Gully Tri-Coop Association meeting held March 12th

Gully Tri-Coop Association held their Annual Meeting March 12, 2016 with an outstanding member turnout.

The Annual Meeting was called to order by President David Olson. David introduced the board members as well as the CPA Carol Boeahland, General Manager Russ Crawford and asked department heads along with present employees to stand.

Minutes from last year 2015 were read by Secretary Steve Hughes. CPA Carol Boeahland with Hennen & Associates read the 2015 Audit report for the Gully Tri-Coop Association. Starting with the Statement of Operations Total Sales $13,212,174 less Cost of Sales $10,726,572 equals a Gross Margin of $2,485,602 less Total Expenses of $2,398,315 for a Local Net Savings of $87,287 add in Patronage received of $256,286 equals a Net Savings of $343,573. Of that $240,000 to be in Patronage and $84,000 35% paid in cash.

General Manager Russ Crawford thanked Carol Boeahland for presenting the Gully Financial Report. Russ discussed what the Gully Coop had planned for upcoming Capital expenditures; the first was a Grain Handling system. Which would start this spring and be completed by mid-July. This update would add another 20,000 bu space for grain, plus the safety for both our customers and employees. Russ explained the effects that supply of grain affects the price of grain as well as the weather will affect markets. And thinking of the warm weather and the long storage of the grain, be sure to check your bins. Russ referred to the Gully Coop as the “best kept secret in Minnesota”.

Adrienne Hanson reported on the Patronage checks that were distributed to most of the attendees. Of the $240,000 we paid out 35% or $81,160.25 in Cash patronage. We also wrote checks for stock retirement of $53,045.55 and we paid out $27,133.81 in Estate retirements. Adrienne also reminded the members to sign up for stock retirements when they reach the age of 67. The Gully Coop is offering a Credit Financing opportunity for Producer farmers. Easy forms to fill out, NO up-front costs to the Producer Farmer and low interest rates on the borrowed money. If you would like to honor someone in our community for a “job well done”, check out our “Tanks of Thanks”. The recipient would receive a $50 Cenex Gift Card with recognition given back to you as the sender. Register at tanksofthanks.com. Farm Service Day will be held in Mid-April. Announcement of date and time, to follow in paper, Web site and Facebook page!

GM Russ Crawford introduced Ryan Rude as our New Station Manager – Bulk Truck Driver. Ryan announced the Spring oil and filters sale going on now thru Mid-April. Ryan also discussed briefly the Oil warranty Program that is available for most farm equipment. Don’t miss this opportunity to be covered for unexpected breakdowns!

Hardware/Lumber Manager Rick Bjerklie talked about both Lumber and Steel is down about 10%. And if you are interested in doing any buildings, crews are available. We have a good supply of tillage in stock and ready to go. Rick did discuss a new carbide tip for chisel plow teeth are very good, but they do cost more, since they need to be welded on. Stop in to discuss your needs with Rick before you really need them.

Agronomist Cam Schafer wasn’t able to be at the meeting but he typed up a report for Lloyd Godtland Agronomy Manager to read. Cam is excited to get going on the New Seed Treater that was the 1st season last spring. We have completed most everything that needed to get done. And we feel ready to take care of all the farmer’s Seed treater needs. Be sure to contact us and make plans ahead of the game. This will be our 1st season with working with the R7 tool. This is referred to as “eyes in the sky”, this will help with satellite view of fields. Any other questions please call the Gully Coop and talk to Cam.

Agronomy Manager Lloyd Godtland said that the pricing for Fertilizer is down about 25% from last year. Last August we sustained storm damage at our Clearbrook location. That has been taken care of along with an updated unloading system and updating bins; we have added 3 new pull type spreaders and a tender truck. Since Yvonne Hetland left in October we hired Ashley Hoffman to work in our Clearbrook office.

Wesley Griggs of CoBank spoke to the assembly and congratulated the Coop for another great year. He told a little back ground of the CoBank Agri business and the Cooperatives that they do business with. Mr Griggs talked about the monies that CoBank is able to give back in Patronage and the patronage that Gully would receive.

President David Olson called for Nominations of 3 - 3 year terms for Board of Director. An unanimous ballot was cast for Steve Hughes, Paul Rydeen and Jared Hoeft.

President David Olson thanked everyone for their Patronage to the Gully Coop. Vice President Dean Hanson got up and Thanked David Olson for his years of serving as Gully’s Board of Director which was up this year. As David has completed his 3rd 3 year term as Director.

Winners this year were: 4 burner Gas Grill – Dennis Erickson: Gift Certificates: Fay Bjerkie, Danny Paulson, Bloyd Ness, Larry Berg, Steve Rassmussen, Roger Rinkenberger, Helen Sordahl, Jerome Schmit. Hat: Diane Sundrud, Winfield – Cornerstone: Jim Solien, Bev Anderson, Lawn Chair: Stanley Solhiem, Grill Tools: Vernon Voeltz, Pail: Marvin Berg, Red Pen/Blue Pen: Arlis Mathis.

Lunch was served by United Ladies Aid and Entertainment was provided by Tim Johnson and Steve Rasmussen. Potatoes Donated by Peatland Reds.