Now's the Time to Sample Fuel Tanks

Properly sampling of fuel tanks is essential to protecting your diesel equipment investment. It's a good idea to sample your tanks at this time of year, so you can take care of any moisture and contaminant issues before the falling temperatures cause major disruptions. With the CHS fuel testing kits available at MKC, you'll receive a valuable lab report that outlines any fuel quality issues and provides problem-solving advice.
 
We recommend using a tank sampler kit with a portable hand-operated vacuum device because this method collects more accurate samples than using a water-finding paste. We offer trouble-free kits that are designed to help prevent spills and will work on any size vehicle, underground or above-ground tanks.
 
When pulling a sample, remember the majority of contaminants settle at the bottom of the tank - so it's crucial you pull samples from the bottom. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the jar and hose after each sample is taken.
 
As you gear up for winter, contact MKC's energy division at 888-442-0141 to order kits or request help with sampling.

Participants Sought for New Leader Forum

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

MKC is entering its tenth year of sponsoring participants to attend the New Leader Forum, held in conjunction with the CHS Annual Meeting. This year’s event will be held December 3-5 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Over the course of the forum, participants examine in-depth issues and challenges facing cooperatives, agricultural and rural America, as well as learn ways to build their leadership skills to benefit their cooperatives and communities. Sessions feature top-notch professional speakers and agribusiness experts. The conference is geared towards individuals and/or couples, ages 25 to 45 years.

Since 2004, MKC has sponsored 89 participants. Ben and Tina Schrag of Canton attended the event in 2013. "For me it was a great educational experience," said Ben. "I learned how MKC fits in with larger cooperatives’ grain distribution, not only in the United States, but internationally as well." Schrag also commented on the value of networking with other MKC customers who attended the event. "I didn’t know them before attending the Forum and still keep in touch with them today."

If you are interested in being considered for participation in the 2014 New Leader Forum, please contact a field marketer or Nichole Gouldie at 620-345-4119.

2009 Participants
(Left to right): Matt & Daisy Friesen, Josh & Emily Regier and
Mike and Angie Maloney.

2011 Participants
Back row: Kent Nichols, Devin Sheriling, Jon Brown
Front row: Amber Brown, Katie and Derek Sawyer, Doug Graber and Aaron Vogts.

 

Construction to begin on grain facilities

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

Construction of two high-speed grain facilities is scheduled to start in early July following the completion of wheat harvest. Located in Rice and McPherson counties, both facilities will house a combined total of nearly 6 million bushels of grain.

MKC and CHS, Inc., an energy, grains and foods company, formed a limited liability company (LLC) to build and operate a high-speed shuttle loading facility to be located two miles west of Canton, Kan on Highway 56 in McPherson County.  Located on the Union Pacific rail line, it is estimated the grain shuttle will load out 15 to 20 million bushels of grain on an annual basis to export facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast and Mexico.

Proximity to Kansas Ethanol and membership growth in the area served as primary reasons for the site selected north of Lyons, Kan in Rice County. Dave Christiansen, MKC President and CEO, commented the co-op consulted with grain industry experts in selecting the site. "Grain production in the area, access to good roads and the location and condition of existing grain facilities were all factors in selecting a site for the Rice County project," Christiansen stated.

Both projects are expected to be completed before the 2014 fall harvest.

MKC and CHS to build grain shuttle loader in Canton, Kan

 By Kerry Watson, Communications Specialist

The boards of Mid Kansas Cooperative (MKC), a full-service cooperative founded in 1965, and CHS Inc., an energy grains and foods company and the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative, have approved an agreement to form a limited liability company (LLC) to build and operate a high-speed shuttle loading facility in Canton, Kan.

Construction on property currently owned by MKC is expected to begin spring 2013 and be completed in about 12 months.  Located on the Union Pacific rail line, the grain shuttle will load 110-car trains bound for export facilities in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast and Mexico.  Upon completion, on-site storage will be in excess of 3 million bushels.

MKC Sends Representatives to CHS New Leader Institute

Kent Nichols, Amber Brown, Aaron Vogts,
Katie and Derek Sawyer, Jon Brown, Doug Graber, Austin Greve

In their continuing effort to provide area producers with leadership development opportunities and a greater understanding of the relationship between CHS and the local coop, MKC recently sponsored another group of young leaders to attend the CHS New Leader Institute.  The Institute, hosted annually, was held in conjunction with the CHS annual meeting in Minneapolis, MN. 

Building leaders, advancing agriculture and strengthening rural America is the Institute’s mission. With this mission in mind, MKC continues to be one of the strongest supporters of the program sponsoring 58 local producers and young employees since 2004. This year’s attendees included Jon and Amber Brown, Doug Graber, Austin Greve, Kent Nichols, Derek and Katie Sawyer and Aaron Vogts.