Sunray Co-op
Sunray Co-op Grain Industry Leader in The Texas Panhandle
December 2008
Issue 91
www.sunraycoop.com
General Manager Report—Dave Reinders For the most part the corn harvest is over. Our total receipts were almost identical to last year. We again have YOUR BOARD corn on the ground at Sunray and Gruver, as OF well as some milo. We DIRECTORS will get it picked up just as soon as adequate Jess Willard — space allows. To my President knowledge, it was a smooth harvest at all Ellis Moore — locations. If you did Vice President not find that to be true please let me know.
Joe Reinart — Secretary
Joaquin Andujo— Director Dan Carthel — Director Butch Harbert — Director David Johnson— Director
that have attended. We will also be having the usual Sales Expo the same day. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our employees have worked very hard and diligently during harvest. I have asked them to do a lot of things and multi-task for many days running. They have put in some very long hours. If you agree with me, and you get a The Annual Meeting of chance I am sure they would appreciate a the Sunray Co-op has been set by your Board thank you from you. We of Directors for Tues- appreciate your busiday, December 16th in ness and your support of your coop and we the meeting room in Sunray at 11:00 a.m. I strive to give you service second to none. hope you will be able to attend. The last several years we have had I would encourage you more of a meeting for- to make a trip to the mat followed by lunch Farm and Home store if you have not done so in and it seems to have been well accepted by the past month. We the number of patrons have done some remod-
eling there and rearranging the store to make more room, and add products we think you will enjoy. I would like to wish you and your family an enjoyable Holiday Season from all of us at the Sunray Co-op. “The Annual Meeting of the Sunray Co-op has been set by your Board of Directors for Tuesday, December 16th…”
December 2008
Page 2
Farm and Home Center—Russell Gadbois
Happy Holidays Everyone!! From all of us at the F&H Center we want wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we wind down another year and look back we think of all of you that have helped us to have a super year at the F&H Center and thank you all for your continued support. It has been one of the craziest economical years that we have ever faced as a nation and there are a lot of unanswered questions that we still have as to where we are
headed. My philosophy is that we “just keep plugging along” and do the best we can and that’s exactly what we are doing at the Sunray Co-op. The F&H Center has gone through a lot in 2008 beginning with the changing of vendors from ACE Hardware to Do-it-Best. We are in the middle of a huge physical transformation as well, that will be completed soon, and offer our patrons and the community of Sunray a top notch facility and shopping experience. The “project” actually started back as early as February and has come a long way with a lot still ahead of us and we thank you all for your support during this time and know that you will appreciate the finished product. I
want to thank everyone that has been involved with this transformation for the hard work and countless hours that they have put in to make this project become a real- “The Farm and Home Center has ity. gone through a Most of you lot in 2008…” have received a “Christmas Wishes” booklet in the mail and have taken advantage of a lot of the neat Christmas gift ideas that we have to offer. Most of the items in this booklet are nonstocked items that we order in for you each week. We have had a very good response with this promotion and wanted to show our patrons the many diverse items that we have access to through Do-it-Best. The prices offered in this promotion will be honored through December 31st. The Farm and Home Center had a wonderful response with a large number of entries for our promotion for the $1,000 shopping spree drawing. We ran this promotion for the first time this year. We thank you all for participating and be sure to watch for the 2009 Spring Catalog promotion as well.
December 2008
Page 3
Service Center—Gene Bain One of things I like best about being the manager of the Service Center is the sales aspect of the job. In the past few weeks many of you have come into my office requesting quotes on tires. I admit I am not a “hard sell” kind of salesman, but I do my share of research on which tire will work for your situation, and that you receive the best value for your dollar. I will always provide you with a few different options, and discuss with you my opinion as to what might be the best option for you and your budget. I will encourage you to compare prices with other tire shops in this area, because I am confident that I have the best price in this area. The greatest words I hear from those customers that have “shopped around”, are, “your price is better than anybody I have talked to.” There is great satisfaction when I have made a sale, because I know I have done everything I can possibly do to be competitive in this market.
Staying competitive in this market is becoming more and more of challenge. When I sit down with a customer one question that is always asked is, “are tire prices going to come down, and should I wait to buy?” My answer is this, do not look for decreases in tire prices anytime soon. If there is a price cut, it will be very minimal, like a percent or two. This is simply because of the current state of the stock markets and dividends continuing to drop. The key thing to take note of during these tough times, are ratings. If a company’s ratings are lowered, then stock holders start selling the stock. This puts a cash flow problem on the company. Tire manufactures are not at the top of the government bailout list but they are tied to the auto industry. The effect of this relationship has forced the S&P 500 to put tire suppliers under review with possible downgrades. So they have to defend
themselves against the review board and show what profit is going to be made. Lowering the prices they have set today will not help them hit those goals. Lay-offs and plant closings or relocation, is how these companies will handle the problems. To me I would rather pay those extra two dollars a tire and hope that somebody gets to keep their job. To sum up, you can be assured of this, I am working very hard researching what is available in the tire industry at the best price for you. I believe Sunray Co-op Service Center prides itself on being up front and honest about your complete tire purchase experience.
