Gully Tri-Coop Association Annual Meeting held

The Gully Tri-Coop Association had their Annual Meeting Saturday March 21st, 2015 at the Gully Hall. Early registration began at 9:30 a.m.. Early bird drawings were held for 3 $50 gift certificates. President David L Olson called the meeting to order. Secretary Steve Hughes read proof of Notice and Previous Year’s minutes for 2014. MMC

 

The Audit report by DeVon Bangerter C.P.A. with Hennen & Associates was presented and explained the financial statement for 2014 to the patrons. Total Sales $18,867,605, Less Cost of Sales $16,394,091 for a Gross Margin of $2,473,514. Less Total Expenses $2,287,278 for a Local Net Savings of $186,236 Plus Patronage Received $225,812 for a Net Savings of $412,048. Of that Dividends paid out $314,194.22 With $93,802.95 paid in Cash. MMS to accept the Financial Reports. Carried.

 

General Manager Russ Crawford thanked DeVon Bergerter for presenting the Gully Financial Report. Russ went over “some of our major repairs to the Elevator front driveway ramp, replaces a well, updated a shop hoist, replaced a grain auger, a front end loader, finishing the Clearbrook Office/Warehouse and adding a wet grain bin & leg for the grain dryer, along with other smaller items were expensed out. For 2015 the board has approved improvements including a seed treating system, a new fertilizer applicator, a fertilizer unloading leg and conveyer for Clearbrook,  a seed tender and making a credit card/computer upgrade necessary for the fuel pumps. Over the last five years your coop has invested $2,994,829 in the local communities through upgrading existing assets and by adding additional assets as we strive to meet the needs of you our customers.”

 

Russ added “When you look at what we offer it is truly one stop shopping: Full Agronomy products and services, Seed, Grain handling & marketing, feed, Energy, shop services & on farm tire repair, Convenience store, Lumber and Hardware.” 

Russ briefly discussed the addition of the “seed treating plant in Gully” that is scheduled to be operational this spring. Reminded everyone to lock in your supplies before spring.

 

Gary Robbins, Station Manager listed the past Oil Change winners Harvey Erie and Geraldine Agnes. Gary encouraged taking advantage of the “Bulk Oil” system that we now offer. Stop in and get set up before spring. Spring Oil, filter and a “select” Farm Tires are on sale thru April. Stop by Thursday April 16th for Farm Service Day.

 

Adrienne Hanson, Office Manager stated that for the past 9 years the Gully Tri-Coop has paid out $1,808,882 back to its Patrons in cash plus stock retirements. A breakdown of those amounts 30% Cash Patronage $1,011,588 plus Option A & B (’98-’15) $635,122 Plus Estates $162,172 Equals the $1,808,882. Current year 30% Patronage paid out $93,803 in addition to the Stock Retirements beginning this year of $48,602 plus $10,342 paid in Estates. Remember to sign up for Stock Options once your turn 67 years old. Applications for ProPartners Finance are in the office. Be sure to check out our web page @ www.gullytricoop.com.

 

Rick Bjerklie, Hardware Manager explained the expanding Inventory. We now offer “standing Panels”, plus gates along with tillage, Hydraulic hose fittings (which can be applied on site). Ask about Lease program for Standing Panels as long as you have “approved credit” standing.

 

Agronomy Manager, Lloyd Godtland announced that the board approved the purchase of a 2014 Case IH Floater. Lloyd thanked all patrons for their past business and hoped to continue to serve everyone this year. If you’re interested in a part-time driver’s job stop in and fill out an application.

 

Agronomist Cam Schafer introduced himself and talked about the new Seed Treater coming this spring. He has worked with one before and so he is excited to start up again.

 

Unanimous voting for 2 -3 year terms for Board of Directors: Lon Vettleson and Dean Hanson and 1 – 2 year term for Board of Director: Cory Carlson. MMS. Carried.

 

Ken Pazdernik, MN Farmers Union spoke about some of the issues that Farmers Union concerns that are watched closely; such as- Wolf concern, Property tax, beef check off,  buffer proposal. Upcoming Camp Calendar includes MN FU Lake Sarah June 22nd – 26th and Northern Junior July 6 -10th @ Lake Sarah Campground. Go online to fill out application @ www.mfu.org and view all camps available. 

 

President David Olson Thanked the Sand Valley Ladies Aid for the delicious Pork dinner served. A “Big Thank You” to Tim Johnson and Steve Rasmussen for the Special Music Entertainment and Special appearance by James Paulson aka “Lars” with some humorous entertainment.

 

Winners of the $50 Gift Certificates throughout the meeting were: Frank Buer, Crystal Bergerson, Henry Wilde, Marvel Flateland, Howard Sjulestad, Yvonne Basinger, Geraldine Agnes, Mark Gunning, Ralph Hove, Morris Hendrickson, Dianne Watne, Judy Halvorson, Jeanie Sorenson, Marion Ask, Linda Hanson, Ed Pettersen. NorthStar Genetics Jackets – Arlene Wold & Ordell Langseth; Winfield Thermos – Harlen Aakre; Deer Supplyment – Dennis Erickson, Kathleen Larson, Scot Fawver & Dennis Johnson.