AGTEGRA COOPERATIVE ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING
Thank you for your business and support this past year. Agtegra Cooperative is a local cooperative 100% owned and governed by agricultural producers.
We encourage you to attend Agtegra Cooperative's 2024 annual meeting of the members on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. CST at the Dakota Event Center at 720 Lamont Street South, Aberdeen, SD 57401. We will report on our accomplishments over the past year, including positive earnings and the patronage amount allocated and paid to our patrons this year.
We hope you can join us in person; however, if you prefer to attend the meeting virtually, we ask that you register ahead of time using the above link.
As a member-owner, one of the essential ways you govern Agtegra Cooperative is by submitting your vote to elect the members who represent you as directors and delegates. Ballot materials were mailed/emailed on November 1, 2024. All mail and electronic ballots must be received by 12:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
I hope to see you at the annual meeting of the members on December 18, 2024. We at Agtegra Cooperative wish you a safe and fruitful harvest and a Happy Thanksgiving!
-Rick Osterday, Board President
Additional Information
For additional information regarding membership eligibility and ballot materials, contact Val Weisser at Val.Weisser@agtegra.com or 605-725-8341.”
AGENDA
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 -
12:00 PM Lunch
12:30 PM Doors Open / Zoom meeting open to join
1:00 PM Welcome and Call to Order
- Approval of Minutes of Prior Annual Meeting of the Members
- Message from Board of Directors and Management
- Official Business: None
- Results of 2024 Director and Delegate Elections
- Adjournment of Official Meeting
2:00 PM Leadership Team Q & A
DIRECTOR AND DELEGATE ELECTION
Meet the director and delegate candidates:
DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Joel Erickson of Langford, South Dakota, grows corn, soybeans, small grains, alfalfa and cover crops in addition to raising cattle through a commercial cow/calf and feedlot operation with his wife, daughter and son. Joel is currently on the Dakotaland Feeds Board of Governors and serves as his township’s supervisor. He has also served on his church board, Extension board and a no-till demonstration farm board. Joel is a graduate of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program and has received training from the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives and FCCS Advanced Governance Series. At Agtegra Cooperative, Joel has served as a director for over 20 years. Joel’s open-mindedness, trustworthiness and listening skills are the top qualities he believes will serve him well in the director role. When asked why it is important to be involved in Agtegra’s governance, Joel responded: “By being involved in the governance of Agtegra, I have a voice in the decision-making process of the cooperative and considering how those decisions will impact the membership as well as the employees of Agtegra.”
AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Scott Baumiller of Hazelton, North Dakota, grows winter wheat, barley, durum, corn and soybeans on his family farm with his wife and three sons. In addition to farming, Scott has worked with agricultural finance and insurance at the Bank of Hazelton for 33 years where he is the Senior Vice President. Scott has served on his local school board for 18 years, seven of which he served as president, and coached high school basketball for 15 years. Additionally, Scott has served as a firefighter and secretary/treasurer of Hazelton Fire Department since 1995, president of Hazelton Housing Board for over 20 years, and president of the Emmons County Housing Board for over 10 years. In the agriculture industry, Scott is currently the Emmons County Representative for the North Dakota Soybean Council and as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra Cooperative. Scott believes his qualities of integrity, honesty and determination along with his financial experience will serve him well in his role as an Agtegra director. When asked why he is interested in serving on Agtegra’s board, Scott responded: “I have always been interested in serving my community and industry. It is important to represent the patrons and consumers to communicate their needs and concerns.”
Jeff Messmer of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, farms and ranches with his wife and two of their sons. Together, they raise cattle and sheep and grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa in addition to running their pheasant hunting operation in the fall. Jeff has served as chairman of his local school board for six of his 12 years of service, county commissioner for four years and as an Agtegra Cooperative nonvoting advisory director for one year and delegate for two years. Jeff believes that his experience working with budgets, ability to work well with others and openness to new ideas will serve him well in the director role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Jeff responded: “I believe in the cooperative because it is owned by the people that do business there. My family has been involved in co-ops for close to 100 years, and I believe it is important to be involved with cooperative governance.”
