds of UPI’s five-piece house-band inviting guests to join them on the outdoor patio for an interactive jam session. Guests actively took to the opportunity by playing their choice of instrument or singing a hit-song from recent decades.

“Due to popular demand, we decided to include the jam session again this year. It really is a good jump start to the event and puts people in a celebratory mood,” says John Canjar, UPI director, sales marketing & development.

The official opening ceremony kicked-off with a flag procession led by the 2012 4-H Ontario Ambassadors and accompanied by the 48th Highlanders Pipes and Drums. Seen here (L-R) are 4-H Ontario Ambassadors Steven Stockdale of Peterborough with the Canadian flag, Victoria Kyle of Brant with the American flag, Julia Romagnoli of Niagara with the Ontario flag, Dianne Kennedy, UPI manager, customer relations and sales development, holding the UPI flag, 4-H Ontario Ambassadors Samantha Klaver of Perth with the FS flag and Jennifer Pollock of Wellington with the Suncor flag.

Special guests attending the evening’s awards and dinner included Kevin Carroll, GROWMARK’s vice president, Energy, and Shelly Kruse, GROWMARK.’s vice president, Midwest Retail and Acquisitions. In addition, the event was highlighted with a performance by country-music artists Emerson Drive.

During the annual event, a total of 21 long-time service awards were presented to employees ranging from five to 30 years of service. Among them was Robert Sicard, UPI Energy’s President and CEO who was recognized for 20 years of service.

Special congratulations also went to the 2012 President’s Award for Excellence winners:

• Driver of the Year: Norm Ireland
• Retailer of the Year: Mike and Chantal Reynolds
• UPI Energy/CASE ’N DRUM OIL Employee of the Year: Jackie Rodgers

UPI Energy's 2012 Joint Venture Millennium Award was presented at the Co-operative Partners Retreat held at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville on Sept.21. This year's Best in Class Award recipient was North Wellington Co-operative Services with a top score of 91 per cent.


The award recognizes UPI's joint venture partners for excellence in energy marketing and operations.

This was the fourth consecutive year that North Wellington Co-op has won the award and their fifth victory in the past six years. Seen here receiving the award from North Wellington Co-op, Kelly Boyle, general manager and Allan Williamson, Energy Division manager. From UPI Energy is (L) Robert Sicard, president and CEO and (R) Tony Silvestro, director, Finance & Member Services.

Stoney Point area producers benefit from increased grain storage and intake capacity

AGRIS Co-operative is pleased to announce the completion of $3 million in upgrades at its Stoney Point site with the addition of a new grain intake and steel storage bin.

Thanksgiving Monday was very busy at the Stoney Point branch with many producers delivering their crop and seeing first-hand the results of the construction that included the new intake, a half million bushel bin storage for soybeans and a half million flat storage for corn.

“Many things have changed in farming since farmers opened up the Stoney Point branch in 1947,” says Jim Campbell, AGRIS Co-operative general manager. “This is just the latest example of how the capacity of the co-operative changes to keep up with how farmers increase the speed at which they harvest their crop,” says Campbell.

With intake capacity increased to approximately 25,000 bushels per hour the first customer of the day, Robert Chauvin said he could not believe he was finished so quickly. "I thought they were just signaling to move ahead for the second wagon,” said Chauvin.

Further improvements for the Stoney Point branch are also underway with the building of a new 1,400 metric ton fertilizer storage shed that will replace the previous older unit. This project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

To see a complete library of photos of the full construction of the new additions visit: http://www.agris.coop/index.cfm?show=65&mid=1079

Great Lakes Grain is a grain marketing partnership between GROWMARK, Inc. and AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. Great Lakes Grain is one of the largest operators of Ontario country elevators representing close to 440,000 MT (17 million bushels) of storage capacity with total marketing in excess of 37 million bushels serving farmers at more than 24 AGRIS Co-operative and FS PARTNERS branded locations from Windsor through to Toronto and north to Georgian Bay.

FS System employee cookbooks are now available!

