Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from FS!

Sunderland Co-op declares patronage rebates for farmer-members for 68th consecutive year!

Urs Kressibucher, Sunderland Co-operative president announced last week that the co-op will pay out $320,000 in patronage to its farmer-members. “This is not a new concept for Sunderland Co-op,” says Kressibucher. “Delivering a profitable result and providing patronage to our members has been a consistent trend for the co-op.” From its first year in business in 1951 and for the next 68 years, the co-op has generated a positive bottom-line and shared its profits with its members each and every year.

Sunderland Co-operative general manager Jake Vancuren reported annual sales of just under $60 million with an income before patronage and taxes of more than $1.2 million.

More than 200 in attendance at Sunderland Co-op's 2018 Annual Meeting 

in Cambray on Dec. 5.

The co-op not only saw growth in its financial reporting this year, but also in expansion. The Sunderland FS Store underwent a complete renovation with improvements in appearance, merchandising and overall customer experience. The co-op also purchased an additional 85 acres of land at its Oakwood location for further expansion and a new Rogator for enhanced custom-application services for its members.

A new state-of-the art accounting system was installed providing added efficiencies and ease for customers to review their account activity on-line. Farmers can also customize their operational activity through an on-line tool called My Farm Records.

GROWMARK, Inc. and Sunderland Co-op contribute to 4-H. 

From (L-R): Tony Silvestro, GROWMARK Ontario region 

business development manager; Cheryl Crowe, Kawartha 

Lakes/Haliburton 4-H representative, and Jake Vancuren,

Sunderland Co-operative general manager.

 “I have been in this role for more than one year now, but it didn’t take me long to see the strength and value our co-op provides to its members and also to the community it supports,” says Vancuren. During the annual meeting, Sunderland Co-op and GROWMARK recognized Maggie-Jo Hickson as this year’s provincial essay contest winner (for high-school students who are members of 4-H) and contributed monetary awards to Maggie-Jo and to the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton 4-H Association.

The board elected Urs Kressibucher from Cannington as their president, Paul Mann from Peterborough as vice president, Warren Jibb from Sunderland as secretary and returning director Guy Master from Oakwood. Newly elected to the board this year are Paul Brown from Woodville and John Devos of Oakwood. 

The board acknowledged Gary Jebson, who retired from the board that evening. Jebson served on the board for six years and served as president. The board thanked him for his dedication and vision to Sunderland Co-op's continued success. 

Representing Sunderland Co-op at 2018 Annual General Meeting (L-R) At podium Urs Kressibucher, Sunderland Co-op president; Paul Mann, board director; Tony Silvestro, GROWMARK Ontario director member business; Warren Jibb, Sunderland Co-op secretary; Gary Jebson, and Guy Masters board directors; Erica Zunker, Sunderland Co-op controller; Tim McLaren, consultant (part time CFO); Jake Vancuren, Sunderland Co-op general manager. 

North Wellington Co-op opens new state-of-the art fertilizer facility!

Yesterday, North Wellington Co-operative Services held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new fertilizer facility and propane service shop in Harriston.

The co-operative’s new 2,500T fertilizer plant features the high-tech Layco declining-weight blend system that provides great efficiencies in everything from storage capacity, loading speed and receiving times along with superior customized blending abilities.

At the open house, general manager Kelly Boyle welcomed everyone and started off by thanking the many valued contractors and NWC employees that worked so hard to get the facility up and running. He also commented on the new propane service shop as being a unique but much needed addition to the co-op.

The co-operative’s president Jon Eckhardt expressed the importance and value this new facility brings to the co-operative’s members and how this speaks to the board’s commitment in finding ways to best serve its members.

GROWMARK director Warren Jibb congratulated North Wellington Co-op on the new facility but also on achieving 75 years of history and growth.

George Bridge, mayor-Town of Minto, talked about the value the co-op brings to the local community. “What we love about the co-op is that it is owned by people in our community. We are so pleased you continue to invest in our town and we are happy to continue to work with you on future endeavors.”