Matt Micheel of Cavour, South Dakota, operates a diversified agricultural enterprise alongside his family, producing corn, soybeans and livestock. Throughout his 32-year career as a Beadle County 4-H Leader, Matt has demonstrated leadership by serving two terms as association president and dedicating 12 years to his local township board, including four terms as supervisor. Matt has demonstrated a commitment to cooperative governance, serving as a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative for 22 years and a nonvoting advisory director for one year, in addition to participating in various committees before and after the merger. He believes his unique blend of skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for the director role. When asked about his motivation for participating in Agtegra's governance, Matt responded: “I am committed to maintaining local influence in the face of an expanding global agriculture economy, ensuring we stay true to our core values while remaining relevant. As a director, I will represent member-owners, Agtegra, and our communities, driving growth and expansion in our current and surrounding areas.”
DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Nathan Duerre of Bristol, South Dakota, farms row crops, backgrounds cow/calf pairs and contract feeds hogs with his family. He has served as a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative, a leader for Day County 4-H and a member of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. Nathan believes that his work ethic, honesty and determination will serve him well in the role as delegate. When asked how his qualities will help him fulfill the role of acting as a liaison between the board and the members, Nathan responded: “I pride myself on honesty and transparency when it comes to discussions amongst others in the agricultural community.”
Colin Dutenhoffer of Aberdeen, South Dakota, grows corn, soybeans and wheat in addition to putting up grass hay and alfalfa for their 70-head of primarily Hereford cow/calf pairs. Colin’s previous leadership experiences include serving on the Brown County Fair Board for six years and his current role as leader of the Brown County 4-H Shooting Sports Rifle program for six years. Additionally, Colin has served as a delegate for Agtegra. Colin is looking forward to discussing new ideas and sharing experiences with the board, delegates and members on the delegate council. “I feel that Agtegra’s cooperative structure is what makes it possible for me to farm. It provides me someone that can take care of the details I can’t. Being a part of the governance helps to remind me of all the ways they can be involved,” said Colin.
Nick Jacobson of Fullerton, North Dakota, grows corn, soybeans and wheat on his family’s third generation farm alongside his parents, wife and four children. Nick’s belief in the cooperative way of people helping people has helped him develop a passion for the cooperative system and shaped his decision to run for the delegate council. When asked what qualities he believes qualify him to serve in this role and act as a liaison between the board and the members, Nick responded: “I’m easy to talk to, ready to listen, and willing to help make a solution.”
Christofer Nickeson of Pierpont, South Dakota, grows corn and soybeans with his wife, Shauna, and their three kids: Brynlee, Wyatt and Charlee. Christofer currently serves on the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council board representing district four and has served as an Agtegra Cooperative delegate. When asked about his passion for agriculture, Christofer responded: “I’ve always had a passion for agriculture. I grew up always around our family farm located in Veblen. I graduated in 2014 from Lake Area Technical Institute with a degree in Precision Agriculture and worked for South Dakota Wheat Growers as an Agronomy Associate for a year and a half before I started farming in 2016.”
Darin Wiedebush of Mansfield, South Dakota, farms alongside his parents on their family farm where they grow corn and soybeans. Darin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from South Dakota State University in 2008 and currently serves as a volunteer fireman in Warner, a board member for the Warner Area Community Foundation and a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative. “I would appreciate the chance to continue to serve the members of the cooperative by bringing new ideas to the table from the viewpoints of younger farmers. I want the cooperative to continue to stay competitive along with continuing to provide great services to their members. My business and farming background will be useful in helping the cooperative bring positive results to all members,” said Darin.
DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Jay Esser of Redfield, South Dakota, grows corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and hay and finishes cattle on his fourth-generation farm alongside his daughter, cousin and his cousin’s son. Jay has served on a variety of local, state and national boards, including his local school board, Redfield Energy Board of Directors, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council where he serves as vice chairman and the National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Action Team. Jay has also served as a delegate, nonvoting advisory director and director for Agtegra Cooperative. Jay believes his common-sense mindset, empathy and discipline to promote the board’s decisions will serve him well in the role of director. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Jay responded: “I believe in the cooperative system because it is a way to do business in which I have a say or vote in. I believe in keeping control and assets in our territory. If there is a margin in the agricultural business, why not keep that margin here and share it with the patrons?”
AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Scott Baumiller of Hazelton, North Dakota, grows winter wheat, barley, durum, corn and soybeans on his family farm with his wife and three sons. In addition to farming, Scott has worked with agricultural finance and insurance at the Bank of Hazelton for 33 years where he is the Senior Vice President. Scott has served on his local school board for 18 years, seven of which he served as president, and coached high school basketball for 15 years. Additionally, Scott has served as a firefighter and secretary/treasurer of Hazelton Fire Department since 1995, president of Hazelton Housing Board for over 20 years, and president of the Emmons County Housing Board for over 10 years. In the agriculture industry, Scott is currently the Emmons County Representative for the North Dakota Soybean Council and as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra Cooperative. Scott believes his qualities of integrity, honesty and determination along with his financial experience will serve him well in his role as an Agtegra director. When asked why he is interested in serving on Agtegra’s board, Scott responded: “I have always been interested in serving my community and industry. It is important to represent the patrons and consumers to communicate their needs and concerns.”