As part of an International Year of Co-operatives, GROWMARK has published a cookbook with more than 1,000 recipes submitted by employees throughout the FS System. Net proceeds will be donated to Farmers Feeding the World, an initiative that works to bring together North American agriculture to fight global hunger.

There is a limited number still available for order, on a first come-first served basis. They are $20 each, which includes the book, a CD with all the recipes and a code to access the cookbook on a e-reader.

Contact Pat Smale in the GROWMARK Ontario region office at psmale@growmark.com if you're interested in purchasing a book. Supplies are limited.

Congratulations to GROWMARK Ontario scholarship winner, Kim Hooey!

Kim Hooey, Ontario GROWMARK Summer
Intern and Scholarship winner. 

Kim Hooey, one of Ontario's 2012 GROWMARK Summer Interns was also one of 41 college and university students from Ontario, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Pensylvania and Wisconsin to receive a GROWMARK scholarship at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago on Aug. 31.

This summer, Hooey worked at Lucknow District Co-operative as a crop intern and was in charge of implementing a new agronomy/accounting software program for the co-operative. 

Kim Hooey is now in her fourth year at the University of Guelph and will graduate this year with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Ag Honours. Kim is also very active in 4-H completing close to 30 projects. She sits on her local 4-H Association and recently completed a term as the Ontario youth representative on the Canadian 4-H Council's Youth Advisory Committee. She is a member of the Bruce County Junior Farmers' Association club and has completed full terms as president, secretary and provincial director.

GROWMARK invests in future talent by providing more than $44,000 in scholarships annually and has been supporting college and university students with scholarships since the early 1960s. Today, they are awarded to students majoring in agriculture or accounting at 16 universities and colleges throughout Ontario and the United States.

Youth take part in GROWMARK Annual Meeting

Marley Burgess on stage in Chicago.

“Have you ever been excited to try something new?” This was the opening line in Marley Burgess’s speech at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago on Aug. 31. Something new, is exactly what Burgess did as she spoke in front of approximately 1,000 GROWMARK delegates, employees and friends at the GROWMARK Annual General Meeting at the Hilton Chicago.

Burgess was chosen as this year’s youth speaker along with FFA presidents from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

As part of the celebration for the International Year of Co-operatives, each of these four young leaders spoke for two minutes about the power of co-operatives in the categories of sustainability, resources, youth development and community impact.

Youth attending the three-day trip to Chicago were chosen by their affiliated organizations for their exemplary leadership skills and genuine enthusiasm for being the best they can be for the betterment of agriculture, their communities and society in general. Representing Junior Farmers Association of Ontario was Samantha Klaver from Perth County and representing 4-H Ontario was Jennifer Pollock from Wellington County. Burgess is a Co-operative Young Leaders Program graduate sponsored by North Wellington Co-operative Services.

Rehersal of Grand Entry of Colours Ceremony.

During their stay in Chicago, the young leaders took part in the Grand Entry of Colours Ceremony with nine other young leaders representing FFA in the United States. They attended an evening reception and banquet dinner complete with entertainment as well as a special youth-leader breakfast where they were given the opportunity to meet other young leaders and the many people that support youth development.

A tour of the Chicago Board of Trade and lunch at the historic Berghoff Restaurant was provided by AGRIS Co-operative and some free time to enjoy the architecture and sites in Chicago was included in the itinerary.

Ontario youth at GROWMARK Annual Meeting at the Hilton Chicago International Ballroom ( L-R) 4-H Ontario Ambassador Jennifer Pollock from Wellington County; Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario Samantha Klaver from Perth County; and Co-operative Young Leader representative and 2012 GROWMARK Ontario youth speaker Marley Burgess from Wellington County.

To hear an audio of Marley Burgess's interview posted on AgWire.com, click on the following link:
http://agwired.com/2012/09/06/growmark-honors-youth-in-ag/

You can view the speeches on YouTube at:  http://youtu.be/OO62cTk20xo

GROWMARK Reports Estimated Year-End Financial Results

Pride and Progress was an appropriate theme for the GROWMARK Annual Meeting held in Chicago on Aug. 31 when Jeff Solberg, chief executive officer, announced unaudited, estimated sales of $10 billion for the 2012 fiscal year. This is the highest in the co-operative’s history.

