While coming in a little later than the last couple of years, spring is finally beginning to make an appearance. As I write this the last week of April, we still have a couple nights of sub-freezing temperatures to deal with, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing down our agronomy locations that are now entering their busiest time of the year. Long days and short nights can be the norm this time of year for our agronomy division and our producer members as they work to get this year’s crop in the ground. This is a great reminder to please pay special attention over the next couple of months to farm machinery pulling in and out of the fields and wide loads coming around the next corner or over the next hill. Whether you are in your car on your way to work, or in the tractor moving to the next field, never assume the other person sees you. Slow down and be extra careful. If you have teenage drivers at home, please share this reminder with them as well.
In the coming weeks, we will begin the process of preparing our annual patronage and equity distributions back to our owners. As a cooperative, our customers are our owners. Instead of profits going to shareholders and investors from Wall Street, our shareholders are our friends and neighbors right here where we all live and work. Whether you are feeding your herd, growing crops, heating your home, maintaining a fleet, or topping off your gas tank and shopping at our hardware stores, all share in the benefits of the products and services that Premier Cooperative provides and the profit it generates. For qualifying members, this year we will once again be returning over $4 million in cash to our members based on our fiscal 2021 results. Long time members could receive up to 3.2% of their 2021 purchases back in cash patronage and equity redemptions. Our hope is to kick off getting checks out in May and early June with a few open house events prior to the full mailing later in June. Please see details about scheduled dates and locations deeper in this newsletter.
Soon our propane division will begin compiling contracting options for the next heating season. In June they will begin mailing out contracts to over 12,000 of our propane members that purchased at least an average 400 gallons or more during the last two heating season. While some of our business units may not be easily accessible to all members, propane is the one division that can reach everyone reading this update. If you use propane to heat your home, business or power your vehicle and are not currently purchasing it through Premier, please consider making the change. We would love the opportunity to earn your business and show you why we consistently rank among the top propane companies in the country. As an added benefit, since you are already a member of Premier, a cooperative that you own, all purchases count towards your share of the annual patronage distribution I mentioned above.
Last fall we broke ground for the construction of our new fertilizer warehouse in Lancaster. While there is still much work to complete before we are able to receive, blend, and loadout crop nutrients for our members, the location has really transformed over the past six months and is nearing completion. Soon this new 8,500 ton facility will increase the overall storage capacity for Premier and be able to serve our members throughout Grant County and beyond. Here are a couple of photos from late fall to the present construction progress. Without any major supply or construction issues, we hope to be nearing completion by the next monthly update.
I’d like to wish all mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day on May 8. If you are still looking for something for that special mom or grandma, stop by either our Mount Horeb Do it Best or Westby Ace stores and pick up a beautiful floral hanging basket.
With Memorial Day later this month, I hope everyone has a chance to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect all of us and this great country. Have a wonderful May.
