Celebrating both agriculture and co-ops in October!

We are very early into the fall harvest season, but the month of October is already brimming with activities to help us celebrate our co-operative heritage and our agricultural roots.

This week is Agriculture Week in Ontario which leads in nicely to Thanksgiving this weekend. During agriculture week, people are encouraged to visit local farmer markets in their communities. 

The agri-food industry is a significant driver of the province's economy, contributing $34 billion annually, including $12.5 billion in exports, and employing more than 780,000 individuals.

Next week is Co-op week in Canada where more than seven million members of co-operatives throughout Canada will hopefully take part in celebrating and educating others on the significant contributions co-ops bring to the economy and communities in which they thrive. Just this fall, new findings were announced through research done by Measuring the Co-operative Difference Research Network that shows co-ops in Canada contribute more than $50 billion to the Canadian economy and support over 600,000 jobs. 

In the  United States, our colleagues are enjoying the full month of October to celebrate co-op history during Co-op month.

Next week, Ontario GROWMARK employees will take part in a number of fundraising events to provide support for the Co-operative Development Foundation. CDF is a registered charity organization that works with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and other partners to undertake co-operative development projects in Canada and around the world.

Employees will have the opportunity to attend a lunch-and-learn session to hear from a CDF volunteer who recently traveled to a developing country to see first-hand the positive impact the Co-operative Development Foundation has made for so many people. 

October is a great time to enjoy the blessings that come with living in this great country, our passion for agriculture and our co-operative heritage. Let's take it all in!

Pride-of-ownership is what counts for farmers-owners of AGRIS Co-op

The phrase “Proudly farmer-owned” was the clear-cut message delivered at last week’s grand opening of AGRIS Co-operative’s newest fertilizer facility in Cottam, ON.

I attended along with approximately 100 farmers, employees, media journalists and directors, all who came out to support the co-operative’s new initiative.

“This new state-of-the art equipment will improve efficiencies tremendously for our farmer-owners, says Larry Pajot, AGRIS Co-operative president.

“Farming has really changed over the years,” says Pajot. He recalls when he started out, most farmers had a four-row planter or maybe six-row if they were modern, and if they did 30 acres a day they were happy, but now farmers have 12 or even 16-row planters and require a lot of crop nutrients and at record speeds.

“Well, this new system is designed for you guys, says Pajot. And even better yet, this is your equipment, owned by you, our farmer-owners.”

The new facility offers increased blending capability to 200 MT per hour, eight times faster than before and the storage capacity to 4500 MT, nine times the previous capacity. This new investment is the largest element of an overall strategy to increase capacity throughout the co-operative’s full trade territory.

GROWMARK, Inc.CEO Jim Spradlin takes time to talk to
 agricultural journalist Simon Crouch of Blackburn News.

The co-operative’s special guest speaker, chief executive officer of GROWMARK, Inc., Jim Spradlin commended AGRIS Co-operative’s board and management teams on their vision, forward-thinking leadership and dedication to their farmer-owners. “In our view, AGRIS Co-operative truly embodies a system initiative that we launched a couple of years ago that we call, “Bringing You What’s Next.”

Spradlin goes on to say, that this new facility is an investment in the future. “It is all about speed, flexibility and quality, but also very much about good stewardship practices in which the GROWMARK System strongly supports.”

Jim Campbell, the co-operative’s general manager said he is very proud of this accomplishment. “When we invest in new initiatives, we know we are investing our farmer-owners’ money and we are cautious about how we spend it. We want to be awfully sure it is invested in their best interests and this new facility ticks all the boxes,” says Campbell.

Ribbon cutting ceremony at new fertilizer facility at AGRIS Co-operative's Cottam site on Sept. 29. From (L-R) back: AGRIS director David Sherman, AGRIS general manager Jim Campbell. FRONT: AGRIS operations manager Adrian VanDyk, AGRIS director and GROWMARK director Kim Fysh, AGRIS directors Paul Repko and John Nooyen, AGRIS Essex area manager Alex Michinski, AGRIS board president Larry Pajot, GROWMARK chief executive officer Jim Spradlin, AGRIS director Pat Vanheule and AGRIS board vice president Jim Anderson.