Just before the ribbon cutting ceremony, Kelly Boyle was presented a congratulatory certificate for 75 Years of business in the community by Terri White representing the constituency office of MP Perth-Wellington John Nater.

Ribbon cutting ceremony at North Wellington Co-op's (NWC) fertilizer facility in Harriston, Nov. 1, 2018. Seen here (L-R): Alan Simpson and Mike Oberle, NWC directors; Judy Dirksen, town councillor; Bruce Shannon and Norm Stewart NWC directors; Kelly Boyle, NWC general manager; George Bridge, mayor Town of Minto; Jon Eckhardt, NWC president; Jeff Koehler, Gord South and Jack Shannon, NWC directors; Terri White, representative of MP Perth-Wellington John Nater; Ron Faulkner, deputy mayor-Town of Minto; Ron Elliott, town councillor and Ron Ross, NWC director.

See below for a few more photos of the day:

  Read full news release here.

Celebrating Co-op Week in Canada!

Co-op Week in Canada begins this Sunday from October 14th to 20th. In the United States the full month of October is dedicated to co-op awareness. It is an opportunity for co-operative and credit union members, staff and friends provincially, nationally and globally, to celebrate the impact co-ops have to sustainable social and economic development both at home and abroad.

Co-operatives are community-focused businesses that balance people, planet and profit. They are formed to seize local opportunities or respond to local challenges.

Here are some quick and easy facts and stats provided to you by the Ontario Co-operative Association:

• There are 1,300 co-operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires, located in Ontario.
• Ontario co-operatives have 49,000 volunteers - 10,000 of which are board members.
• Co-ops are in every business sector, and offer services from the cradle to the grave, from child care through to funeral co-ops!
• Co-operatives create $3.3 billion in income for Ontarians.
• Co-operatives are value-based and member-owned and focused.
• More than 1 of every 7 people worldwide are a member of a co-op.
• Co-operatives operate in more than 90 countries and employ over 100 million people around the world.
• Twice as many co-ops remain in operation after 10 years as other types of business enterprise.

In 1844, the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in England formed a local co-operative of weavers and tradesmen and established the  the co-operative principles in which co-ops and credit unions around the world continue to follow today. 

GROWMARK/FS employees in Ontario will be hosting activities throughout the week to recognize and learn more about co-ops in the local community as well as raise money for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada to held aid others less fortunate in Canada and abroad through co-operative development projects and strategies.

Happy Co-op Week!

Recognizing both agriculture and co-ops all in the same month!

As we venture into another fall harvest season, the month of October also represents both our co-operative heritage and our agricultural roots.

This week is Agriculture Week in Ontario which leads in nicely to Thanksgiving this weekend. 

The agri-food industry is a significant driver of the province's economy, contributing approximately $34 billion annually, including $12.5 billion in exports, and employing more than 780,000 individuals.

The third week in October is Co-op week in Canada where more than seven million members of co-operatives throughout Canada can take part in celebrating and educating others on the significant contributions co-ops bring to the economy and communities in which they thrive. Co-ops contribute more than $6 billion to the Ontario economy and support over 57,000 jobs. 

In the  United States, our colleagues are enjoying the full month of October to celebrate co-op history during Co-op month.

During Co-op Week, Ontario GROWMARK employees will take part in a number of fundraising events to provide support for the Co-operative Development Foundation. CDF is a registered charity organization that works to undertake co-operative development projects in Canada and around the world.

October is a great time to enjoy the blessings that come with living in this great country, our passion for agriculture and our co-operative heritage. Let's take it all in!

FS is everywhere at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show!

Just finished off a very successful show at the 2018 Canada's Outdoor Farm Show. The FS booth was a popular destination as hundreds of people visited to take part in the Farm Smart with FS board game, get their photos taken with the FS Superheroes At Work. Superheroes such as:

The Grain Hornet, Agent Dieselex Gold, Professor FS Agri-Finance and Agent Dieselex Gold.