GROWMARK’s pretax income is estimated at $295 million, the second highest in the company’s history. An estimated $140 million in patronage refunds – also a company record -- will be returned to GROWMARK member co-operatives and farmer-owners.

“This is our 85th year as a co-operative system and we are proud of the progress from our founding to now reporting the strongest sales numbers in our history,” he said. “Our business is built around our mission to improve the long-term profitability of our member-owners. With our record sales this year, we are able to return a record amount of patronage to our owners. We remain committed to their success and to the unity of our co-operative system.”

2012 is an historic year for GROWMARK. Along with celebrating its 85th anniversary of the formation of the predecessor companies that make up today’s GROWMARK System, 2012 is also the International Year of Co-operatives, designated by the United Nations.

"Pride and Progress provides an avenue to honour our co-operative heritage, showcase our success, and demonstrate our commitment to ongoing improvement," says Solberg.

Operational highlights for the company’s business units were also reported at the Annual Meeting and are available at: www.growmark.com

A growth experience - 2012 GROWMARK Interns

As we wind down another growing season, we also send off our 2012 GROWMARK Summer Interns back to university for their final years, with hopefully, a broader perspective and more practical work experience after spending the past 12 weeks with the GROWMARK System.

This year’s program consisted of 51 university students placed at either an FS member co-operative, a GROWMARK home office or facility throughout the GROWMARK network in the US and Ontario. The unique part of this Internship Program is that each student is assigned a substantial key project that requires strategic planning and creativity. The completion of this project, not only gives the intern a true workplace experience of accountability, but also provides value to the organization.

Six of these students were placed here in Ontario. All six interns finished up their summer experience by travelling to GROWMARK’s home office in Bloomington, Illinois to present their findings to other interns and to GROWMARK executives.

All Ontario Interns this year are from the University of Guelph. Seen below are this year's Ontario GROWMARK Interns listed with their placement location and their special summer project:

From Left to Right:
Ashly De Brouwer Grain Intern with Great Lakes Grain - SPECIAL PROJECT: Branch and Customer Survey CS project
Morgan Kluka Agronomy Intern with AGRIS Co-operative- SPECIAL PROJECT: Western Bean Cutworm scouting/management
Erin Campbell Energy Intern with FS PARTNERS - SPECIAL PROJECT: Carbon-tax credit system implementation
Kim Hooey Crops Intern with Lucknow District Co-operative - SPECIAL PROJECT: Implementing AgVance computer system
Cristina Ricciardi HR Intern with GROWMARK Ontario region office - SPECIAL PROJECT: Career Ladders and Training module
Philip Cameron Agronomy Intern with AGRIS Co-operative (Chatham Ontario area) -SPECIAL PROJECT: Western Bean Cutworm scouting/mgt.

Cristina Ricciardi, 2012 GROWMARK Intern

One intern's perspective of the program:
“I was interested in working for GROWMARK for many reasons. It provided me the opportunity to gain practical work experience in my area of study, develop valuable contacts and learn more about the agriculture industry as well as co-operatives. The internship program at GROWMARK truly values what each student has to contribute to the system. The individual summer project allowed me to apply classroom theory to real-world scenarios. This experience will definitely help me stand out from the crowd down the road!”

To learn more about the GROWMARK Intership Program visit:
http://www.growmark.com/OurCareers/Pages/Internships.aspx

Nine young leaders visit six different sites of GROWMARK Ontario System

The 2012 Ontario 4-H Ambassadors and GROWMARK's Summer Interns took a day away from their regular routine to learn more about the many facets of the GROWMARK System and better understand how the agriculture co-operative network all ties together.

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, GROWMARK Ontario Distribution Centre, North Wellington Co-operative’s retail store and lawn and garden centre, an FS PARTNERS demonstration field plot called Pursuit of Maximum Yield and a 24 hour remotely monitored cardlock FAST STOP® fueling station.

