GROWMARK Embraces Change in Agriculture

GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin said the company’s new strategy – based on the acronym ‘GROW’ – is not just focused on getting bigger. It’s focused on getting better. During a shared address at the company’s annual meeting in Chicago, Spradlin and Board Chairman John Reifsteck reflected back on the past 30 years or more in agriculture, sharing both personal experiences …

AgWired Energy, AgWired Precision, Audio, Cooperatives, GROWMARK

GROWMARK Talks Farm Bill Priorities

The House version of the farm bill is expected to come to the floor this week, and GROWMARK is among those weighing in with policymakers about priorities for the legislation. The cooperative is particularly looking for support of the Conservation Title, among others. “Important to conservation is to make sure that we have program funding to put conservation practices on …

AgWired Animal, AgWired Energy, AgWired Precision, farm bill, GROWMARK, Sustainability

GROWMARK FS Offers TOP TIER™ Biodiesel Blend

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK FS FAST STOP locations recently became among the first registered TOP TIER™ Diesel Fuel sites in the country, and the Illinois-based farmer cooperative is offering the additized diesel fuel blended with biodiesel. “By blending biodiesel into Top Tier Diesel Fuel, GROWMARK is providing customers with even more benefits,” said National Biodiesel Board Technical Director Scott Fenwick. “Biodiesel is cleaner …

Biodiesel, GROWMARK, NBB

FS FAST STOP Retailers Registered as TOP TIER™ Diesel Fuel Sites

FS FAST STOP locations are among the first to become registered TOP TIER™ Diesel Fuel sites under a program developed by leading diesel equipment manufacturers who recognized the benefits of additized diesel fuel in their engines. The TOP TIER program, originally launched in 2004, focused on gasoline standards before introducing a diesel fuel standard this September. FAST STOP locations featuring …

AgWired AgNewsWire, AgWired Energy, Audio, Energy, FS System, GROWMARK

GROWMARK Announces 2018 Essay Contest Theme

Carrie Muehling

For the past 25 years, GROWMARK has challenged students to think creatively about the future of agriculture and how cooperatives can continue to thrive and contribute to the industry through an annual essay contest. This year’s 2018 GROWMARK Essay Contest asks students “How can cooperatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?” All high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, …

Agribusiness, AgWired Animal, AgWired Energy, GROWMARK

GROWMARK Growing as a Propane Retailer

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK ranked as the fifth largest propane retailer in the United States by LP Gas Magazine with sales of over 211 million retail gallons of propane during 2016. “Propane is used for a lot of different reasons,” says Zach Baugher, GROWMARK Propane Marketing & Technical Services Manager. “Home heat, livestock building heat, grain dryers, and now we’re starting to see …

Audio, GROWMARK, Propane

GROWMARK Acquires Propane Terminal and Truck Center

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK announced two acquisitions in the fuel business this week. First, GROWMARK has acquired a propane terminal in New Hampton, Iowa with nearly one million gallons of total storage capacity. The terminal will be used primarily to serve area FS companies and local retailers, and will be utilized in conjunction with its rail propane terminal in nearby Mason City, Iowa. …

GROWMARK, Propane

GROWMARK Makes Energy Investments

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK announced two major energy-related investments last month that provide benefits for the members of the Illinois-based agricultural cooperative. First, GROWMARK acquired a propane terminal in Plattsburg, Missouri which is connected to the ONEOK pipeline, has 270,000 gallons of storage and the capability to load out two trucks at once. “It gives us another asset and access to propane,” said …

Audio, GROWMARK, Propane

GROWMARK to Purchase Suncor’s Share of UPI

Joanna Schroeder

GROWMARK will be purchasing Suncor’s assets in Ontario, Canada-based UPI, which provides energy products, including propane, throughout Ontario. As part of the agreement, GROWMARK will purchase Suncor’s 50 percent interest in UPI. Once complete, UPI will be 100 percent owned by GROWMARK. The transaction is subject to conditions including regulatory approvals and terms were not disclosed. “The agreement aligns with …

Alternative energy, GROWMARK, Propane

GROWMARK Excited for What’s “Next”

Lizzy Schultz

The 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium was held this week in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s event theme was “Next,” with a focus centered on the innovations and ideas that will lead the future of agriculture and ensure its success. Jim Spradlin, CEO of GROWMARK, sat down for an interview during the Annual Meeting. He discussed the company’s vision …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Company Announcement, GROWMARK