Deadline draws near for scholarship applications

Mid Kansas Cooperative Association will award a total of nine scholarships valued at $500 each for the 2010-2011 school year to high school seniors within the MKC trade territory.  Any high school senior who plans to attend an accredited university or college including junior, community, vocational or technical school is eligible to apply.    

"We are pleased to offer the scholarships," states Kerry Watson, MKC Communications/Administrative Specialist.  "This is our opportunity to recognize outstanding students in our communities who have demonstrated a balance of academics, school activities and community activities."   Click here to download a PDF application.  Application deadline is March 15, 2010.    

Energy Markets remain volatile

Those who make their living studying the markets described last week as "a long, strange and volatile week for the energy complex".  The week started with all energy products increasing significantly the first half of the week only to see them reverse course and end the week with a small loss.   

Energy markets are being affected by everything except supply and demand.  The week started with an upbeat feeling to the strength of the global economy and a decreasing dollar, but by the end of the week, the upbeat sentiment turned to concern due to a weaker than expected job market and concern over the economic health of European countries.  The dollar also rallied towards the end of the week due to the concerns of the European debt.      

MKC leaders complete T.A.L.

Session I The 2010 Tomorrow's Agribusiness Leaders Class traveled to Topeka for two days and completed session I.  During which, the class enjoyed a private policy breakfast with Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt and received a briefing on the budget and the challenges facing the 2010 legislature. They also received staff briefings on the legislative process, the roles and history of KARA and KGFA, and met with Associated Press reporter John Hanna. They also received training on effective lobbying methods and put those practices to good use during Legislative Action Day on the 27th.  MKC employees selected to participate in the 2010 T.A.L. class are Kerry Watson, Matt Friesen, and Jason Creed.   

The next T.A.L. session is in July and entails traveling to Washington DC to meet with our Congressman, industry leaders, and other officials.       

Customers reminded to review account information

Winter is a good time for patrons to review their grain accounting records and make any necessary changes.  "Changes in land ownership and share-cropper relationships often dictate changes in our record keeping system," states Larry Goerzen, grain coordinator for MKC.    "Crop insurance companies and farm management agencies are continually asking for accurate proof of yields and split information."  

Customers are reminded to review all of their grain accounts and inform MKC of any additions, deletions, or any changes in split information.  Changes should be done prior to the next harvest so all records can be updated.   

"The accuracy and integrity of our grain accounting system is dependent on correct information from our patrons as well as focused execution on the part of our accounting staff," states Goerzen.