Congratulations to the employees and farmer-owners of AGRIS Co-operative!

FS celebrates another successful event at this year's Outdoor Farm Show!

For many of you who came out last week to visit us at the FS booth at our new location on 4th lane at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, I'm sure you will agree that it was a fabulous week to connect with colleagues, customers, family and friends under three days of warm sunny skies.

This was the second year for the Ontario FS System to participate at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock. This year, the show had more than 43,000 people attend and 750 show exhibitors on display. 

If you were not able to attend this year, I hope you will enjoy this photo gallery of special moments at our FS booth. 

Getting started bright and early Monday morning with Juli Paladino, 
Justine Lennox and Terry Stevenson. Also a very special thank you to 
Moe Crickmore, Tony Tennant and Bruce Thomson for their much
 needed help during set up.

Bruce delivers his large banner display structure. 

UPI Energy delivers Dieselex Gold tank 

Allan Williamson promotes the benefits of Dieselex Gold.

Let's talk Great Lakes Grain crop tour results
 with Tyler Sabelli and Chris Snip.

London Free Press interviews Don Kabbes on GLG crop tour results.

A great meeting place!

Some serious colouring going on with FS interactive colouring books.

Saarloos family fun!

Mike Dotterman talks energy. 

Petra Hathaway enjoys time with visitors.

Petra is interviewed by Mary Baxter of Better Farming magazine.

Hmmmm, what should I colour next?

Catching up on old times with Dennis Smith, Ron Feltz and Blair Morrison.

Ed Benjamins stops by to say hi with Juli Paladino, Nicole Weber 
and Bruce Thomson.

Rain gauge interactive fun!

Measuring up. 

FS team gives it a try!

Devin Homick and family pop by to say hi!

Juli Paladino shows guests the Ontario map with more than 75 FS locations.

Great interaction in the FS tent.

Nathan Saarloos and son....Adorable! 

FS team watches on-line media video coverage of GLG crop tour results!
Seen here: Brent Troyer, Petra Hathaway, Mary Bell,  Justin Geelen and Terry Stevenson. 



 Thank you to all who took part....See you all next year!

FS Co-operatives earn Performance Improvement Awards

Five FS member co-operatives, including Ontario's Vineland Growers Co-operative, were recognized by GROWMARK for business performance improvement during the 2015 GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois last week.

For the second year in a row, the co-operative with the highest degree of improvement was Ag-Land FS, Pekin, Illinois. Ranking second was Stephenson Service Company, Freeport, Illinois. In third place was Conserv FS, Inc., Woodstock, Illinois. In fourth place was Vineland Growers Co-operative, Jordan Station, Ontario, and fifth was AGRILAND FS, Inc., Winterset, Iowa. 

GROWMARK measures the improvement in the performance of member co-operatives based on return on invested capital. Over a five-year time frame, each co-operative's return on invested capital improvement is measured in comparison to other co-operatives in the System. From this measurement, the Performance Improvement Award was developed.

Ahead of the curve with youth leadership in Chicago

Caitlyn Rongits, Ontario
youth speaker at GROWMARK 
2015 Annual Meeting 

Eighteen year-old, Caitlyn Rongits of Norwich, Ontario, recently attended the 2015 GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago as this year’s Ontario youth speaker alongside FFA state presidents from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. These four young leaders spoke to an audience of more than 800 attendees and Caitlyn's speech addressed her views on the importance of agriculture sustainability. 

Caitlyn is a recent graduate of the Ontario Co-operative Association's Co-op Young Leaders Program and was one of three young people from Ontario chosen to take part in the travel opportunity sponsored by GROWMARK. Also travelling to Chicago was 4-H Ontario Ambassador Olivia Bolender of Stouffville and from Alma, executive director of community and international programs for Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario Jen van der Meulen. 

Ontario youth representatives at Grand Ballroom, Hilton Chicago.
From L-R Jen van der Meulen, Caitlyn Rongits and Olivia Bolender.

Caitlyn is a second year student at the University of Guelph studying criminal justice and public policy. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in human resources or law.