Jeff Messmer of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, farms and ranches with his wife and two of their sons. Together, they raise cattle and sheep and grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa in addition to running their pheasant hunting operation in the fall. Jeff has served as chairman of his local school board for six of his 12 years of service, county commissioner for four years and as an Agtegra Cooperative nonvoting advisory director for one year and delegate for two years. Jeff believes that his experience working with budgets, ability to work well with others and openness to new ideas will serve him well in the director role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Jeff responded: “I believe in the cooperative because it is owned by the people that do business there. My family has been involved in co-ops for close to 100 years, and I believe it is important to be involved with cooperative governance.”
Matt Micheel of Cavour, South Dakota, operates a diversified agricultural enterprise alongside his family, producing corn, soybeans and livestock. Throughout his 32-year career as a Beadle County 4-H Leader, Matt has demonstrated leadership by serving two terms as association president and dedicating 12 years to his local township board, including four terms as supervisor. Matt has demonstrated a commitment to cooperative governance, serving as a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative for 22 years and a nonvoting advisory director for one year, in addition to participating in various committees before and after the merger. He believes his unique blend of skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for the director role. When asked about his motivation for participating in Agtegra's governance, Matt responded: “I am committed to maintaining local influence in the face of an expanding global agriculture economy, ensuring we stay true to our core values while remaining relevant. As a director, I will represent member-owners, Agtegra, and our communities, driving growth and expansion in our current and surrounding areas.”
DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Kurt Bindenagel of Frankfort, South Dakota, raises cattle and grows corn and soybeans on his family’s farm alongside his parents. Kurt has previously served on the Northern Electric Cooperative board, the South Dakota Rural Electric Association Board, the Redfield School Foundation and the SD Wheat Growers delegate council in addition to currently serving on his township board and as treasurer for Spink County Farmers Union. When asked what qualities he possesses that will serve him well as a delegate, Kurt responded: “I think it’s important to listen to both sides of an issue before making a decision. I am a detailed person who looks at cost, information and how decisions will affect others.”
Andrew Boomsma of Wolsey, South Dakota, grows corn and soybeans and operates a background and finishing cattle feedlot alongside his father and brother-in-law. Andrew has been a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative since 2006 and is a member of Farm Credit Services and Dakota Energy. When asked why he wants to serve on the delegate council, Andrew responded: “As a delegate, I would like to help Agtegra ensure its financial strength, provide markets and services for its members at a competitive price, distribute patronage when it is financially able to and represent the members in my district. I have the ability to listen to customer concerns and bring them to delegate meetings to share with the leadership team and directors, and in turn, share the information discussed at meetings with customers and the reasons behind why decisions are made.”
Christopher Heinricy of Colman, South Dakota, farms with his dad, Robert, and brother, Matt, on the family farm that Christopher’s grandfather started. Together, they grow corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa and run a cow/calf operation. Christopher currently serves on his local township board and school wrestling board, is involved with wrestling club volunteer activities and coaches youth softball. When asked what qualifies him to serve on Agtegra’s delegate council, Christopher responded: “I believe everyone should be willing to serve on a board once in their life to see how things work, gain a better understanding of how things are run and to meet new people. I am always willing to learn about something new and am comfortable with bringing customer concerns and ideas forward during meetings and with relaying information learned at meetings back to local customers.”
Brian Johnson of Frankfort, South Dakota, grows corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and cover crops and runs a cow/calf operation with his parents, Alan and Mickie, his wife, Jamie, and their four children. Brian is a Spink County Commissioner, serves on the board of directors for the SD Soil Health Coalition and is a member of Northern Electric Cooperative, SD Wheat, SD Corn, SD Soybean, SD Cattlemen, SD Farm Bureau, SD Farmers Union and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Turton. “I enjoy being a part of the delegate council and providing input to help shape the direction of the cooperative. I believe it is important to be a voice for the member-owners of the cooperative. As a producer with children interested in agriculture, I believe it is important for the cooperative to be a trusted partner with the member-owners so that we all can be successful for generations to come,” said Brian.
