Gully Tri-Coop Annual Meeting Held Saturday March 24th, 2018

Gully Tri-Coop Association held their Annual Meeting Saturday March 24th at the Gully Hall. It was well attended by the patrons. Early registration began at 9:30 with the general meeting starting at 10:00 am.  

The meeting was called to order by President Dean Hanson with the Secretary’s report read by Steve Hughes. The meeting was at that time turned over to the CPA Wade Burke of Burke, Myers & Associates Ltd of Fargo, ND to read the 2017 Financial report.

Total Assets of $8,795,743 are down $777,000 from 2016. Gross Income of $2,250,464 was down $202,000 from last year. Regional Patronage was down from what they paid out last year by $124,677. Our available working capital is down about $580,000. With no questions the meeting was turned over to General Manager Russ Crawford.

Russ went over a summary of updates and upgrades for the 2017 business year. A few of which were:  pump upgrades at the station, purchased a John Deere 120-foot boom sprayer and 2 compartment boxes for the agronomy department. Worked on the grain handling equipment and added a new pickup. Repaired the feed mill. Another important change we added Cindy Bjerklie and Jessica Hoeft to our bookkeeping staff. 

Overall, when you look at ag businesses, they are struggling to not only keep up with the technical demands from customers as technology changes but are also struggling to make the necessary margins to be able to afford the changes needed to stay competitive. As we continue to look ahead we need to focus on the positive issues and realize that we can’t change the past, but we can learn from it.

Russ wished “Lloyd Godtland the very best in his retirement after 38 years of service to the coop and community. Searching for someone to fill Lloyd’s place we hired Nathan Preuss who comes to us with many years of successful agronomy department management to fill his position. Pat Bukowski, our agronomist, had also left this winter and we have been very fortunate to hire Dan Aakre to fill that position. We hired Cindy Bjerklie to assist part-time in grain bookkeeping and Jessica Hoeft as a full-time bookkeeper. These people along with other current employees are helping us create a great core of talented professionals. Another change that will be happening shortly will be my leaving, and a new general manager starting soon.”

President Dean Hanson announced the new General Manager has been hired and that Nathan Preuss will begin his added duties as General Manager Monday, March 26th. Congratulation’s Nathan on your new position. President Dean Hanson turned the meeting over to Vice President Paul Rydeen for the elections of two 3 year Director Terms. Passed by unanimous vote Dean Hanson and Jim Gunvalson were elected to the Gully Tri-Coop Board of Directors. Jim Gunvalson replaces Lon Vettleson who has served Nine years as a Board of Director. Thank you, Lon, for your services!

Nathan Preuss, General Manager, addressed the meeting and thanked everyone for the “well wishes”. He discussed briefly our joint venture with the Bagley Coop in agronomy this year. We have “offsite” product storage to guarantee product availability. Nathan talked about a Crop Protection meeting we will be hosting soon. 

Ryan Rude station manager reminded attendees to check your oil barrels before breakup and that the Lube and Filter sale is going on now, along with Batteries and Tires are also on sale. Stop by or give us a call, we would like your questions. Check with us for transport loads.

Rick Bjerklie Hardware/Lumber Yard told of a change in our Hardware store; we are going from “Golden Rule” to “Hardware Hank”. With that change we will be installing a big new sign on the front of the store. Instead of just Hardware it will read “Hardware Hank”. Steel tariff is going up so be aware of price increase on any NEW stock. This doesn’t affect old stock, including Tillage replacements, in stock.

Office Notes were given by Adrienne Hanson. This year the Stock retirements paid out totaled $59,394; Estates paid out were $57,083. She reminded those qualifying to receive their Stock payments is for anyone who is 67 years of age or older. Stop by the office and sign up. She thanked Cindy, Jessica, Alisa and Nancy for all they do for her during the year. A Big Thank you to Nancy who is down stairs during the meeting with “Nancy’s DayCare”! Coming up on Thursday April 12th we will be hosting our “Farm Service Day” with grilled Hotdogs, baked beans, chips. Serving from 11:00 to 2:00 pm. Hope to see you there!

Grand Prize winner of a Three Burner Grill with a propane tank was James Paulson. 3 $50 gift certificates were; David Carlson, Diane Hegge, Steve Marsh: 6 $20 gift Certificates were; Pete Anderson, Doreen Brovold, Lloyd Godtland, Kelly Meline, Dawn Hanson, Trent Dyrdahl. 

Special Music was by Tim Johnson and Steve Rasmussen, the delicious meal was prepared by the Lund Ladies Aid. Potatoes were were donated by Peatland Reds and Wild Rice by Gourmet House.

Thank you to all who attended.

Submitted by Adrienne Hanson