Continuing to keep up with the updates on the proposed merger for Farmers Union in Ossian, Iowa to join Premier, I am happy to report the vote has passed! The ballots were due prior to the special meeting held on March 26th, where assigned officials would oversee the count. The results ended with strong voter turnout and overwhelming support in favor of the merger – exactly what you would hope for when looking to bring two cooperatives together.
The high number of ballots returned and approval at nearly 87% shows the employees and members of Farmers Union are committed to this partnership and ready to take the next step. While this was a big achievement and something to celebrate, we moved on quickly and got to work on what’s next. Over the next four months the two employee teams will work together to integrate operations, accounting systems, safety programs, and much more to prepare for the August 1st merger date. During this period both companies will also be focusing on the business in front of us. The merger will happen in the background while taking care of our customers will come first.
The beginning of April marks the halfway point for your cooperative’s fiscal year. Except for our feed division, which operates in a high paced environment year-round, many of our divisions are ready for their busy season to kick into high gear. The changing season is the unofficial start to the busiest time of year for your cooperative. Our full-service agronomy locations are now ready to put their winter’s worth of planning and preparation into action. While some locations may have been able to get an early jump on the season with seed deliveries and fertilizer applications, soon every location will be buzzing with all hands on deck. In the next few weeks your cooperative will ramp up to the peak employee numbers for the year.
As we move into April and begin to put the past months of planning into action, this is the time for a friendly reminder about spring safety. Long days and unpredictable weather delays can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, especially as it relates to getting the crop in the ground. Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents and more delays. Please pay special attention over the next several months to farm equipment pulling in and out of the fields and wide loads coming around the corner or over the next hill. To our producer members, be extra careful this spring. Get plenty of rest, eat right, take a short walk to unwind, and if you get behind, give us a call and we’ll do what we can to help.
As always, thank you for your continued support! Have a great Easter and stay safe this spring.
