Setting the Table in Chicago

"Setting the Table" was the theme
for the GROWMARK 2013
Annual General Meeting

Solid volume growth in GROWMARK business units produced record sales for the co-operative for the 2013 fiscal year, ending August 31.

Jeff Solberg, chief executive officer, reported unaudited, estimated sales of $10.3 billion for FY 2013 at the co-operative’s Annual General Meeting in Chicago IL. Pretax income is estimated at $220 million, one of the best years in company history. An estimated $135 million in patronage refunds will be returned to GROWMARK member co-operatives and farmer-owners.

“We began this year coming off a severe drought, but the strength of the FS System pulled us through to a very good 2013 fiscal year,” Solberg said. “Our business is built around our mission to improve the long-term profitability of our member owners. Our sales will allow us to return significant patronage to our owners.”

John Reifsteck, Champaign, Ill., was elected chairman of the GROWMARK Board of Directors. He replaces Dan Kelley, Normal, Ill., who retired. Reifsteck has served on the GROWMARK Board since 1993, and was one of two vice chairmen. He and his wife, Nancy, operate a corn and soybean farm in Champaign County.