Spring 2026 • Vol. 46

The main topic of every business discussion is the current unrest in the Middle East. And since we all have access to national news, I would like to comment on how this affects us locally.

At this point, supplies of fuel, gasoline, and propane have not been disrupted. We still have normal access to all of the day-to-day products we need.

In the case of fertilizers, we have been able to get the products we need in preparation for spring, as we have been filling our plant all winter long.

What do we expect to change in the near term? The cost of items related to energy is evident at the gas pump. The Russia / Ukraine conflict four years ago resulted in fuel prices rising almost $ 1.50 in a few short weeks. Even though there was not necessarily an effect on supply, higher prices did remain throughout the summer, and finally declined around Thanksgiving.

As of this writing, prices have not risen nearly as much as they did in 2022, but until the Strait of Hormuz allows ships to

Bill Reimers General Manager

( 952) 466-3721 billr @ midcountycoop. com

safely pass through, we expect energy prices to steadily increase.

A significant amount of Nitrogen is sourced from the Middle East. Even though we have adequate inventory and access to the products we need for spring, in a few months there could be concern for any summer nitrogen applications, which are fairly minimal.

Depending on how long the Strait of Hormuz traffic is limited, phosphates may show some tightness similar to www. midcountycoop. com

nitrogen. Potash on the other hand is mostly sourced from Canada, and is not of concern right now.

Fortunately, your coop has ample capacity of fuels, fertilizers and propane in the event supplies get tight.

Please call me at any time to discuss current pricing, contracts or any supply issues.

We continue to upgrade our fleet and just took delivery of our brand new RBR fertilizer applicator. It is amazing to see the capacity and capabilities of the new machinery available in the market. This unit is larger and has more payload than the unit we traded off, allowing more acres per day.

In mid-May you will be receiving your dividend checks from last year’ s business. I believe, once again, you will be pleased with the results of the strong financial performance of your coop.

As always, I appreciate your comments and suggestions to help improve your coop.

( 952) 466-3700 • 888-466-3700 • 700 Lake Street West, P. O. Box 177, Cologne