December 2008
Page 4
Petroleum News—Harry Lunt Who would have guessed that in July when crude oil was above $147 a barrel and several sources were predicting $200 and even higher, that the bottom would fall out and the November price would close under $50? Instead of the $4.00 plus gasoline we had, we now have $2.00 and less and it is dropping everyday. I am sure that you remember the pumps shutting off at $75 and you
were not even full yet. I filled my pickup just the other day for less than $50 and was amazed. I guess the old saying of “the cure for high prices is high prices” is certainly true this time around. The economic conditions that we are in, even with cheaper prices, fuel consumption is down from last year. What started in the U.S. as a credit crisis has spread worldwide. Even nations
that had growing economies have been affected drastically therefore the demand for fuel has decreased there also. We are getting into the time period historically where it has been one of the better times to contract fuel for the upcoming year. If you want to discuss fuel contracts and prices, please call me at 948-4121 ext. 211.
Grain Marketing—Gary Holcomb Volatility in the commodity and financial markets is still the main news items we discuss daily. All commodity prices are below levels any of us thought we would see for years to come. Concerns over demand for corn used by ethanol plants has resulted “All commodity in projected stocks of corn prices are below to be much higher than earlevels any of us lier thought. However, dethough we would see mand from cattle, hog, and for years to come.” dairy operations looks to be good through the winter months which will be good for the Texas Panhandle area. Our corn and milo receipts this fall were close to expectations. Yields were excellent as mother nature helped out late in the grow-
ing season. As many of you have seen, we have corn and milo on the ground in Sunray. We expect to have both picked up quickly. Since our wheat inventory in the elevators is significantly less than last year, we do not have as much corn on the ground as last year. All of our branch locations are full as our employees worked hard to put the crop away while dumping your trucks as quickly as possible. We hope you had a good harvest and we appreciate the business you brought to Sunray Coop.
The mobile part of our website will be changing to DTN mobile by midDecember. We will post a notice on our Home Page to let you know. This new system will require mobile users to re-register and we apologize for the inconvenience. However, we believe the new system will provide you with more information and flexibility. There will still be no cost to Sunray Coop members for the mobile service. Please call Trace or myself if you have any questions regarding these changes.
During the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd, our Thank you for your busiwebsite was moved to a new ness and have a wonderful website hosting company. holiday season. We hope the transition did not cause you any problems.
December 2008 December 2008
Page 5
Sunray - Ray Stipe Harvest is all but finished at this time, although not quite as large as last year’s. It was still one of the top three since 1991. One of the things that helped most is that we were able to keep our Capps branch fluid enough that none of those bushels were forced into town. Our corn pile is only a third the size of last year’s.
to managing moisture in grain is understanding equilibrium. Thirty to forty percent of the space in a bin of grain is atmosphere. Keeping the moisture in the grain balanced with the atmosphere will be the elevator man’s job. In Sunray’s case with 263 bins that means 263 separate atmospheres that will have to be monitored with temperature cables, and controlled The next couple of months with aeration and turning. are crucial for the maintain- Few people realize that the ing of the grains physical air inside a grain bin is condition and seeing to it constantly on the move, that our inventory can be warm air rising and cooler held in top shape until the air dropping where they next harvest supplies us meet is just like the with a fresh crop. The key weather report you watched
last night, is possible”.
“rain
The next task SunThe next couple of ray is facing will be months are crucial the wheat trains which will start in for the maintaining December and last of the grains into the spring. Our physical ability to get a concondition... sistent blend of good wheat makes us a desirable supplier for the California flour mills which in turn allows us to keep a good basis for our producers.
Did You Know??? The Sunray Co-op has partnered with area businesses, industry, local organizations and individuals, to help the City of Sunray raise funds for the new Memorial Plaza. The Memorial Plaza will be built on the city square, memorializing Sunray residents who have been lost in the line of duty, including military, law enforcement, fire and EMS. The project includes lighted monuments and flagpole, benches, a water feature, and additional landscaping. Dave Reinders hands Casey Stone a check for $6,000.00
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SUNRAY, TX PERMIT NO. 5
Grain Industry Leader in The Texas Panhandle
P.O. Box 430 Sunray, TX 79086 Return Service Requested
From all of us at the Sunray Co-op May you have a blessed Christmas And a Bountiful New Year!
