As winter is nearing its end for another year, spring and planting will be here sooner than we think. We had tremendous volumes of grain sold to the elevators during harvest and early winter due to the higher than normal prices that the market was and still is offering. The elevators are still shipping grain and hope to pick up the last of the covered piles over the next couple of weeks. Market prices are currently at historically high levels with a market that is fighting for ownership of next spring's acres. It curently appears to be a very volatile market with any statement about weather predictions and acreage projections driving the frenzy for awnership. Beware of volatile markets as they have a tendency to go down as fast as they go up. As for my market advice, will this market go up and down? It appears to have potential to go higher as everyone is speculating about planting numbers and future weather conditions. It could also trend lower as South America harvest takes place, planting numbers are established with in the ranges that the industry was projecting and export sales slow down. My best advice is that if you can take home some profits in this market, you should, regardless of where prices may go you should be doing some sales both current and futures. We have been looking for another accumulator contract and just about the time that it appears that we found a workable one themarket takes another move upward we will let you know when one is found. This year we will also be handling the "Vistive" soybeans at Wilmont and Ellsworth. The Vistive soybeans require keeping the soybeans separated and the need to test them before they are dumped into the augers or dump pit. Because the cost of on site testing equipment required and provided by Monsanto is quite expensive, we chose to locate the testers in only two locations this year. Check with Mark or Jeff and Matt to contract Vistive Soybeans acres and premiums. This winter we have also started a web site on the internet for our customers. We have some information already working on the web and will be adding more in the near future. You can find us at www.wilmontadriancoop.com This site will have current cash grain bids, upcoming events, contact information, news and information from our various departments, along with other features. We hope that this will be a site that our members will use all the time. Check it out and let us know what you think of it. One question already asked was. Will we have access to customer account information on the site available through use of a password? At this time we do not intend to have any method for you to check your account information through the site. We may revisit that thought sometime in the future. Insurance You may also see a letter in the mail in the near future offering insurance for your farm. We are in a test market area, and this is being sent by our insurance agency, Ag States. They are a cooperatively owned insurance agency who provides insurance to both local and regional cooperatives along with other agricultural businesses. They are in the process of expanding their services to family farms operations; they feel that they have very good rates and would like the opportunity to quote those rates to you. Customer Credit Please remember that the convenience credit your cooperative offers you is intended as a short term 30 day credit. It is not intended for longer term use. If you need financing we have credit programs available for you through the lending industry that change far less interest than our credit policy does. Help us to save you money. Russ Crawford
From the Desk of Matt Henning: A lot of changes have happened since the last newsletter, Vistive soybeans have been on alot of growers' mind. Most growers are aware of what Vistive soybeans are and that these beans produce oil that have no trans fats. Many restaurants such as KFC will be using this oil for cooking and cities like New York have required restaurants to serve food that have no trans fats. Palm oil and Sunflower oil also produce oil that have no trans fats, but we would like them to get the oil from soybeans. AGP and Monsanto are currently giving a $.60 per bushel premium for the Vistive soybeans. All growers that signed contracts for 2008 production will get the increased premium. Currently there are no plans to increase the premium again but there were no plans to go from 40 to 60 either. This is a good opportunity for growers to increase there bottom line. With the increase in grain prices many growers are thinking of switching acres to more corn. If you are thinking about this make sure you have all your inputs covered. Seed is not a problem but it could eventually become one. We are currently not short any seed that is ordered but if you are planning to wait until planting season to order more corn some of the popular hybrids may be sold out. How many growers hate to have the planter stop in the spring while planting soybeans? To better serve our customers, we have purchased a seed tender so that this spring we can deliver bulk soybeans to your wagon. This seed tender will hold 200 units of soybeans and has a belt conveyor which will help prevent damage to the soybeans. With the bulk soybeans we can also treat them which will help the soil borne diseases that are present. Seed treatments are a good investment, we treat our seed corn why not treat your soybean seed. There are some upcoming dates that you may want on your calendar, March 6th, we will be having our annual Chemical and Equipment Fair at the Wilmont VFW starting at 10:00. There will be representatives on hand to answer any questions that you may have. We currently have 17 companies that have confirmed they will have a booth at the fair. Spring Booking Days are scheduled for March 15th and 16th in Wilmont and Lismore , March 19th at the Adrian Hardware Store and March 20th at the Ellsworth Elevator. This would also be a good opportunity to make sure all your crop plans are finalized so we know what chemical and fertilizer is going on which field. If you have any questions please feel free to call us. Have a safe spring! Matt Henning
News from the Desk of Derick.... I recently attended training for Ag Leader guidance that was held down by Ames, IA. It was very informative as ag technology continues to expand by leaps and bounds! A lot of exciting things are coming from this company which include a new updated version for the EZ Guide plus. If you are not sure how to update yours, or if you do not get internet access, bring it on in to the Farm Store and we will get it updated for you. Ag Leader has also released a new product recently called the EZ Guide 500, which is similar to the EZ Guide Plus, except it has a larger color screen which allows it to display a larger variety of functions. Used running gears continue to be a hot item as far as used equipment goes. Wagons are also doing very well at holding their value. Wagons that are 3-5 years old are now selling for close to the same price they were when they were new! Also, due to the strong corn market, our grain vac has been a popular item. With storage at a premium the last few years, some producers have returned to putting grain in granaries, small tin-floored bins, and other inventive, temporary storage facilities. Getting the grain cleaned out of these places can be difficult due to the lack of a sweep auger, sumps, etc. In these cases it seems like the grain vac is beginning to replace the grain scoop. If you would like to rent the vac, give me a call and let me know what days you are looking at using it. This makes it easier for scheduling the availability. As always, if you have any questions let me know. ...Derick
Hello From the office of Mark Ruesch... Planting season is coming soon! Please notify us at Wilmont - Adrian Coop today for late seed orders as selection is getting very limited. Call today and talk to your seed specialist and reserve your seed. Vistive program is going very well. Already certain maturities are getting limited. Don't miss out on this great opportunity; as there is an excellent return now paying 60 cents per bushel premium.Make sure you book your chemicals today or pay for them soon prices and supply is very limited don't be the last guy out there to buy. See Mark or Jeff or Dave and Matt to get the details.I Look forward to working with you this Spring! Mark Ruesch
Hello from Adrain Hardware.... Happy Spring - Well Almost! Be sure to stop in and see us for your lawn & garden needs. We carry most everything you'd need to take care of your lawn & gardens. Don't forget adout our Spring Giftware and Lawn Decor. Stop in and see our new & fresh spring items. When you are in need of appliances, we have a small selection on hand and are able to get most anything you might need within a weeks time. Remember our Bridal Registry - you can check our web page to see who is registered. Don't forget - our Yankee Candles are always 15% off. We've just received a shipment of new spring and summer fragrances. Stop in & see us for all your painting needs. We'll be happy to help you with your paint colors and supplies. If interested be sure to call and pre register as space will be limited. Have a Great Spring!!! Jeri, Norma & Chelsey.
Adrian Elevator Hopefully the weather will be warmer than it has been it would be a great time to still check your grain. Another good sign is to look for frost on the roof of your grain bins. Mark Hietkamp
