growth

Our success throughout the years is really the result of having knowledgeable and skilled employees putting into action our common set of core values.

When the grain team was seeking its next growth opportunity, it was logical to go where the corn and the customers were. Offering access to exports on both the West and Gulf coasts, with highly productive irrigated acres, Nebraska was a good choice. We recognized the opportunity to meet the needs of a whole new set of customers, with our producer pricing and risk management opportunities. Less than 24 months later, we have a number of grain locations in Nebraska, and have begun construction of a 3.8 million bushel unit-train loader in Anselmo, which will be ready in the fall of 2012. Our presence in Nebraska began nearly a decade ago originating specialty grain for food producers which we expanded when we acquired O’Malley Grain in Fairmont in the spring of 2010. A few months later, we started operating three more elevators with the purchase of B4 Grain. With each venture we learned more about the customers and how our tools and approach fit in those local markets. We also entered a grain merchandising agreement with Trotter, Inc., increasing our capacity, and working with them to serve their grain customers more fully. Nebraska is shaping up to be a nice fit for us.