Kids who took part received an FS Superhero cape to become superheroes right on the spot and adults picked up a T-shirt with a large FS on the front. Everywhere you looked at the show one could see kids with FS on their backs and folks with FS on their fronts wearing the t’s. The energy section ran a draw to win 500L of fuel and the new FS mascot (FSie) was a hit with kids of all ages. 

Check out some of the activity this week:

Come visit us next week at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show!

A grand celebration of new growth at yesterday’s grand opening in Walkerton!

Jeff Hurst, Huron Bay Co-operative general manager and Kevin Rogers, Walkerton facility manager greeted approximately 400 customers and supporters that came out to see the co-ops new fertilizer facility in Bruce County.

The co-operative’s president Sam Luckhardt  started off the lineup of greetings by recapping Huron Bay’s many expansions in the past few years; stressing the importance of keeping up with the times. “This facility reflects our commitment to this continued direction of growth in supporting the needs of our members.”

Mayor David Inglis, Municipality of Brockton said he was very pleased that this new facility is here. “A vibrant economy is what everyone wants,” he says.  “Agriculture is strong in the municipality of Brockton and we want to keep it that way; and this facility is a testament to that.”

Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce not only commended Huron Bay on its commitment and investment in Bruce County with this expansion, but also addressed the importance of the broader co-operative sector. “I am a long-time supporter of the co-operative and credit union sector and understand the added value that co-ops bring to our communities,” he said. 

 

Kim Fysh, GROWMARK Ontario director said that in his travels he has seen many facilities and that the Walkerton facility is second-to-none. “Your board and management teams have made some great decisions and you should be very proud,” says Fysh. “The only problem you might have is that you will be in and out of the facility so fast that you won’t have time to get a coffee!”

Don McLean, GROWMARK Agronomy business director brought greetings from GROWMARK Ontario region noting that with so many advances in agriculture, this new facility is a wonderful addition.

Jeff Hurst finished off by saying that the old ways weren’t working anymore. “This new facility will take Huron Bay well into the next century offering state-of-the-art technology."

“We are positioned well for providing our members with fast and accurate fertilizer mixing. This facility can produce very large volumes in a timely manner all controlled with hand-held computer. The business is changing in lightning speed, with technology and science. Several years ago only one or two sources of nitrogen were required and now we need five or six,” says Hurst.

Kevin Rogers pointed out details of the operation adding…”We can unload a tractor-trailer of fertilizer in about 8 minutes!”

After the official ribbon cutting ceremony, a bbq feast of hamburgers, sausages and salads was served to all who came out to take part in the celebration.

Official ribbon cutting ceremony (Walkerton). Seen here from (L-R)  - Kevin Rogers, Huron Bay Co-operative facility manager; Huron Bay Co-operative directors Ron DeVisser and Byron Monk; David Inglis, mayor of Brockton, John Rhody, director, Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce, Sam Luckhardt, Huron Bay Co-operative president, Andrew Black vice president, Doug Jeffray, director and Jeff Hurst Huron Bay Co-operative general manager.

                    

Orono community - kindness and generosity at its best!

Article first placed in DurhamRegion.com

Employees of Durham Farmers' County Co-op in Orono wanted to do something good in support of  long-time employee Ross Robinson, who was recently injured while driving his tractor.

"Robinson has been working at the co-op for almost 50 years, so the staff, customers and suppliers all wanted to support him," says Susan Lane, Orono store supervisor. "It was amazing to see so many people with such big hearts and the outpouring of support and generosity from our little community."

The store started by accepting donated items for a silent auction. Staff expected about 30 items for the silent auction, and wound up with more than 60 filling a display at the front of the store.  Most of the items have been donated by local businesses.

The cash jar at the checkout has collected $4,800 and the silent auction items are expected to raise a couple more thousand dollars.

Robinson, age 67, has spent two weeks in Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto being treated for two broken vertebrae in his neck, two severed fingers and a gash on his head. All proceeds will support Robinson and his family during his recovery. 