December 2008
Issue 91
www.sunraycoop.com
General Manager Report—Dave Reinders For the most part the corn harvest is over. Our total receipts were almost identical to last year. We again have YOUR BOARD corn on the ground at Sunray and Gruver, as OF well as some milo. We DIRECTORS will get it picked up just as soon as adequate Jess Willard — space allows. To my President knowledge, it was a smooth harvest at all Ellis Moore — locations. If you did Vice President not find that to be true please let me know.
Joe Reinart — Secretary
Joaquin Andujo— Director Dan Carthel — Director Butch Harbert — Director David Johnson— Director
that have attended. We will also be having the usual Sales Expo the same day. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our employees have worked very hard and diligently during harvest. I have asked them to do a lot of things and multi-task for many days running. They have put in some very long hours. If you agree with me, and you get a The Annual Meeting of chance I am sure they would appreciate a the Sunray Co-op has been set by your Board thank you from you. We of Directors for Tues- appreciate your busiday, December 16th in ness and your support of your coop and we the meeting room in Sunray at 11:00 a.m. I strive to give you service second to none. hope you will be able to attend. The last several years we have had I would encourage you more of a meeting for- to make a trip to the mat followed by lunch Farm and Home store if you have not done so in and it seems to have been well accepted by the past month. We the number of patrons have done some remod-
eling there and rearranging the store to make more room, and add products we think you will enjoy. I would like to wish you and your family an enjoyable Holiday Season from all of us at the Sunray Co-op. “The Annual Meeting of the Sunray Co-op has been set by your Board of Directors for Tuesday, December 16th…”
December 2008
Page 2
Farm and Home Center—Russell Gadbois
Happy Holidays Everyone!! From all of us at the F&H Center we want wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we wind down another year and look back we think of all of you that have helped us to have a super year at the F&H Center and thank you all for your continued support. It has been one of the craziest economical years that we have ever faced as a nation and there are a lot of unanswered questions that we still have as to where we are
headed. My philosophy is that we “just keep plugging along” and do the best we can and that’s exactly what we are doing at the Sunray Co-op. The F&H Center has gone through a lot in 2008 beginning with the changing of vendors from ACE Hardware to Do-it-Best. We are in the middle of a huge physical transformation as well, that will be completed soon, and offer our patrons and the community of Sunray a top notch facility and shopping experience. The “project” actually started back as early as February and has come a long way with a lot still ahead of us and we thank you all for your support during this time and know that you will appreciate the finished product. I
want to thank everyone that has been involved with this transformation for the hard work and countless hours that they have put in to make this project become a real- “The Farm and Home Center has ity. gone through a Most of you lot in 2008…” have received a “Christmas Wishes” booklet in the mail and have taken advantage of a lot of the neat Christmas gift ideas that we have to offer. Most of the items in this booklet are nonstocked items that we order in for you each week. We have had a very good response with this promotion and wanted to show our patrons the many diverse items that we have access to through Do-it-Best. The prices offered in this promotion will be honored through December 31st. The Farm and Home Center had a wonderful response with a large number of entries for our promotion for the $1,000 shopping spree drawing. We ran this promotion for the first time this year. We thank you all for participating and be sure to watch for the 2009 Spring Catalog promotion as well.
December 2008
Page 3
Service Center—Gene Bain One of things I like best about being the manager of the Service Center is the sales aspect of the job. In the past few weeks many of you have come into my office requesting quotes on tires. I admit I am not a “hard sell” kind of salesman, but I do my share of research on which tire will work for your situation, and that you receive the best value for your dollar. I will always provide you with a few different options, and discuss with you my opinion as to what might be the best option for you and your budget. I will encourage you to compare prices with other tire shops in this area, because I am confident that I have the best price in this area. The greatest words I hear from those customers that have “shopped around”, are, “your price is better than anybody I have talked to.” There is great satisfaction when I have made a sale, because I know I have done everything I can possibly do to be competitive in this market.
Staying competitive in this market is becoming more and more of challenge. When I sit down with a customer one question that is always asked is, “are tire prices going to come down, and should I wait to buy?” My answer is this, do not look for decreases in tire prices anytime soon. If there is a price cut, it will be very minimal, like a percent or two. This is simply because of the current state of the stock markets and dividends continuing to drop. The key thing to take note of during these tough times, are ratings. If a company’s ratings are lowered, then stock holders start selling the stock. This puts a cash flow problem on the company. Tire manufactures are not at the top of the government bailout list but they are tied to the auto industry. The effect of this relationship has forced the S&P 500 to put tire suppliers under review with possible downgrades. So they have to defend
themselves against the review board and show what profit is going to be made. Lowering the prices they have set today will not help them hit those goals. Lay-offs and plant closings or relocation, is how these companies will handle the problems. To me I would rather pay those extra two dollars a tire and hope that somebody gets to keep their job. To sum up, you can be assured of this, I am working very hard researching what is available in the tire industry at the best price for you. I believe Sunray Co-op Service Center prides itself on being up front and honest about your complete tire purchase experience.
