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Mid-County

CONTENT :

Page 2 - Energy Page 3 - Team Member Spotlight Page 4 & 5 - Agronomy Page 6 - Holiday of Cologne Page 7 - Energy Page 8 - Team Members Spotlight

Fall 2024 • Vol . 44

Bill Reimers General Manager

( 952 ) 466-3721 billr @ midcountycoop . com

WHAT ’ S NEXT …

We have been fortunate to add some very quality people in all of our departments this past year . Along with every other business , we have battled a labor shortage for

several years . We are not out of the woods yet , but things have definitely improved , and at this point , we are looking for one position in our Truck Center , and a Custom Applicator in our Agronomy Department . As we went through the labor shortage , a lot of things got put on hold , but we always stayed focused on taking care of our existing customers .

As a business , we must always be looking forward to the next project to work on . At our main site in Cologne , we are now in the early planning stages of improving our warehouse for seed and ag chemical storage . Also making the sprayer loading building larger and more up-to-date . This project may also include some upgrades to the bulk fuel storage at the Cologne site .

Whenever chemicals or fuels are involved , there are many different governmental entities to deal with . We will be working on soil borings this fall and winter . This will tell us where there is good soil to build upon , and help us with design . We expect the project to take the next two years to complete .

The diesel fuel market has had some decreases recently . In the last few years , it has been difficult to buy diesel fuel under $ 3.00 , and we went into harvest with lower prices than we have had for quite some time . As you know , things can change quickly . When there have been major events in the middle east , such as a large scale bombing , it typically sends the markets upward . At this time , we have not experienced fuel shortages at the local terminals . In some years , if harvest comes on quickly in the upper Midwest , outstate terminals run out and trucks have to come to the twin cities for fuel . This can raise prices and wait times to get fuel at our local terminals and refineries . With our three bulk fuel storage facilities , we have several days of inventory to soften the blow of high prices or shortages .

Propane prices never really dropped below last year ’ s . Our prepay prices are almost the same as a year ago . Supplies nationwide are just a touch below last year ’ s . With much of the corn belt showing dry conditions , it is unlikely there will be a strain on the system . Just like our diesel fuel storage , Mid-County

www . midcountycoop . com

is very well positioned with our propane storage in Cologne . Which can last several days , even during crop drying season .

Our convenience stores are franchised with Holiday Stationstores , which was purchased by Circle K in 2017 . You may have seen an image change at some of the Holiday stores to the Circle K brand . We understand this could take place in the twin cities over the next couple of years , at which time they will also change our stores . Many items inside the store have already converted to Circle K products , the next step will be outdoor signage .

If you have traveled Highway 212 between Cologne and Norwood , I am sure you have experienced the construction upgrade to four lanes . If you are curious about how this will all look when completed , do a web search for the Carver County Highway 212 Project — Benton Township . There are some videos that explain the project and show the traffic path when it is completed .

Our fiscal year ended August 31st . Our auditors have completed our annual audit , and we experienced a very favorable year financially , hopefully you will be able to attend our annual meeting on December 20th . See details on page 7 .

As always , I appreciate your comments to improve your coop .

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