Durham Farmers County Co-op staff organize community fund raiser to help out long-time employee.

2018 4-H Ontario Ambassadors meet FS System experts face-to-face

As sponsors of the 4-H Ontario Ambassador Program, it has been an annual tradition for GROWMARK to provide Ambassadors with a tour of FS facilities giving them a more hands-on opportunity to get to know their sponsors better. This annual bus tour came together yesterday with stops at the UPI Energy FS Guelph bulk plant, the FS PARTNERS Bringing You What's Next site in Ayr, the FS PARTNERS Agronomy & Great Lakes Grain site in Mitchell and North Wellington Co-operative's headquarters in Harriston. At the end of the day, Ambassadors walked away with a broader understanding of the FS Co-operative System's core businesses, the people that make it happen and the strength behind the co-operative network in Ontario.

Here are some highlights of the day:

Dianne Kennedy, UPI Energy FS Customer Experience Supervisor,

started the day off with a tour of the bulk facility on Hwy 124 just outside of Guelph.  

Ambassadors learned about the large Cardlock network, the growth of FS DEF 

(Diesel Exhaust Fluid) and Dieselex Gold in the province. 

After a quick look at the new FS PARTNERS 15,000 T capacity fertilizer facility at Ayr, 
Sean Chase, FS crop specialist provided Ambassadors with an overview of the Bringing 
You What's Next field plot with lessons and tips on plant health as well as 
an understanding of his role as a crop specialist and the benefits of pursuing 
a career in agriculture.

Third stop - FS PARTNERS Mitchell agronomy and Great Lakes Grain site. 

Mike McCarthy, agronomy/grain supervisor, Brent Nichols, elevator operations 

and Kerry DeJong, administrative assistant showed the group around the site 

and provided good insight into the day-to-day operations at this large FS site. 

After lunch, and final stop of the day, Kelly Boyle, North Wellington Co-operative Services 

general manager and Justine Lennox, marketing and communication specialist 

showcased the almost completed new 2800 T capacity fertilizer facility in Harriston. The tour 

continued on to allow some time for Ambassadors to shop at the Farm Store and Garden 

Centre before boarding the bus to head home.

Congratulations to our 2018 4-H Ambassdors from (L-R) Evan Jenkins-Elgin County, Melissa Brisson-Russell County, Kyle Hussy - Oxford County, Andrea Dohner and Devin Catt of Elgin County. In front is Nicole French - Peel Region.

To learn more about becoming a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, visit 4-H Ontario!

GROWMARK recognizes International Co-op Day!

Tomorrow is the International Day of Co-operatives, which is celebrated the first Saturday of July each year. The theme for the 2018 International Day of Co-operatives is “Sustainable consumption and production”, creating an opportunity for co-operatives to show how they run successful businesses while respecting our natural environment and the resources it offers.

GROWMARK and the FS Co-operative System have always identified well with this philosophy. Environmental and social stewardship is top of mind in all aspects of GROWMARK’s day-to-day operations. With GROWMARK’s leadership, FS crop specialists throughout North America are front-runners in the education and implementation of nutrient stewardship on the farm, maximizing environmental consciousness in the minds of the farmers they serve and the general public. In energy, products such as FS branded Dieselex® Gold and FS Diesel Exhaust Fluid are just two of many environmentally friendlier options offered.

GROWMARK is one of the top four agricultural co-operatives in the United States and is owned by local FS branded ag supply and grain member co-operatives. In more than 40 states and the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, GROWMARK supplies products, services and expertise in agronomy, energy and grain marketing. The GROWMARK System supports its people and product lines with warehousing and logistics, as well as training and marketing support. GROWMARK celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017.

From some of us at GROWMARK's Ontario Region home office. 

(105 Silvercreek Pkwy North, Guelph)

Happy International Day of Co-operatives!

More information can be found here:  What is a co-operative? 

• Co-operatives for a better World 
• International Co-operative Alliance
• The Ontario C-operative Association 
• Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada
• International Co-op Day