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.

October is National Co-op Month

Do you remember why you chose membership with your local cooperative? It may be among many reasons shared by 130 million people who have also chosen cooperatives, but it most likely has something to do with the common philosophy of people helping people.

Cooperatives have a rich and diverse history in the United States and around the world. Ben Franklin is credited with bringing the cooperative enterprise to America in 1752 when he and fellow Philadelphians founded the first mutual insurance company in the country.

Cooperatives operate across all sectors and include agriculture, food distribution and retailing, childcare, credit unions, purchasing, worker-owned, housing, health care, energy and telecommunications cooperatives.

Despite their diversity, co-ops are guided by shared values and principles including democracy, self-help and social responsibility. They exist to serve their members, and that level of service remains high even during even the toughest times. Instead of issuing stock or paying dividends to outside shareholders, co-ops provide value to their members through their level of customer service and membership checks at the end of each year.

According to the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), there are nearly 30,000 co-ops in the U.S., serving more than one in every four Americans. Around the world, an estimated 1 billion people are members of co-ops.

"Every day, MKC works to demonstrate cooperative enterprises build a better world," states Dave Christiansen, MKC’s President and CEO. "Not only do we provide product and services to help our members succeed, but we believe we are helping to strengthen our communities through our people, jobs, services and community involvement."

As part of the month-long celebration, MKC hosted a coloring contest for kindergarten through 4th grade students. Fifty-six schools received a packet from MKC containing a supply of coloring sheets and information on the cooperative system to use as education tools in their classrooms .
Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each age group. Winning entries will be posted on www.mkcoop.com and featured on MKC's social media sites throughout the month.    

Renewing Our Infrastructure

By Nichole Gouldie, Communications Specialist

Recognizing the need for new locations and making upgrades to current facilities allows MKC to keep pace with the growing needs of the producer. As MKC has continued to focus on renewing infrastructure this past year, the cooperative has invested more than $16 million dollars across its trade territory.

Jon Brown, director of facility management for MKC, has overseen each of the projects. “Meeting our customers’ needs and improving the customer experience has been the driver behind these projects,” Brown says. 

Legislative Staff Members Spend Day at MKC

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

In its inaugural Legislative Staff Day on August 15, MKC hosted five staff members from Kansas House and Senate offices providing a firsthand look at the breadth of services provided by MKC. The full-day event included discussions with MKC employees and a tour of facilities at Groveland and Canton.

"We know it’s critically important to host congressional staff so they can see up close the facilities and services we provide to our members and their constituents," said Dave Spears, vice president of marketing. "Staff members are often the first point of contact for the constituents of their members of Congress. This visit was a great opportunity for the staff to gain a better understanding of MKC and the cooperative system."

Mel Thompson, state agriculture representative for Senator Pat Roberts, noted having contacts in the industry is invaluable. "MKC is a class act. You’ve succeeded in the peaks and valleys," said Thompson. "Thanks for being a partner to serve your members and our constituents and representing agriculture."

 Staff members attending the event included John Sachse and Judd Gardner with Senator Jerry Moran, Steven Howe with Congressman Tim Huelskamp, Rachel DeGarmo with Congressman Mike Pompeo and Mel Thompson with Senator Pat Roberts.

During the site tours, congressional staff gained a better understanding of how technology is used in the grain and agronomy industry.



Backrow (left to right): Ted Schultz with TMA, Devin Schierling with TMA, John Sachse with Senator Moran, Judd Gardner with Senator Moran, Steven Howe with Congressman Huelskamp and Dave Spears with MKC.  Frontrow (left to right): Kerry Watson with MKC, Rachel DeGarmo with Congressman Pompeo, Mel Thompson with Senator Roberts and Danny Posch with MKC.