December 2008
Page 4
Petroleum News—Harry Lunt Who would have guessed that in July when crude oil was above $147 a barrel and several sources were predicting $200 and even higher, that the bottom would fall out and the November price would close under $50? Instead of the $4.00 plus gasoline we had, we now have $2.00 and less and it is dropping everyday. I am sure that you remember the pumps shutting off at $75 and you
were not even full yet. I filled my pickup just the other day for less than $50 and was amazed. I guess the old saying of “the cure for high prices is high prices” is certainly true this time around. The economic conditions that we are in, even with cheaper prices, fuel consumption is down from last year. What started in the U.S. as a credit crisis has spread worldwide. Even nations
that had growing economies have been affected drastically therefore the demand for fuel has decreased there also. We are getting into the time period historically where it has been one of the better times to contract fuel for the upcoming year. If you want to discuss fuel contracts and prices, please call me at 948-4121 ext. 211.
Grain Marketing—Gary Holcomb Volatility in the commodity and financial markets is still the main news items we discuss daily. All commodity prices are below levels any of us thought we would see for years to come. Concerns over demand for corn used by ethanol plants has resulted “All commodity in projected stocks of corn prices are below to be much higher than earlevels any of us lier thought. However, dethough we would see mand from cattle, hog, and for years to come.” dairy operations looks to be good through the winter months which will be good for the Texas Panhandle area. Our corn and milo receipts this fall were close to expectations. Yields were excellent as mother nature helped out late in the grow-
ing season. As many of you have seen, we have corn and milo on the ground in Sunray. We expect to have both picked up quickly. Since our wheat inventory in the elevators is significantly less than last year, we do not have as much corn on the ground as last year. All of our branch locations are full as our employees worked hard to put the crop away while dumping your trucks as quickly as possible. We hope you had a good harvest and we appreciate the business you brought to Sunray Coop.
The mobile part of our website will be changing to DTN mobile by midDecember. We will post a notice on our Home Page to let you know. This new system will require mobile users to re-register and we apologize for the inconvenience. However, we believe the new system will provide you with more information and flexibility. There will still be no cost to Sunray Coop members for the mobile service. Please call Trace or myself if you have any questions regarding these changes.
During the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd, our Thank you for your busiwebsite was moved to a new ness and have a wonderful website hosting company. holiday season. We hope the transition did not cause you any problems.
December 2008 December 2008
Page 5
Sunray - Ray Stipe Harvest is all but finished at this time, although not quite as large as last year’s. It was still one of the top three since 1991. One of the things that helped most is that we were able to keep our Capps branch fluid enough that none of those bushels were forced into town. Our corn pile is only a third the size of last year’s.
to managing moisture in grain is understanding equilibrium. Thirty to forty percent of the space in a bin of grain is atmosphere. Keeping the moisture in the grain balanced with the atmosphere will be the elevator man’s job. In Sunray’s case with 263 bins that means 263 separate atmospheres that will have to be monitored with temperature cables, and controlled The next couple of months with aeration and turning. are crucial for the maintain- Few people realize that the ing of the grains physical air inside a grain bin is condition and seeing to it constantly on the move, that our inventory can be warm air rising and cooler held in top shape until the air dropping where they next harvest supplies us meet is just like the with a fresh crop. The key weather report you watched
last night, is possible”.
“rain
The next task SunThe next couple of ray is facing will be months are crucial the wheat trains which will start in for the maintaining December and last of the grains into the spring. Our physical ability to get a concondition... sistent blend of good wheat makes us a desirable supplier for the California flour mills which in turn allows us to keep a good basis for our producers.
Did You Know??? The Sunray Co-op has partnered with area businesses, industry, local organizations and individuals, to help the City of Sunray raise funds for the new Memorial Plaza. The Memorial Plaza will be built on the city square, memorializing Sunray residents who have been lost in the line of duty, including military, law enforcement, fire and EMS. The project includes lighted monuments and flagpole, benches, a water feature, and additional landscaping. Dave Reinders hands Casey Stone a check for $6,000.00
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SUNRAY, TX PERMIT NO. 5
Grain Industry Leader in The Texas Panhandle
P.O. Box 430 Sunray, TX 79086 Return Service Requested
From all of us at the Sunray Co-op May you have a blessed Christmas And a Bountiful New Year!