Keith Lambert of Frankfort, South Dakota, farms with his wife and four kids. Together, they primarily grow corn and soybeans. Keith graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown with a degree in Ag Production in 2003 and then was employed at RDO Equipment until 2011. Keith is on the Prairie Center Township Board and is also a member of the UCC Church in Brentford. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Keith responded: “By being a delegate and active member of the cooperative, I can be informed and stay on top of what’s happening in the ag industry and why decisions are made the way they are within the cooperative. Being a delegate also allows me to have an active voice when it comes to needed changes.”
DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Chris Eymer of Reliance, South Dakota, raises cattle, sheep and dairy goats with his wife and youngest son. In his community, Chris serves as township supervisor and president of his church. Chris has also served as a director for Agtegra Cooperative for 17 years and was secretary of the Kennebec Farmers Elevator Board. Chris believes that his 40+ years of farming and ranching experience, belief in the cooperative system and experience on the board will serve him well in the role of director. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Chris responded: “My grandfather put his own money into the start-up of our local cooperative. It has been a part of our operation since I started. As a smaller scale farmer, being a part of Agtegra’s governance provides me with vital information in order for me to be a better farmer. Compared to doing business with a private company, doing business with the cooperative is a no brainer; we own this cooperative.”
AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Scott Baumiller of Hazelton, North Dakota, grows winter wheat, barley, durum, corn and soybeans on his family farm with his wife and three sons. In addition to farming, Scott has worked with agricultural finance and insurance at the Bank of Hazelton for 33 years where he is the Senior Vice President. Scott has served on his local school board for 18 years, seven of which he served as president, and coached high school basketball for 15 years. Additionally, Scott has served as a firefighter and secretary/treasurer of Hazelton Fire Department since 1995, president of Hazelton Housing Board for over 20 years, and president of the Emmons County Housing Board for over 10 years. In the agriculture industry, Scott is currently the Emmons County Representative for the North Dakota Soybean Council and as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra Cooperative. Scott believes his qualities of integrity, honesty and determination along with his financial experience will serve him well in his role as an Agtegra director. When asked why he is interested in serving on Agtegra’s board, Scott responded: “I have always been interested in serving my community and industry. It is important to represent the patrons and consumers to communicate their needs and concerns.”
Jeff Messmer of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, farms and ranches with his wife and two of their sons. Together, they raise cattle and sheep and grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa in addition to running their pheasant hunting operation in the fall. Jeff has served as chairman of his local school board for six of his 12 years of service, county commissioner for four years and as an Agtegra Cooperative nonvoting advisory director for one year and delegate for two years. Jeff believes that his experience working with budgets, ability to work well with others and openness to new ideas will serve him well in the director role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Jeff responded: “I believe in the cooperative because it is owned by the people that do business there. My family has been involved in co-ops for close to 100 years, and I believe it is important to be involved with cooperative governance.”
Matt Micheel of Cavour, South Dakota, operates a diversified agricultural enterprise alongside his family, producing corn, soybeans and livestock. Throughout his 32-year career as a Beadle County 4-H Leader, Matt has demonstrated leadership by serving two terms as association president and dedicating 12 years to his local township board, including four terms as supervisor. Matt has demonstrated a commitment to cooperative governance, serving as a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative for 22 years and a nonvoting advisory director for one year, in addition to participating in various committees before and after the merger. He believes his unique blend of skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for the director role. When asked about his motivation for participating in Agtegra's governance, Matt responded: “I am committed to maintaining local influence in the face of an expanding global agriculture economy, ensuring we stay true to our core values while remaining relevant. As a director, I will represent member-owners, Agtegra, and our communities, driving growth and expansion in our current and surrounding areas.”
DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Kelvin Grey of St. Lawrence, South Dakota, raises corn and soybeans with his wife, Carol. Over the years, Kelvin has served on the Agtegra delegate council where he has sat on the policy committee and boards for the St. Lawrence elevator, Miller School, Holden Township, church, Hand County Livestock and his local FFA Alumni. When asked what qualities he possesses that qualify him to serve as a delegate, Kelvin responded: “I have the ability to have an open mind and listen to patrons’ concerns. I also possess a strong desire to see Agtegra grow and succeed and be proactive in future endeavors. I believe doing business with a co-op is very important because we are part-owner and have a voice in how the co-op operates.”
