March Energy News

Mar 03, 2023


Winter Propane

March 2023.

So much for March coming in like a lion. I’m writing this late February and although we received a late February storm, the 10 day forecast looks like March is going to be coming in like a lamb instead. But that depends on your perspective. My lamb is another person’s lion. 

Regardless of which mammal you choose to describe the beginning of March, I think we can all agree that winter will soon be over. Speaking of mammals, if you have a dog and you have been relishing the fact that you didn’t have to pick up the canine landmines all winter, our drivers would really appreciate it if you could clean them up before they need to make the last delivery of the season. You’ll never forget the experience of rewinding a hose through a bunch of thawed out doggy doo-doo. It sticks in your mind. And on your clothes. Thank you for your cooperation on this poopy matter. 

Once the weather warms up, we’ll continue our ongoing leak tests. If we haven’t done a leak test on your home or business, we’ll be contacting you to get it done. Usually we can do it from outside the home but we may need access to the home if there are pilot lights or if we detect a leak. We attach a gauge to the regulator on the tank, shut the valve off and see if we have a drop in pressure. If it holds, it’s good. If there is a drop in pressure, we need to look into it further to figure out the cause. 

If you have installed a new propane appliance in your home or business over the winter, you are required to allow us to do a leak test on your system. Not only is it a state statute, it’s a really smart thing to do. We can test the entire system, from the tank to the appliances. There is no charge for the test unless we find something in the system that needs to be repaired or replaced. Let’s get 2023 off to a safe start. 

Taking a look at the world markets, oil prices are experiencing the same volatility that we’ve seen over the last couple of years. The war in Ukraine has made it worse and now with China awakening from their COVID slumber their oil consumption is increasing dramatically. I expect this volatility to continue for the foreseeable future, often driven by headlines. 

If you are a farmer and are contemplating locking in your diesel fuel through November, give one of our energy locations a call. We can offer you opinions but no one is really sure where energy prices are going. We offer diesel and gasoline delivery at all of our energy locations with the exception of Dodge.
I’m having my 61st birthday in March. I qualify for the senior citizen discount pretty much everywhere now. I thought that was only for old people, but I guess I should be grateful, not only for the discounts but also that I’ve made it to the ripe old age of 61. 

Thank you for your business and enjoy the rest of winter. 
 

Tim Lease

Division Manager

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Mar 15,2023
March is a great time to assess your alfalfa stand as the plant starts to break dormancy and green up. Here's 

 
Mar 03,2023
With spring just around the corner, your cooperative is gearing up for another one of our seasonal rushes…spring planting season. Not only will we see our total employee count peak for the year, but nearly every asset in the company will be in use. While many businesses have equipment and buildings that are in use all year long, our grain and agronomy divisions have millions of dollars invested in some assets that only get used for a few months out of the year. It is critical that these assets are fully operational and ready to go when the season starts. Our agronomy operations team has spent the winter months going through all the equipment to make sure it's in good working order, unwrapping and greasing up the new sprayers, trucks and other equipment we’ve purchased this year, updating technology and precision tools on existing equipment, and conducting hours of training on its use and safety. 

In addition, the crop advisors and admin staff have been putting the finishing touches on crop plans and seed orders, wrapping up input financing and nutrient management plans, hiring and training new staff including college interns to help scout fields, and maybe taking a little time away to get rested for what is sure to be long days and short nights ahead. If you’re still looking to finalize plans for this planting season, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our highly trained crop advisors.

Gearing up for spring is not only about the equipment, but also the additional staff needed to provide the products and services our members rely on to help feed the world. Each year we try to fill about 100 full and part time positions at our eleven agronomy locations. These positions can last from six weeks up to eight months. Most seasonal positions involve delivering product to our members or directly to fields to keep our custom application machines running smoothly. If you or someone you know is interested in seasonal or year-round employment, please contact Shayla at our Mt Horeb office or stop by one of the agronomy locations. The hours can be flexible and available up to seven days a week. If agronomy work isn’t for you, ask about openings at any of our other locations including retail associates, plant operations, truck drivers, administrative professionals and more. Premier is always looking to add quality people to our team.

Thank you for your continued support of Premier Cooperative and its staff. Have a great month and stay safe!
Mar 03,2023
Cattle nutrient requirements can vary by season and stage of production. Now is a great time to evaluate your cattle mineral programs and map out a plan to maximize impact.

While minerals are a relatively small portion of the diet, they control many vital functions in cattle and impact everything from cattle reproduction to feed efficiency and overall herd health. That's why it’s so important to make sure the mineral needs of your cattle are being met year-round.