In her opening remarks in Chicago, Caitlyn said that the question about sustainability should be an obvious one, stating that, "the focus of every farmer and business should be to create a company or system that is strong enough to last through anything!"  



Each year GROWMARK provides travel opportunities to youth who have shown dedication to leadership development. They travel to Chicago to learn more about GROWMARK and network with business people and other young leaders. 

As part of their experience, they took part in the annual meeting’s grand opening ceremonies with young leaders from Future Farmers of America (FFA) and also had the opportunity to visit the Chicago Board of Trade. 

Young leaders from Ontario and FFA Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa get ready for the Grand Entry of Colours opening ceremonies at GROWMARK's AGM in Chicago on Aug. 28

Ahead of the curve with GROWMARK's 2015 year-end results

Jim Spradlin, CEO 

The GROWMARK System unity, economies of scale, and the relationship at the farm gate are evidenced in the operating results for the 2015 fiscal year, which ended Aug. 31.

Jim Spradlin, chief executive officer, reported unaudited, estimated sales of $8.8 billion (U.S) for FY 2015. Pretax income is estimated at $140 million. An estimated $61 million in patronage refunds will be returned to GROWMARK member co-operatives and farmer-owners.

Energy, agronomy, and retail grain units all achieved business growth and recorded earnings above expectations, while the retail supplies group performance was slowed due to a softening ag economy and plenty of weather-related challenges this summer. 

Spradlin commented, “The GROWMARK System is strong, responsible, focused on the success of our customers -- prepared, and positioned for continued success. I believe the founding farmer-members of our great co-operative System would be proud of our progress. We honour their bold, innovative, courageous, and sustainable co-operative structure by working together to stay ahead of the curve.”

More than 800 people attended the annual meeting held at the Hilton Chicago. To read more detail about reported financials, please go to: www.growmark.com/MediaCenter/Pages/2015%20Annual%20Meeting%20Press%20Kit.aspx

The CYL Advantage - keep it top-of-mind!

Since its beginnings, almost 50 years ago, the Co-operative Young Leaders Program has been an important part of the Ontario agriculture co-operative sector. It has changed and grown in many ways since agriculture co-operatives launched the program in 1967; but today it is still vital that we continue to sponsor kids to CYL.

Last week, GROWMARK was the weekly sponsor for Senior-A session at Lake St. George Field Centre in Richmond Hill. I had the opportunity to participate as a panel judge and listen first-hand to four groups of young presenters give their pitch on an idea for a new co-op business start-up. It is during these brief opportunities that one realizes the impact the program has on these kids. From everyone behind the scenes to the facilitators that volunteer their time, it is apparent this program really matters to all involved.

I was also able to meet a very appreciative young man, who was the first recipient of the Bernie Daly (send a kid to CYL) Memorial fund during my visit.

As founders of the Co-operative Young Leaders Program, we must keep a strong focus on promoting the program in our rural communities, with our boards of directors and employees. 

Remember to sponsor a young person to CYL!  

After their "create-a-co-op" panel presentations, and the last day of their CYL experience, 25 senior CYLers and facilitators took a moment to say thank-you to GROWMARK! 

4-H Perth County youth wins 2015 GROWMARK Essay Contest for Ontario!

Emily MacKay
2015 provincial winner

Grade nine student, Emily MacKay, interviewed her grandfather to learn more about his life as a veterinarian. In doing so, she achieved first place honours in GROWMARK's annual essay contest. At the same time, she discovered her own desire to follow in her grandpa's footsteps and pursue a career as a veterinarian.

This year's contest was themed: "Exploring Careers in Agriculture.” Students were asked specifically to conduct an interview with someone in an agriculture career that is of interest to them.

The contest is offered to high school students who are members of a 4-H Association in Ontario. As contest winner, Emily McKay of Atwood, received a $500 award from GROWMARK and her 4-H Association in Perth County received an additional $300 to help support future programs in her local community.

Two provincial runners-up each received a $125 prize. The runners-up and their 4-H Associations are: Mikayla Ringelberg of Troy (Hamilton-Wentworth County), and Charlene Elliott of Kitchener (Wellington County). 