Youth attended GROWMARK System tour shown here at their first stop of the day at UPI Energy's bulk fuel site. (From L-R) 4-H Ontario senior manager, programing Marianne Fallis; 4-H Ontario executive director Wraychel Horne; GROWMARK Intern Cristina Ricciardi; 4-H Ambassador Julia Romagnoli; GROWMARK Intern placed with FS PARTNERS Erin Campbell; 4-H Ambassadors Steven Stockdale and Samantha Klaver, GROWMARK Intern placed at Lucknow Co-op Kim Hooey; 4-H Ambassadors Jennifer Pollock and Victoria Kyle, FS PARTNERS accounting systems co-ordinator Natalie Brown, GROWMARK Intern placed with Great Lakes Grain Ashley Debrouwer and from UPI Energy, Dianne Kennedy manager customer relations and sales development and Bob Hodgson manager operations for southwestern Ontario.

Visit 4-H Ontario Ambassador Program and the GROWMARK Internship program. to learn more.

This year marks sixty years for Thunder Bay Co-op

This year, 2012 has been a milestone year for many in the co-operative sector and Thunder Bay
Co-operative Farm Supplies, the FS System’s most north-westerly located co-operative in the GROWMARK System is celebrating alongside GROWMARK’s 85th anniversary and the International Year of Co-operatives.

The Co-op was established in 1952 when a group of Thunder Bay area farmers began pooling their resources and purchasing power to keep the prices of seed, supplies and equipment affordable. Although mostly dairy farmers, the group's efforts and foresight have benefited the agricultural community as a whole, and 60 years later the operation has become a focal point for agriculture in the region, continuing to supply farmers of all types with feed, seed, fertilizer and other necessary supplies like fencing, metal roofing and siding, livestock equipment and tractor implements.

Since its opening, the co-op has expanded its product lines to suit the needs of area residents for farm and home. The growing retail side of the business provides additional support for the farm community, providing some stability in a sector which has seen decreases in the number of farms almost everywhere in Ontario except for Thunder Bay, where the number of farms, according to the 2009 District Agriculture Economic Impact Study, is actually increasing.

For farm and for home, Thunder Bay Co-operative also provides lawn seed, pet products and hardware for local residents and farmers. The co-operative reported more than $4 million in sales this year and has just under 120 members.

Michel Chenier honoured for business excellence

On April 21, Michel Chenier, general manager of La Co-operative Agricole d’Embrun Limitee was awarded with the 2012 Award of Excellence and named Executive of the Year (in the private sector category) by (RGA) Le Regroupment des gens d’affaires de la Capitale Nationale (The National Capital Association of French and Bilingual Businesses. The RGA brings together approximately 600 francophone and bilingual business entrepreneurs and executives within the city of Ottawa and surrounding communities.

Chenier attended the RGA Gala with the three finalists from his award category not knowing who would receive this prestigious award. “It was an honour to be placed in the same light with other such esteemed colleagues that are all very well respected in the community,” says Chenier.

The nomination was submitted by BDO, a major Canadian accounting and consulting firm. In the nomination, Chenier was noted as having great passion, strong leadership aptitude and high regard for community care.

Left –Michel Chenier receives Executive of the Year Award (private sector) for the city of Ottawa.

In the 14 years, that Chenier has held the position of general manager, the co-operative has seen sales growth from $37 million to $72 million annually and increased reserves from $3.6 to $11 million and today employs 250 people. Its membership base has grown from 3000 to 5000 members since 1997 and $1.5 million in patronage has been paid out to the co-operative’s member-owners.

This is not the first time we have seen Chenier standing in the winner’s circle for achieving business excellence. In 2011, he was recognized by the Ontario Co-operative Association with the prestigious Ontario Distinguished Co-operator Award.

Under his management, Embrum Co-operative was awarded with GROWMARK’s Best Performance Improvement Award in 1999 and has received several annual Top Twenty Percent Awards in various categories over the years.

For 11 consecutive years, Chenier’s sales force has been recognized through GROWMARK’s Annual Sales Program that rewards exemplary sales staff and management.

Chenier’s community spirit remains constant with his commitment to providing ongoing contributions and fundraising efforts through employee involvement for local food banks, the United Way and several local hospitals.

