From the Manager's Desk

Feb 13, 2023


Premier Logo

February 2023 Update

On January 18th Premier held its 130th annual meeting at WI Riverside Resort in Spring Green, WI. As part of the financial report, Premier CFO Andy Jones reported your cooperative had a very strong year with gross sales of $300 million, and after-tax earnings of $14.5 million for fiscal year 2022. While all divisions of Premier had double digit percent sales growth over the prior fiscal year, this year’s results were led by a very strong year within our ag divisions, with agronomy and feed leading the company in volume growth and bottom line performance. As a result of our fiscal 2022 year-end, Chairman Steve Burns announced at the meeting that Premier will be returning $5 million in cash back to our members in 2023. Premier had a record year in terms of sales, local net profits, and cash to be returned to our customers which is made possible with the trust and support of our members, the hard work and dedication of our employees, and the leadership and guidance of our board of directors. 

After serving our company for over 25 years, long time director Mitch Seston (Mazomanie, WI) announced that he would not be seeking re-election for another term on the board of directors in 2023 for region 2. Following an election earlier in January, Board Chairman Steve Burns announced at the annual meeting that Jason Helt of Waunakee has been elected to a three year term as a new director for Premier. Jason, alongside his family, operate Helt Diversified LLC near Waunakee, Wisconsin. Helt Diversified is a second-generation dairy, beef, and grain farm. In addition to farming, Helt Diversified is involved in animal bedding and landscape mulch manufacturing as well as forest product transportation throughout Wisconsin. Prior to rejoining the family farm, Jason earned degrees from UW Madison in accounting and risk management and holds his CPA certification. Jason, his wife Lisa and two daughters live near Dane, Wisconsin. In addition to Jason as a newly elected director, current board member Steve Trescher (Cashton), was re-elected to serve another 3-year term for region 5. I would like to thank Mitch for his years of service and guidance to our cooperative and congratulate Steve and Jason on their successful elections.  

Another highlight from this year’s annual meeting was when Allison Young, Premier Communications Manager, awarded 21 high school seniors with scholarships of $750 each. Congratulations to each of you and I wish you the best of luck as you begin your college career. 

In closing, I would like to thank each of you for your tremendous support over the years that allow us to return record cash back to our members, award scholarships to the next generation, hire and retain the quality staff to serve you, and so much more. We appreciate the trusted partnerships we have built over the years, and will continue to work hard each day to earn your business. Thank you.


Matt Severson

CEO

Read More News

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.