The 47th annual meeting of MKC stockholders has been scheduled for Thursday, July 19, and will be held at the Bicentennial Center in Salina.  The registration desk will open at 5:30.  Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by the business meeting.  This year’s meeting will feature keynote speaker, Jolene Brown.  Meeting notices will be mailed to stockholders in mid to late June.  RSVP by July 5.

MKC management continues to work with Swiss Re to develop a revenue program designed to assist growers in managing the risk (primarily weather) associated with growing double crop soybeans. Last year, MKC was the first in the nation to offer this one-of-its kind program when double crop soybeans weren’t traditionally eligible for federal crop insurance. The program was offered in 11 counties last year and representatives are working to expand to additional counties. According to Dave Spears, MKC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Swiss Re has recently asked for more detailed information to assist in the completion of the data analysis. Spears commented that the variation of risk in each county is creating a challenge.  “The variation between counties is amazingly different,” stated Spears.  “Swiss is taking a hard look at this and it could mean that costs may vary per county.” Swiss Re is still determining the availability of the program for our area at this time.

The MKC Community Involvement Committee has teamed up with local American Red Cross chapters to host four blood drives during the month of May. The general public is invited to participate in the blood drive at one of the following events:  Monday, May 7 MKC Office / 307 W. Cole / Moundridge / 9:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblood.org (code: MKC) or call Erin Riley at 620-345-4193) MKC office / 100 S. Main / Walton/ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblood.org (code: MKC) or call Erin Riley 620-345-4193) Tuesday, May 8 Abilene Community Drive / St. Andrews Parish Hall / 311 S. Buckeye /12:00 – 6:00 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblood.org (code: AbileneKS) or call 800-733-4193) Friday, May 11 MKC Office / 112 W. 2nd / Haven / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblod.org (code: MKC) or call Erin Riley at 620-345-4193) Bennington Fire Station / 584 N. 180th Rd. / 9:00 a.m. – 1:0 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblood.org (Code: MKC) or call Erin Riley at 620-345-4193) Monday, May 21 Smoky Valley/Lindsborg Community Blood Drive / Trinity United Methodist Church / 224 S. Main / 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (schedule on-line at redcrossblood.org (code: Lindsborg) or call 800-733-2767).