Embrun Co-operative offers its customers a diverse line of products and services through its various facilities with everything from agronomy products and solutions, grain handling, bulk energy distribution, animal nutrition services, two full gas stations, car wash and garage service, an Independent Grocery store as well as a RONA hardware and home-improvement store.

Through the co-operatives affiliation with GROWMARK, Inc., Embrun Co-operative is a member of the Canadian Co-operative Association, the Ontario Co-operative Association and the Association of Co-operative Educators, all of which Chenier has taken a personal approach, by getting involved to help promote the co-operative business model, its values and principles.

During his acceptance speech on April, 21, Chenier took a moment to acknowledge 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives named by the United Nations.

This year's Ontario 4-H Ambassadors are well on their way!

This is the eighth year for the Ontario 4-H Ambasssador program sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc., and UPI Energy LP.

Ambassadors work hard all year while having fun 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.

To read a bio on each of this year's 4-H Ambassadors or if you would like to invite an ambassador to a local event to help promote the program, visit:  http://www.4-hontario.ca/youth/opportunities/youth-positions/default.aspx

From (L-R): 2012 Ontario 4-H Ambassadors:

Julia Romagnoli of Niagara, Samantha Klaver of Perth, Steven Stockdale of Peterborough, Victoria Kyle of Brant and Jennifer Pollock of Wellington with Dianne Kennedy of UPI Energy LP and Barry Hannah of GROWMARK, Inc.

565,000 bushel grain storage capacity added for Stoney Point area farmers

Construction of a new 565,000 steel grain bin at the AGRIS Co-operative Stoney Point location was formally announced recently by AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. board president, Larry Pajot.

Construction of the new steel grain bin, receiving pit and legs is expected to start immediately with completion expected early this September and in time for fall harvest.

The more than $3 million investment by AGRIS will significantly improve unloading times and storage capacity for the co-operatives member-owners and customers in the Stoney Point area. The initiative will increase intake capacity to 25,000 bushels an hour and overall storage will increase to 1.6 MM bushels.

Pajot told owners that the investment by AGRIS Co-operative will help strengthen its farmer owners’ ability to deliver their crops more efficiently and take better advantage of marketing opportunities through its grain partner, Great Lakes Grain.

Recognizing top seed sales performers for Ontario GROWMARK System

This year, was the first year for the Winner's Circle seed sales incentive program for FS crop specialists in Ontario. Top seed sales performers along with their spouses were treated to an awards banquet complete with dining and entertainment while overlooking the falls from high up at the Marriott Fallsview-Niagara Falls.

Recognized for excellence in seed sales this year are:

Top marks went to Kent Wolfe of AGRIS Co-operative who reached PLATINUM level status followed by:

GOLD level achievers: Chris Snip of AGRIS Co-operative and  Nathan Saarloos of FS PARTNERS.

SILVER level: Dave VanCasteren, David Curry, Quentin Hopcraft, Tony Balkwill, Stefan Dewaele and Scott Snowe of FS PARTNERS and Mark McKerrall of AGRIS Co-operative.

BRONZE level:  Al Broad, Clark Aitken and Dan Vanek of AGRIS Co-operative and Sean Chase of FS PARTNERS.



AGRIS Co-operative Winners Circle team (L-R): FS crop sales specialist Mark McKerrall, seed specialist Scott Vandehogen, FS crop sales specialists Clark Aitken, Kent Wolfe, Chris Snip, Dan Vanek, senior agronomist Dale Cowan. Not present: FS crop sales specialist Al Broad.





FS PARTNERS Winner's Circle team (L-R): Andrew Troyer, sales & marketing manager, FS crop specialists Scott Snowe, David Curry, Tony Balkwill, Sean Chase, seed sales specialist Sean Dunnett, FS crop specialists Dave VanCasteren, Nathan Saarloos and FS PARTNERS division manager Frank Barron. Not present, FS crop specialists Quentin Hopcraft and Stefan Dewaele.



