Petroleum News
Propane:
Our drivers currently are working on 2nd rounds for delivery, we appreciate the help we received from customers monitoring tanks last month. Unfortunately we had to make emergency runs to four of our customers (over 3,000) due to outages so far this year. I do apologize for those that did get cold, and hope we were able to serve your comfort needs in a reasonable time frame. Contracted customers receive free 24/7 emergency services as a benefit when contracting with us. Not all propane providers have emergency service to their clients, or at least do not answer their phones after hours, weekends, or holidays. Unfortunately we have to charge their clients $75 plus the cost of propane when they call us seeking help; to cover driver costs. I have called two different propane companies already this year and have told them if they are going to be in our business they need to provide services to their clients beyond normal deliveries, but after this past holiday season, and the number of late night deliveries we have made I don’t think they agree. Something you might keep in mind when another provider looks like they might be a little cheaper next year.
Fuel:
The million-dollar question seems to be what are fuel prices going to be next year. I wish I knew, and then I’d be sitting in a warm tropical place right now. Prices will average higher than 2010 that is almost a given. Crude is trading at $92 today, $100 crude will add $0.20 to fuel prices we currently see, assuming crack spreads stay the same. Many predict $100-$110 crude the fNewsOCT10irst half of next year. For those interested in contracting I offer both a fixed price contract daily, as well as, an option contract if you feel prices may collapse later in the year. Due to volatility contract quotes are good for 24 hours only.
May 2011 be blessed and prosperous to all in our community.
David Sell
Agronomy Update
Prepay Notes:
Prepay season was interesting as many growers are planning on applying more pre-plant herbicides than in the recent past. Foundation herbicide programs are becoming much more popular with the glyphosate resistant problems we have been having. The other big prepay item was fungicides for both corn and soybeans. Another hot topic this next year might be the return of the soybean aphid. Will they or won’t they return this next year? Normally an insect of the even numbered years, aphids did not show up much last year.
Scouting Program 2011:
We are in the process of reevaluating and improving our scouting program at Farm Service Company. With high input costs and the volatile market place, we feel your crop should be given every opportunity to succeed. Nutrient deficiencies, bugs, and diseases can all have a significant impact on yields. Utilize our scouting program because, as you know, it’s usually cheaper to correct a problem early on before it becomes a real issue. We will be releasing programs specifically designed to fit your crop needs and protect your bottom line.
Farm Service Company Seed:
Farm Service Company is proud to offer Dekalb, Croplan, NK, Stine and Agrigold seed brands to their growers. Now is the time to lock in your seed needs for the 2011 growing year. We have the newest technologies including Smart Stax, VT Double Pro as well as VT3 Triple Pro corn hybrids and Roundup Ready, Roundup Ready 2 and Liberty Link Soybeans available. Contact your local Farm Service Company Branch to find out how you can take advantage of early pay discounts.
Fertilizer Markets:
In a recent conference call with Farm Service Companies buying group there was a strong tone of bullish markets for this next year. With high worldwide demand for crop nutrients and short supplies, markets are setup to remain strong for the next couple of years. Growers need to keep a close eye on input costs when looking at high crop prices. If you want more information on the fertilizer markets Farm Service Company sends out periodic market updates via E-mail. If you would like to be included in these updates all we need is your email address. Send an email note to James Russmann, jtrussmann@fsc-cb.com with your email address.
James Russmann
Lakeside Country Store
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a glorious New Year. I would like to Thank all our customers for a good year here at the store. We all try hard to help our customers receive whatever merchandise they are looking for and if we don’t have it we will help you find it or order whatever you may need.
We did send out a Happy New Year 20% off coupon in the mail. If you didn’t receive it please give us a call so we can get one to you.
Don’t forget about our FREE bag of dog food. Buy 6 bags of Exclusive or Red Flannel Dog or Cat Food and get the 7th bag FREE. We also are carrying the new Infinia dog food by Purina. Check it out you can buy 8 and get the 9th one FREE.
Also remember when you buy a pair of boots here at Lakeside you receive a pair of Dan Post socks FREE.
We still have some great deals on our outerwear for your winter needs. Winter coats 20, 30 and 50% off racks, 35% off on all our Christmas items and 50% off Christmas cards.
From all of us here at Lakeside have a great New Year.
Gary Fellman
