PIPELINELinn Co-op

November 2015

Volume 2, Issue 5

Instant Rebate on Select Tires

start winter off right

Creating a Total program for success

Book your 2016 seed Today

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20142

Linn Cooperative Board of Directors

President Dale Lefebure, Fairfax

Vice-President Joe Meythaler, Marion

Sec/Treasure John N. Airy, Central City

Vice-Secretary Neal Horning, Marion

Director Daryl Gericke, Winthrop

Director Dick Burns, Marion

Director Don Martin, Norway

Director Jon Rathje, Marion

Director Jon Studt, Springville

Linn Cooperative Management Staff

General Manager Rob Ball

Asst. General Manager/Energy Bill Mysak

Operations Manager Ron Woeste

Car Care Center Manager Daryl Sackett

Springville Branch Manager Tracy Peyton

Newhall Branch Manager Matt Becker

Alburnett Branch Manager Kirk Sauer

Credit Manager Mike Arnold

Lawn Care Manager Brad Salazar

Human Resource Manager Danielle Mikkola

Linn Co-op PipelineLinn Cooperative Oil Company

November 2015 Volume 2, Issue 5

Linn Cooperative Phone Numbers

Marion Main Line 319-377-4881

In-coming WATS 800-728-4881

Newhall Office 319-223-5191

Springville Office 319-854-6192

Alburnett Office 319-842-2222

Direct Grain Line 319-854-6120

Car Care Center 319-377-7351

Lawn Care Department 319-447-1225

A CornerPost Marketing Communications Publication www.cpostmarketing.com

The Linn Co-op Pipeline newsletter is published and distributed to Linn Cooperative Oil Company members

and customers to provide education and information leading to the success of their business and to share in the

value of cooperative membership.

www.linncoop.com

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20152

Soybeans Corn September CURRENT OCTOBER CURRENT OCTOBER

9/1/2015 9.32 8.37 3.73 3.629/2/2015 9.17 8.37 3.72 3.619/3/2015 9.02 8.32 3.66 3.559/4/2015 8.99 8.29 3.67 3.569/7/2015 9/8/2015 9.07 8.42 3.72 3.619/9/2015 8.9 8.35 3.73 3.62

9/10/2015 8.87 8.37 3.78 3.679/11/2015 8.82 8.37 3.87 3.89/14/2015 8.92 8.52 3.92 3.879/15/2015 8.72 8.57 3.89 3.849/16/2015 8.65 8.55 3.84 3.799/17/2015 8.57 8.52 3.78 3.89/18/2015 8.4 3.75 3.75 3.79/21/2015 8.47 8.42 3.83 3.789/22/2015 8.34 8.29 3.78 3.749/23/2015 8.36 8.31 3.81 3.769/24/2015 8.41 8.36 3.8 3.759/25/2015 8.62 8.57 3.87 3.829/28/2015 8.49 8.49 3.87 3.879/29/2015 8.57 8.57 3.87 3.879/30/2015 8.65 8.65 3.84 3.84

HIGH 9.32 3.89LOW 8.34 3.66AVERAGE 8.73 3.79

MARKETS CLOSED- LABOR DAY

Soybeans Corn August CURRENT OCTOBER CURRENT OCTOBER

8/3/2015 9.98 8.96 3.77 3.628/4/2015 10.1 9.03 3.79 3.648/5/2015 10.25 9.14 3.83 3.688/6/2015 10.18 9.04 3.8 3.668/7/2015 10.38 9.24 3.81 3.69

8/10/2015 10.65 9.55 3.98 3.868/11/2015 10.24 9.32 3.81 3.738/12/2015 9.53 8.71 3.61 3.538/13/2015 9.65 8.88 3.68 3.68/14/2015 9.54 8.77 3.68 3.618/17/2015 9.5 8.78 3.69 3.68/18/2015 9.37 8.65 3.72 3.628/19/2015 9.26 8.54 3.75 3.648/20/2015 9.4 8.68 3.79 3.688/21/2015 9.22 8.5 3.73 3.628/24/2015 9.07 8.35 3.81 3.748/25/2015 9.35 8.38 3.78 3.78/26/2015 9.23 8.26 3.74 3.668/27/2015 9.42 8.42 3.76 3.688/28/2015 9.48 8.48 3.75 3.688/31/2015 9.5 8.5 3.76 3.68

HIGH 10.65 3.98 LOW 9.07 3.61 AVERAGE 10.63 3.76

The new office is going up quickly in Marion. It was fully enclosed by mid-November and move-in is slated for mid-March 2016. We will continue to keep you up to date on the progress of the much needed new office building.