To learn more about this and other opportunities for youth, visit GROWMARK's youth commitments and 4-H Ontario's scholarships and grants. 

Click here to read the full version of Emily’s essay.

UPI Energy gives generously!

UPI Energy LP’s Invitational Charity Golf Tournament was held earlier this month at Rebel Creek Golf Club in Petersburg, Ontario. 

"We are extremely thankful that the rain held off, which provided great weather for all the golfers and participants. This year we continued to see the enormous support of our employees and fellow associates which resulted in an impressive $36,000 raised. The funds were dispersed with $31,000 donated to Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre and the remaining $5,000 donated to the Bernie Daly Memorial Fund which provides financial assistance so that all youth are able to participate in CYL (Co-operative Young Leaders Program run by the Ontario Co-operative Association).

We would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting both of these great causes. Your generosity has gone a long way and you should feel proud in knowing that your donations have significantly changed the lives of many youth in positive ways.

Congratulations to all winners, in particular Craig Kane, Tim Cant, Jack Nunno and Ryan McIntyre who claimed the first place title and trophy.

UPI sincerely thanks each and every one who participated in this tournament. Without your contributions none of this would have been possible. We look forward to seeing all of you at next year's tournament."

Robert McIntosh, UPI Energy president and CEO

(L-R) Robert McIntosh, UPI Energy president and CEO presents a cheque for $5,000 to the Bernie Daly Memorial Fund to Claude Gauthier GROWMARK executive director, Ontario operations.

GROWMARK's 56th annual Summer Internship program gets off to a great start!

As part of the GROWMARK Summer Internship Program, Ontario interns travelled in style on the corporate jet to meet up with another 53 summer interns; all attending an orientation session at head office in Bloomington, Illinois.

During their first, of three trips to illinois, interns got the opportunity to network with each other, meet GROWMARK executives and learn more about the organization’s co-operative roots and core business strategies.

Barry Hannah, Ontario human resources manager, handles the recruiting and placement of students throughout the province. He says he is impressed with the high caliber of interns each year. “The program has such a broad reach with recruits from 18 universities and colleges System wide.”

Interns are placed with an FS Co-operative or a GROWMARK facility and are exposed to accounting, marketing, communications and product and service-related activities. Each intern will complete a special project and deliver a presentation on that project to other interns and GROWMARK executives later this summer.

“We are very excited about the outstanding group of students this year,” says Allison Stephey, GROWMARK university relations manager. “It is encouraging that our internship opportunities reach such a diverse group. They will gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, and have the opportunity to clarify career goals.” 

From the University of Guelph, GROWMARK Ontario summer interns travelled via GROWMARK corporate jet to Illinois to meet with U.S. interns at orientation meeting on May 17.

From (L-R): Christine Wyville of Grey County (Markdale), is majoring in Honours Agriculture. Christine is working at Huron Bay Co-operative this summer as an agronomy intern specializing in documenting and reporting on Glyphosate Fleabane resistance in the region.

Darren Clark of the Chatham Kent region (Highgate), is majoring in Bachelor of Commerce, Food and Agricultural Business. Darren is placed with AGRIS Co-operative as an agronomy intern with a focus on GROWMARK’s N-WATCH program responsible for analyzing nitrogen levels in 40 plus locations.

Kaylene Sangers from Ayr is on her way to a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Honours Agriculture. Kaylene is positioned with FS PARTNERS, also working with the N-WATCH program and as a field scout.

Christopher Albrecht from Wellesley is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Animal Science. Chris is also placed with FS PARTNERS working on exploring the potential of the GROWMARK System’s planning and mapping modules. 

Sunderland Co-op wins environmental award for N-WATCH™

Sunderland Co-operative was recognized along with five other environmental champions during a special ceremony hosted by the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee on May 14.

The co-operative was the recipient of the Eric Krause Innovative Plans/Policies/Initiatives Award for helping to fund and pilot N-WATCH (Nitrogen Management Strategy). This award is given to those who have shown forward-thinking efforts that encourage positive change with respect to the natural environment.