Doug Halverson of Kennebec, South Dakota, grows corn, milo, wheat and soybeans in addition to running a cow/calf operation alongside his wife, Kate. Doug began serving as a delegate for South Dakota Wheat Growers in 2011 and previously served on the Farmers Union Cooperative Elevator of Kennebec Board of Directors until 2009 when they merged with South Dakota Wheat Growers. When asked why he wishes to serve on the delegate council, Doug responded: “I enjoy attending the delegate meetings to stay informed with what’s going on with the cooperative and sharing the information with other local customers.”
Norval Millard of Presho, South Dakota, farms and ranches with his wife, Debbie, son, Nathan, brother, David, and nephew, Derek. Together, they grow corn, alfalfa, and some wheat and milo in addition to having a finishing and backgrounding cattle operation. Norval has served for over 15 years as an Agtegra delegate in addition to being involved with his local 4-H program and township board. When asked what qualities he has that enable him to serve on Agtegra’s delegate council, Norval responded: “My listening abilities with the patrons in my area and the questions I bring to the delegate meetings qualify me to serve in this role.”
Andy Rankin of Draper, South Dakota, grows certified spring wheat seed, winter wheat seed and oats seed, corn, sunflowers and milo and runs a 450-head cow/calf operation alongside his dad, brother and brother-in-law. Andy has served for nine years on his school board, with three of those years as vice president and three as president, in addition to chairing Rails to the Future and being involved with the Jones County FSA Board and as a volunteer fireman. When asked what qualities will help him fulfill the role of delegate, Andy responded: “I am levelheaded, easygoing, and a good listener. These qualities will help bridge the gap between the board and the members to continue to make great communication for a successful co-op.”
Dennis Simons of St. Lawrence, South Dakota, returned home to his family farm after attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Today, he farms with his son, Sam, and brothers, Doug and Dean. Together, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Dennis is a supervisor for the Hand County Conservation District and member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church. In his spare time, he also works for SD Certified Seed as an inspector.
DIRECTOR CANDIDATE
Andy Weisser of Roscoe, South Dakota, has a cow/calf and grain operation he runs with his dad, brother, wife and their four children. In his community, Andy is the assistant chief of his local fire department, and on the state level, he serves as a director on the South Dakota Soybean Association board. Andy has been involved with Agtegra Cooperative’s governance through five years of experience as a delegate and three years as a director. Andy’s willingness to learn and adapt to new ideas, enjoyment in volunteering his time to his community and approachability when it comes to farmers being able to come to him with an idea or concern are qualities Andy believes will serve him well in the director role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Andy responded: “You are working to serve friends, family, and neighbors who collectively own the cooperative and join together to do business globally. You are also a part of a cooperative family that has the strength to buy inputs at a better price and sell products at a higher value for our farms’ success.”
AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Scott Baumiller of Hazelton, North Dakota, grows winter wheat, barley, durum, corn and soybeans on his family farm with his wife and three sons. In addition to farming, Scott has worked with agricultural finance and insurance at the Bank of Hazelton for 33 years where he is the Senior Vice President. Scott has served on his local school board for 18 years, seven of which he served as president, and coached high school basketball for 15 years. Additionally, Scott has served as a firefighter and secretary/treasurer of Hazelton Fire Department since 1995, president of Hazelton Housing Board for over 20 years, and president of the Emmons County Housing Board for over 10 years. In the agriculture industry, Scott is currently the Emmons County Representative for the North Dakota Soybean Council and as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra Cooperative. Scott believes his qualities of integrity, honesty and determination along with his financial experience will serve him well in his role as an Agtegra director. When asked why he is interested in serving on Agtegra’s board, Scott responded: “I have always been interested in serving my community and industry. It is important to represent the patrons and consumers to communicate their needs and concerns.”
Jeff Messmer of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, farms and ranches with his wife and two of their sons. Together, they raise cattle and sheep and grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa in addition to running their pheasant hunting operation in the fall. Jeff has served as chairman of his local school board for six of his 12 years of service, county commissioner for four years and as an Agtegra Cooperative nonvoting advisory director for one year and delegate for two years. Jeff believes that his experience working with budgets, ability to work well with others and openness to new ideas will serve him well in the director role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Jeff responded: “I believe in the cooperative because it is owned by the people that do business there. My family has been involved in co-ops for close to 100 years, and I believe it is important to be involved with cooperative governance.”