Under

Construction

3www.linncoop.com

We are currently looking for qualified class “A” members who might be interested in running for a Board of Directors’ position.

Below is your 2016 nominating committee for the districts that have a Board seat up for election:

Nominees must be presented for the election ballot by the nominating committee no later than January 4, 2016. For more information, please contact the disctrict’s nomination committee members.

WANTED: Board of Director Nominees

SOUTHWESTDon Martin:

319-981-0340

NORTHEASTJohn Airy:

319-350-0474

SOUTHEASTJohn Studt:

319-721-5912

Rob BallGeneral Manager

Linn Cooperative Oil Company

Another harvest is wrapping up, and I want to take this opportunity to thank your employee team here, at Linn Co-op. They put long hours in to make sure you had what was needed to get your crops out of the field. As always, I am very proud of them. We are blessed with people who understand that a teamwork approach makes a positive difference to your farm, business and home.

One of our long-time team members, Bob McCusker, has announced he will be retiring from the co-op on December 31st, 2015. I remember the day Bob started with us at the Marion Crop Production Department, where I worked alongside him. Bob has always been happy to do any task assigned to him whether it was running a dry or liquid applicator, managing either the NH3 plant or the liquid plant in Marion, where he currently is. Over the years, I have heard many thoughtful comments regarding Bob’s helpfulness to customers and knowledge of our products and services. We will miss Bob but wish him many years of health and happiness in retirement. Thank you for your unwavering service to Linn Co-op.

As a friendly reminder, we are still seeking qualified class “A” members to run for a Board of Director position in the three districts that are up for election: southwest, northwest and southeast. The election will be held in February 2016, but we need to have nominations turned in by the end of this year. If you are considering running, or would like to know more information about being a Linn Co-op Board Member, please contact the nominating committee member in your district or myself. We would be happy to explain the duties and obligations. It is a great way to take a leadership role and play an active part in the company you own.

As 2015 comes to a close, I want to thank you for your continued business and commitment to Linn Co-op, as well as all of your employees and families. With the next Pipeline slated for February 2016, all of us here at Linn Co-op want to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and a God blessed Christmas season.

A conversation with the General

Manager

A Dedicated Employee Team

3www.linncoop.com

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20144 © Linn Co-op Oil Company 20154

Kirk Sauer - Alburnett Branch Manager

Harvest Update

ALBURNETT

As of the writing of this publication, harvest seems to be progressing along fairly smoothly. All of the soybeans are in, with yields being above the trend line. We

even saw a few fields pushing the 70 bushel per acre mark. I would say a sound overall

average for the Alburnett area would be in the 60 bushel per acre range. As the prices continue to sit where they are, a lot of this year’s soybean crop went into storage.

The corn harvest should be wrapping up fairly soon. There has been an astronomical amount of corn coming into the Linn Co-op facilities. Corn prices are continuing to sit around the $3.75 mark, and I anticipate much of the corn going into storage as well. I have been seeing yields ranging anywhere from 160 to 220 bushels per acre. Fungicide treatments have been making a huge difference this year in terms of yields. In some cases, it is adding 25 to 35 additional bushels per acre. For those of you who applied fungicide, I believe it was definitely worth your investment.

Thank you to all of our customers who were patient with us during harvest. We appreciate your continued business and are ready to begin the NH3 and fertilizer applications whenever soil conditions are favorable.

Pioneer seed sales for the upcoming 2016 growing season have gotten off to a strong start. Many growers have taken advantage of the early discounts and have locked in their seed needs for 2016. It’s not too late to take advantage of the money saving discounts on the list of products below.

If you are questioning the seed choices for your fields, your agronomy team can sit down with you and

discuss your options. With lower commodity prices, it is pivotal to put the right seed on

the right soil type with the right inputs. Making sound decisions will keep you out

of the red during these uncertain times.

Book Your 2016 Seed Today

Top Performing Soybean Varieties92Y5192Y75

P22T69RP28T33R

Top Performing corn hybridsP0157AMP0506AM

P1151AMP1197AM

P1311AMXT

Energy Industry Insights Bill Mysak-Energy Manager/ Asst GM

• Crude oil is trading around the $42 to $46 per barrel range.

