August 2007

New Feed Trailer & Tractor

Farm Service Cooperative has recently upgraded the feed delivery fleet. We have added a 2007 Sudenga Bulk Feed Trailer. This aluminum trailer is capable of hauling 24 tons of bulk meal feed. It features 8 compartments of 3 ton each to allow for multiple rations on the same trip. This unit will be pulled by an IHC 9900i . The complete feed unit will be driven by Aaron Bexten to serve customers in the FSC trade territory.

The total Farm Service Cooperative feed fleet can handle the following:

2007    24 ton Sudenga Truck & Trailer
           (8 compartments of 3 ton each)
1998    24 ton Pacer Truck & Trailer
          (8 compartments of 3 ton each)
2006    18 ton IHC/Sudenga Tri-ax Truck
          (6 compartments of 3 ton each)
1998    15 ton FL/Sudenga Tandem Truck
          (5 compartments of 3 ton each)
1996    09 ton FL/Sudenga Single Axle
          (3 compartments of 3 ton each)

We are committed to serving your bulk feed needs with the latest in feed delivery equipment. We do ask that you continue to place your feed orders by 1:00 p.m. before the day of delivery to maximize the efficiency of the fleet and the feed mills that manufacture your product. Farm Service Cooperative also has 2 tandem bag feed delivery units. If you have trouble getting your own bagged feed, consider using one of our weather proof trucks that can be dispatched on a weekly route.

Farm Service Cooperative remains committed to serving the feed needs of Western Iowa.

Please call one of the following locations to place your order:

Oakland          866-667-5175
Harlan           800-422-0519
Denison          800-728-9714
Ida Grove          888-883-4372

What will impact the price of propane for
consumers this year?

In recent years, virtually every fuel source has experienced an increase in price.  Three main factors contribute to higher propane prices:
·         Higher Crude Oil and Natural Gas Prices.  Because propane is derived from both crude oil and natural gas, its price tracks the prices of those energy sources – particularly the cost of crude oil, since propane competes mostly with crude oil-based fuels for heating.  Crude oil prices are considerably higher today than last year.
·         Seasonal Weather Conditions.  Colder temperatures during the winter months increase the demand for propane, particularly for home heating.  This, in turn, reduces supplies and leads to higher prices.   Propane retailers are prepared to meet the demand, but predictions of long-term weather trends are difficult. 
·         International Influences.  The global propane market is constantly changing.  An increasing number of new customers are turning to propane all over the world, particularly in Asian markets like China.  Labor and political unrest elsewhere, including the Middle East, also contribute to higher energy prices.  As a result, there is increased competition for propane, which means higher prices.