Lakeside Country Store/Ampride Stores
Lakeside Country Store is going to have a change in focus on what we carry in our clothing side of the business. Starting the first of February we will be expanding our boot area by adding Tony Lama Boots, Double H boots, and a lot more of our regular brands. Tony Lama Boots is having their 100 year anniversary so we will be celebrating with a huge boot sale in the next few months.
We have also expanded our Montana Silversmiths merchandise, Western Horseman book library, J.J. Watches and Accessories, Cowboy Images, Schutz Brothers Tack, Impact Gel saddle blankets indorsed by George Strait himself, and the Painted Ponies Collection. These products are coming in ever day now. Please stop in and see what is going on at Lakeside Country Store.
Now for the Ampride stores we are very excited to announce new Pumps will be installed as soon as we can. This is something that will help everyone to just fill their tank. We will be up grading the two stores with some new products and a major clean-up that is under way. SO PLEASE STOP IN AND SEE THE NEW LOOK.
ENERGY NEWS
2011 Renewal Time For Rental Propane Tanks
Your January statement should show a $75 billing for 2011 propane tank rental. Original and amended terms to our tank rentals state the following; 1) minimal use of 750 gallons per season or a $75 surcharge will be applied, 2) all Farm Service Company owned tanks will be placed on a scheduled delivery route and filled regardless if you have a current contract or not, 3) it is illegal to have another propane provider fill your rental tank. If you wish to purchase your rental tank you may do so from the following cost schedule.
- 500-gallon tanks model year 2000 or newer - $900
- 500-gallon tanks model year 1990-1991 - $750
- 500-gallon tanks model year 1989 or older - $500
- 1000-gallon tanks all model years $1700
Refined Fuel News
The last week of January saw a pull back in nearby crude to $85.64 from January 12th high of $92.87 (close 1/28/2011 @ $89.34). This typically happens each year due to an improving supply and promises from OPEC and others to maintain supplies at levels that maintain confidence with end users. At the same time October 2011 Crude in January has traded in a range of $93-$97 with the high on 1/28/2011, due to recent events in Egypt and how that may affect the Middle East long term. Even with the pull back of nearby crude diesel fell $0.07 (40% of normal) and closed 1/28/2011 at months high. My thoughts, we may see short-term buying opportunities in the future such as the past two weeks, however demand is high indicated by the price of crude in future months and obviously much of our crude is in a fragile region of the world leading to fast turn reversals in the market place. My recommendation is to lock in at least 50% of needs and look for opportunities to layer in the remainder. Even with higher input prices this year it still looks very favorable for profits at current grain prices.
Propane News
Delivery of product to accounts has been easier this year than last year, however on the best day it is still a hard job your propane specialist performs so we can all have warmth in our homes. When mistakes happen, we hope we can work with you promptly to provide the best service we can to ”Provide Comfort and Security” through propane sales, service accounting and delivery. We appreciate your business.
Next years contract looks like it will be higher as 50% of propane is directly tied to crude oil prices. I am currently layering purchases of propane for 2011/2012 heating season and will try to keep contract prices as close to last years as possible.
AGRONOMY NEWS
The fertilizer markets continue to remain strong. Grain prices are driving the market for the foreseeable future. Economists talk about supply and demand. Right now demand is high and supplies of P and K are tight. Growers are demanding more as they have seen their soil test levels drop over the last couple of years. We have had many customers applying much higher rates to either keep up or to catch up. Do not be surprised to see some spot P and K outages this spring if demand for crop nutrients stays at current levels.
Look for anhydrous supplies to remain somewhat tight but available going into spring. Freight issues remain the main concern with anhydrous as trucks become sparse when spring season begins.
Fungicides
Prepay for Headline and Quilt fungicides remain very strong. Time is limited for early prepay discounts on both products as purchases need to be made prior to March 15th to get the full rebate. Remember aerial application gets tight when demand goes up. Get your acres in early to insure your order is covered.
Precision Ag Update: Chris Russmann
I would like to give an update on our new software program SST Summit. We are currently up to date on entering new data in that was soil sampled this year. Talk with your location manager about what you want to spread on these fields and I will send them the VRT spread files. Older data that was in the system is still in the process of being converted as it is asked for. We have hired Bryan Bowen to help us convert the rest of the old data this summer into the new system. The new software does have an option where growers can get their own copies of the software, and hook in to our system and people can manage their own data through us. Talk to me if you have any interest in this. WE WANT YOUR YIELD DATA! This software is very powerful, and we can help you intensively manage your farm with this tool, but we need your inputs to make it work. Stop in and see the program work at one of our locations.