Certified Crop Specialist credentials earned by three FS agribusiness professionals

Nathan Saaloos-FS PARTNERS

Mitchell area crop specialist Nathan Saarloos with FS PARTNERS and Chatham area crop sales specialists John Couwenberg and Graham McLean with AGRIS Co-operative have all successfully completed the requirements necessary to hold credentials as a Certified Crop Specialist (CCS) in the FS Co-operative System. All three are already certified crop advisors in Ontario and this latest achievement of earning CCS status within the GROWMARK System is the next level up in their extensive agricultural training.

To earn the prestigious 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.

Graham McLean-AGRIS Co-operative

John Couwenberg-AGRIS Co-operative

The GROWMARK System prides itself in its commitment to provide employees with on-going training to ensure its farmer-customers are recieving the best technical expertise and recommendations to help them maximize yields and increase profits.

If you would like to send congratulations to Nathan Saarloos, John Couwenberg and Graham McLean, please do so by posting a comment below!

New essay contest for 4-H Ontario high school students starts now!

As part of the International Year of Co-operatives, GROWMARK Ontario Region wanted to find a way to help educate more young people about co-operative principles and values. 

GROWMARK and the FS Co-operatives have launched a new opportunity for 4-H members attending high school. Students accross Ontario can enter an essay-writing competition that will give them more insight into the unique role of co-operatives, a better understanding of current issues in agriculture and help them develop their writing skills.

The essay topic is "Co-operatives in a Global Environment." Postmarked entry deadline is May 15 and essays must be 500 words in length. The provincial winner will receive $500 and the winner’s 4-H Association will earn a $300 award. Four runners-up in Ontario will win $125 each.

Additional program details can be reviewed at http://www.growmark.com/ (click on Our Commitments/Youth & Young Farmers/Essay Contest) or on 4-H Ontario website under youth opportunities/scholarships.

AGRIS Co-operative returns $786,000 to its farmer-owners

Submitted by Terry Stevenson, AGRIS Co-operative communication manager

An income before tax of $1.7 million for 2011 was reported by AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. board president, Larry Pajot to the co-operative’s shareholders at its annual meeting held at Club Lentinas, in Chatham. Based on these results, Pajot announced that the board of directors has declared a patronage of $375,000 in addition to the $411,000 paid on interest bearing investments.

In his year-end report, Larry Pajot told owners that, “In 2011 AGRIS has been celebrating 90 years of serving its owners. Our owners are technology savvy, aggressive and competitive. With our net income we re-invest a large portion to modernize our operations.” It was also reported that with direction from its owners, AGRIS Co-operative sponsored a new sister co-operative, AGRIS Solar Co-operative. “This is now a standalone company and the largest solar co-operative in Ontario,” Pajot added.

AGRIS Co-operative general manager Jim Campbell reviewed the operational highlights of 2011 for owners. Campbell highlighted that during its first full five years of operation, sales have increased significantly. “More importantly, profitability has been positive during these past five years allowing us to distribute more than $1.5 million in patronage back to our owners,” says Campbell. Retained earnings have nearly doubled to $10.3 million with AGRIS owners investing $8.7 million in the co-operative, an increase of 35 per cent since 2006. “This increased owner investment and retained earnings has allowed the AGRIS board of directors to have aggressive capital spending budgets, increasing our grain storage capacity, custom application capabilities and overall maintain and expand our physical assets,” added Campbell.

The owners of AGRIS Co-operative also acknowledged the service and contributions of Pat Vanheule and Ken Barrette who are leaving the board with a commemorative plaque. The election of five directors for the co-operative was held and re-elected to a three-year term was Kim Fysh from the Thamesville area, Jim Maw from Mooretown, Stan Towers from Glencoe and newly elected was Stan Gillier from Chatham and John Nooyen from Kent Bridge. The board of directors met immediately after the meeting and conducted the election of officers. The following were elected; as president- Larry Pajot, vice-president – Jim Maw and secretary – Paul Repko.

L- R are: Emma Anger, Sarah McDonald and Amy McDonald were all sponsored by AGRIS Co-operative to attend the 2011 Co-operative Young Leaders program last summer. All three youth spoke about their experiences at CYL and the many leadership skills they learned.