• Corn is coming out of the field relatively dry, therefore dryer gas is in low demand.

• L.P. service department is busy delivering tanks to new homes being built.

• Gas prices are staying relatively low.ENERGY

• Home heat deliveries are off to a slow start with the warm weather we have been seeing.

• Book your home heat today! The Famers Almanac is predicting a cold, snow-filled winter.

5www.linncoop.com 5www.linncoop.com

It was a busy harvest in Springville. We enjoyed seeing all of you as you brought your grain in. We thank you for another great year! As we finish up getting the last of grain out of the fields, please be in contact with us on your NH3 needs. Steve Neal will be running the NH3 plant for a

second consecutive year. He will also be scheduling tanks and applicators, so please give him a call at 319-721-8985 at your convenience. The more we know, the better organized we can be.

We recently added a new Case dry floater to our fleet stock. This allows us to cover more acres quickly and efficiently. I would also like to thank our floater operators, Dakota and Tyler, who are doing a great job applying fertilizer this fall. It is a busy job, and they have kept up with their workload.

Let’s hope that winter stays off as long as possible so we can get the needed time for NH3 application. With the favorable weather we have been seeing this fall, I don’t foresee us having the issue we experienced last year of not having enough time to get all of the acres applied before the snow fell. Please let us know how we can help you as you begin to prepare for the 2016 growing season.

Buzz words like sustainability, economic efficiency and smart decisions are all gaining traction in the agriculture sector today. Although we are currently faced with lower commodity prices, we are also welcomed with multiple businesses and organizations who are diligently researching and working to come up with new approaches and practices for farmers to remain successful during this time of economic uncertainty.

Recently, your Linn Co-op agronomy team took part in a training session on a new program called SUSTAIN™. United Suppliers, as well as other leading supply chain partners, came together to create a program that pushes us, as agronomists, to think outside the box for our producers. SUSTAIN™ is a unique platform optimizing crop nutrient and conservation practices on all production acres because increasing sustainable agriculture is investing in our land and our future*. Sustainability is defined as the capacity to endure. How can we help farmers sustain during uncertain times? How can we ensure your inputs are working in your soil and through your crops when they need them the most?

Your Linn Co-op agronomy team has been sifting through all of this information, determining the best route and plan of action for our producers. Knowing that every field and every scenario is different, we know there isn’t such a thing as a “one size fits all” approach. We urge producers to work with your agronomist to develop a total program to use dollars wisely and think about each field in terms of input management plans. New ideas such as split nitrogen application, tissue testing and utilizing nitrogen stabilizers should all be considered.

Although it may be a scary thought to alter your farming practices now, in the long run it will help ensure sustainability within your operation and create an economically efficient scenario. It isn’t about backing into a corner and weathering the storm. It is about considering new practices and products. It is about removing the

stigma of “this is how we do it because it is the way we have always done it.” Producers, you can still be progressive and bold in your decision making, even with $3.40

corn. You simply need to make smart decisions both financially and in terms of sustainability. We are here to help you make those decisions. Our goal is to help you remain profitable, optimize your inputs, improve soil health and secure higher bushels.

*Information provided by SUSTAIN

Bill Mysak-Energy Manager/ Asst GM

Preparing for NH3 Application

Creating a Total Program for Success

Branch and Operations Managers - Tracy Peyton, Ron Woeste, Matt BeckerNEWHALL

SPRINGVILLE

• Gas prices are staying relatively low.

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20146

*Special fluids are extra *Specials apply to most, but not all vehicle models

Investing limited time and a few dollars into your vehicle before winter is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle

of a breakdown during severe weather. A harsh Iowa winter is not the time to be stranded on the side of the road. The National Car Care Council recommends completing the following steps on

your vehicle before the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall.

Your Linn Co-op Car Care Center is here to assist you in winterizing your vehicle. We offer a number of specials as well as a full-service team to have your vehicle work completed as quickly as possible. Call today to schedule an appointment! We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20156

Daryl Sackett - Car Care Manager

Ensuring Peace of Mind

Car Care Center Specials

Complete the following work on your vehicle before a harsh Iowa winter is upon usCAR CARE

1. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimal performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.

2. Clean, flush and fill new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done

every two years.

3. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades, and use cold

weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months.

4. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

5. Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter.

6. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as

pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

7. Have the breaks checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

8. Check to make sure all interior and exterior lights are working.

9. Put a winter kit in your car if you haven’t already done so. Always carry a blanket, first aid kit, jumper

cables, hand warmers, reflective flag, water and snacks. If you are stuck in your vehicle, you need to be prepared

for an extended period of time.

Oil Change $28.95 or $40.95 for full synthetic

Special Includes: Up to five quarts of quality Cenex/Linn Co-op Oil, new oil filter installation, check all fluid levels, chassis parts lubricated, tire

pressure checked

Alignment $69.95

Special Includes: Tire inspection and alignment to manufacturers specifications, shims and

cam kits extra

Coolant Flush $99.95

Special Includes: Up to two gallons of antifreeze, complete flush of cooling system and

radiator, engine block and heating core

Transmission Flush & Filter

Cars, Minivans, Small SUVs $199.95

Pickup Trucks, Large SUVS $229.95

7www.linncoop.com

*Retail sales only for qualifying passenger and light truck tires purchased between October 23rd and November 30th, 2015. Instant Rebate provided as a line item discount on tire purchase in-voice. May not be combined with other offers. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. See a sales associate for complete details.

F A L L I N F O R A N

INSTANT REBATE OFFER VALID: OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 30, 2015

PURCHASE A SET OF FOUR BRIDGESTONE OR FIRESTONE TIRES AND RECEIVE A

INSTANTREBATE*$50

*Retail sales only for qualifying passenger and light truck tires purchased between October 23rd and November 30th, 2015. Instant Rebate provided as a line item discount on tire purchase in-voice. May not be combined with other offers. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. See a sales associate for complete details.

F A L L I N F O R A N

INSTANT REBATE OFFER VALID: OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 30, 2015

PURCHASE A SET OF FOUR BRIDGESTONE OR FIRESTONE TIRES AND RECEIVE A

INSTANTREBATE*$50

7www.linncoop.com

Complete the following work on your vehicle before a harsh Iowa winter is upon us

Although the grass is no longer lush and green, fall is still a critical season for the overall health of your lawn. The state of which your lawn shuts down for winter is exactly how you will see it come spring. That is why fall is such an important time to fertilize and water, as well as pick up leaves to prevent any dead spots and compaction.

This fall specifically, we saw quite a problem with white grub damage. Just as we sprayed fungicide on our corn in response to all the moisture we saw this summer, we also needed to be applying a preventative for grubs on our lawns. Timing is crucial for prevention of grubs, because once they start to migrate towards the surface of the soil, it is usually too late. Curatives are available for these pests, but prevention is much more cost effective. Signs to be looking for were dead spots in your lawns and sod that could be easily picked up. The grubs feed off of the root system, so once they have made their presence known, you have a problem. Although it is too late this year for a curative, I would strongly suggest considering our pest control services for 2016. We offer a number of preventatives to fit your needs and size of lawn.

Unfortunately, now is the time to start thinking about the ice and snow that will soon be coming our way. Your Linn Co-op Lawn Care Department is offering a top of the line ice melt for the 2015-2016 winter. This past year, we moved to just one ice melt product, because we believe it is the best on the market. Titan Blue ice melt is safe on vegetation and won’t harm your concrete. It is also blue in color so it will be easily seen this winter. We offer it in 50 pound bags, which should last you quite a while depending on how much area you need to cover. With quality ice melt like Titan Blue, the expression “less is more” applies. A small amount of salt goes a long way.

The entire Lawn Care Department team would like to thank all of our customers for another great year. We hope you were satisfied with your lawn care services, and we look forward to serving you in the coming year. We will be here for you this winter to take care of all of your ice and snow removal needs.

Bulk sand and salt spreading services are available for parking lots and large areas.

Call Brad at 319.447.1225 to schedule your winter services

tire rebate

LAWN CARE

Brad Salazar- Lawn Care Manager

Start Winter off Right

You support Iowa’s great farming businessYou support Iowa’s great farming business

P.O. Box 406Marion, IA 52302

Return Service Requested

© Linn Co-op Oil Company 20158

The image above was provided by CHS Insurance.

Today’s agribusinesses, especially those dealing with petroleum, crop protection or grain handling, know they have a higher level of risk in their day-to-day operations than other companies. Remember to play it safe while applying NH3, working around PTO’s and flowing grain. It is a dangerous business, yet the most rewarding profession out there.

America

Needs

Farmers