Matt Micheel of Cavour, South Dakota, operates a diversified agricultural enterprise alongside his family, producing corn, soybeans and livestock. Throughout his 32-year career as a Beadle County 4-H Leader, Matt has demonstrated leadership by serving two terms as association president and dedicating 12 years to his local township board, including four terms as supervisor. Matt has demonstrated a commitment to cooperative governance, serving as a delegate for Agtegra Cooperative for 22 years and a nonvoting advisory director for one year, in addition to participating in various committees before and after the merger. He believes his unique blend of skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for the director role. When asked about his motivation for participating in Agtegra's governance, Matt responded: “I am committed to maintaining local influence in the face of an expanding global agriculture economy, ensuring we stay true to our core values while remaining relevant. As a director, I will represent member-owners, Agtegra, and our communities, driving growth and expansion in our current and surrounding areas.”
DELEGATE CANDIDATES
Troy Beck of Artas, South Dakota, farms with his wife, Lisa, and two sons: Robert and Colby, in addition to Colby’s family. Together, they grow wheat, corn and soybeans, run a cow/calf operation and background feeder cattle. Troy served as a board member for the Herreid School District from 2010 – 2018 and has served as a board member for Campbell County Weed and Pest and Campbell County Bank in Herreid since 2013. Additionally, he has served as a delegate for Agtegra since 2017. When asked what qualities he has that will enable him to serve on the delegate council, Troy responded: “I am approachable and willing to listen to patron’s comments, concerns or ideas and relay them to the board and administration.”
Kelly Bosch of Strasburg, North Dakota, farms southwest of Strasburg with his wife, Kelsie. They raise sunflowers, corn and wheat and run a cow/calf operation. Kelly attended Bismarck State College for a degree in auto body and welding and started actively farming with his dad soon after. Previously, Kelly has served as an Agtegra delegate for three years and believes being a delegate is a good opportunity to stay informed about the cooperative’s news and to take that information back to member-owners in his area. “Based off my experiences, I am hoping to bring new ideas and concerns to all aspects of Agtegra. I want to be a voice for the producers in my area and to provide them with answers to their questions and explain the reasoning behind decisions made,” said Kelly.\
Jason Fauth of Leola, South Dakota, farms with his wife Pamela, and his parents, Myron and Sheila. They have a cow/calf operation and grow corn, beans, wheat and oats. Jason earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and an Accounting major from Northern State University. After college, he worked two years for NWPS and nine years for Eide Bailly, LLP during tax season. He is the third generation on their family farm and has been actively farming since 1994. Jason has served as a delegate for Agtegra since its inception in February 2018 and previously served as a delegate for North Central Farmers Elevator. “Having both cattle and grain, I feel I can bring both interests to the table. Also, being from a small town, I know how important the small communities and locations are for the success of the members as well as the cooperative,” said Jason.
Evan Haar of Onaka, South Dakota, grows winter wheat, spring wheat, corn, soybeans, alfalfa and mixed hay in addition to running 350 stock cows and backgrounding calves. Evan has served as an Agtegra delegate and on the boards for his township, WEB Water, church council and the Bowdle Health Care Foundation. As a lifetime farmer and rancher, Evan believes that his willingness to try new things, fairness and honesty will serve him well in the role as delegate. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Evan replied: “The cooperative allows farmers and ranchers to have access to and help with new technology, and Agtegra allows the producer to give our input on what is needed to help us and our farms.”
Charles Hettich of Roscoe, South Dakota, grows corn and soybeans alongside his dad on their farm. Charles served as an Agtegra delegate from 2017-2022 and genuinely enjoys attending the delegate meetings because of his interaction with others and the information shared by directors and management. When asked what qualities qualify him to serve on the delegate council, Charles responded: “I am open minded and able to understand both the customer and cooperative perspectives on a topic, as each can have a unique opinion and still be right. I also have the ability to communicate information shared during delegate meetings with local farmers in my area.”
Terry Ulrich of Ashley, North Dakota, farms with his wife, Polly, brother Gary, and Tyler Haugom, and together, they grow wheat, corn and soybeans and run cow/calf pairs. Terry has served as an Agtegra delegate, state secretary and district director for ND Farmers Union, president and secretary of Mcintosh County Farmers Union, director for Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Co., Agaria Director, NDSU Advisory Board member and Mcintosh County FSA Board member in addition to other local community involvement. When asked what qualifies him to be a delegate for Agtegra, Terry responded: “I am a good communicator, have lobbying experience in Washington, D.C., and have experience from my farming career and serving on other boards. I also believe that listening and talking to members is an important part of this role and for Agtegra.”