To view more photos of the Annual Meeting link to: ttps://picasaweb.google.com/southerncooperativeservices/2012AGRISAnnualMeeting?authkey=Gv1sRgCKW_k5T-7YiecQ&feat=email#

Health & Safety education matters to Ontario FS employees

For the fourth year in a row, Erin Aldred, GROWMARK Health & Safety specialist has held an annual FS Ontario Health and Safety training day. Each year attendance grows and yesterday’s meeting saw the biggest turn out yet with about 30 people in total from North Wellington Co-operative, FS PARTNERS, Huron Bay Co-operative, GROWMARK and AGRIS Co-operative.

The meeting opened up with an exercise in teamwork with Barry Hannah, GROWMARK senior trainer, leading the group through an imaginary Subarctic Survival Situation™, where participants had to work together to figure out the best tools and strategies needed to keep their team alive! The exercise reinforced the need to communicate effectively by listening, participating and keeping focused.

Environmental awareness, precisely in respect to protecting ground water was the topic delivered by Dennis Newman, GROWMARK environmental services manager and Bernie Benoit, with the Agriculture Warehouse Standards Association (AWSA) engaged the group in several interactive mock emergency scenarios such as chemical spills or serious on-site injuries. Participants had to determine what steps to take and in what sequence during an emergency situation. Benoit’s overall key message to the group was the importance of having a good (but simple) plan in place, keeping a cool head and using common sense.

Aldred briefed the group on government legislative changes and introduced upcoming Bill 160, noting that the new bill will have a major impact on how we manage many of our health and safety practices. As well, it is expected that the Ontario Ministry of Labour will be putting a stronger emphasis on health and safety prevention in the future.

Aldred closed the meeting by challenging everyone to keep focused on possible hazards at their branch and home and continue to keep health and safety in the forefront every day.



Erin Aldred, GROWMARK Health & Safety specialist quizzes participants at FS Annual Health & Safety Conference. Jerry VanCasteren of FS PARTNERS receives a prize for answering correctly! 



Monster billboards in place throughout Ontario communities to promote 2012-International Year of Co-operatives

For its first-ever provincial co-operative awareness campaign, the Ontario Co-operative Association has produced a series of billboards across the province highlighting the number of co-ops in Ontario communities. The billboards, are up this month in most areas. They are tailored to the community in which they're located and include messages such as, "Guelph's 45 co-operatives build a better community." The signs all include a QR barcode that, when scanned by a smart phone, provide more information on the province's co-operative movement.

Canadian co-operatives unite to launch International Year of Co-operatives on Jan. 12

Submitted by: Mark Ventry, Co-op Community Manager
The Ontario Co-operative Association

Thousands of co-operative and credit union members across Canada will be taking part in events on Thursday, January 12th to officially launch the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.

The national launch will take place in Ottawa, while 13 regions across the country, including Guelph, Ontario, will be conducting their own festivities on the same day. Events will also be happening in Europe and elsewhere.

The Ontario launch will take place in Guelph, where event organizer, the Ontario Co-operative Association – the provincial organization which is a key resource for all co-ops and credit unions in Ontario - is located. Celebrations begin at 11:30 a.m. with a public flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, including opening remarks from Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge, as well as from Guelph MPP Liz Sandals who will be bringing greetings on behalf of the Premier. Planet Bean Coffee, owned by Sumac Community Worker Co-op, will be serving up some hot beverages for attendees.

Leaders and stakeholders from the co-operative movement across the province, along with members of the Guelph Co-op Network and business community, will gather at The Co-operators in downtown Guelph following the flag-raising ceremony, for a networking luncheon that is by special invitation only. Attendees will watch a live webcast from the nation’s capital at 12:30 EST, which will include remarks by Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators, and Monique Leroux, President and CEO of Desjardins and the Honourable Steven Blaney, federal Minister of Veterans Affairs and the MP for Lévis-Bellechasse.

The webcast, which will also include the premiere of a co-operative musical work by the Montreal group Samajam, will be available for public viewing at http://s.coop/canada2012live Co-operatives and others are encouraged to gather in groups to watch the broadcast.