Developed by GROWMARK, Inc, the goal of the N-WATCH program is to investigate the complex dynamics of available nitrate and ammonium nitrate in plants. Additionally, N-WATCH and the results collected can be used to estimate the concentration of available nitrogen as the year progresses and to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.

This specific N-WATCH program funded by Sunderland Co-op, focused in Durham Region with the results available to members of the co-op. Although the N-WATCH program was implemented at Shadyway Farms Ltd., the yield data and results are shared widespread so that others can benefit from the advantages of the program.

Due to the success of the test site location, the N-WATCH program will be launched province wide with more than 50 sites participating in the program in 2015.

Sunderland Co-operative was nominated for this prestigious award by Agricultural and Rural Affairs-Economic Development Division. 

Pictured below from (L-R): Alex Georgieff, Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development; Blain Thompson, Sunderland Co-operative General Manager, Warren Jibb, Sunderland Co-operative Director and GROWMARK, Inc. Director; Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and CEO of the Regional Municipality of Durham.  

Congratulations to the Sunderland Co-operative team!

On Co-op releases new Bernie Daly Memorial Fund video and announces new information on how the fund can help more youth attend CYL.

Established in 2009, in honour of the late Bernie Daly, GROWMARK and the Ontario FS Co-operatives created the Bernie Daly Memorial Fund to support the continued growth of the Co-operative Young Leaders Program (CYL) run by the Ontario Co-operative Association.

The main objective of the fund is to provide a long-term pool of resources that will help support youth who cannot participate in CYL due to financial restraints or lack of sponsorship. Daly’s main concern was to ensure that all youth in the co-operative sector had a chance to attend CYL even if financial restrictions became a barrier for participation.

Daly served the Ontario Co-operative System for more than 30 years. He was a solid support and strong contributor to the health of the Ontario co-operative sector. He believed fully in co-operative principles and values, promoting them in business as well as in his everyday life with his family and community. 

Please take a moment to view and share this video to help support Co-op Young Leaders and The Bernie Daly Memorial Fund.  

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Bernie Daly Memorial Fund or apply for support to attend Co-operative Young Leaders, please visit The Ontario Co-operative Association’s website.

Recognizing a decade of success for the Ontario 4-H Ambassador Program

Ten years ago we were introduced to the new concept of the Ontario 4-H Ambassador Program and approached with the idea of being sole sponsors of the program.

Well, we never looked back! For the tenth year in a row now, UPI Energy LP and GROWMARK, Inc (along with the Ontario FS Co-operatives) are proud sponsors and supporters of these young leaders.

Ambassadors help promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations, communication and public speaking. They are also provided with many positive networking opportunities and new experiences.

Congratulations to 2015 Ontario 4-H Ambassadors: (From L-R) Nic Willemsma of Chatham-Kent, Ava Doner of Durham East, Cailen Bromley of Renfrew, Laura Scott of Grenville, Gina Posthumus of Hastings and Olivia Bolender of York Region. 

Over the past ten years the Ambassador program has given more than 50 young people the opportunity to grow in their leadership abilities, become more involved in their communities and spread enthusiasm for 4-H across the province. We are confident these young leaders will continue to contribute to 4-H and their communities for a long time to come.

Let's take a look back through memory lane of past Ambassadors starting from 2005:

2005 Ambassadors heading out on the first tour of
Ontario FS System facilities. 

2006 Ambassadors visit FS agronomy / grain site in Mitchell.

 2007 Ambassadors pose at 1902 Alma train station - now home to 

FAST STOP cardlock location.

2008 Ambassadors visit UPI Energy to learn
more about their sponsors.

2009 Ambassadors sporting new team shirts.

2010 Ambassadors take a moment for a photo opportunity
at North Wellington Co-op.

2011 Ambassadors take a moment to admire baby chicks at
 the FS Store in Harriston.

2012 Ambassadors visit UPI Energy bulk fuel plant.

2013 Ambassadors visit FS agronomy and grain facility in Ayr
and learn about the new seed treater.

2014 Ambassadors in front of 1948 stake truck in Harriston
at North Wellington Co-op

Thank you Ambassadors for your commitment and dedication to the program!

If you would like to learn more about the program, visit 4-H Ontario.