July 2026 Choice

Djamel Khali – General Manager 

Last week the summer fill NH3 offers came out. It lasted a whopping 2.5hrs before all product was sold out. NH3 inventories are at historic lows with the US market at a discount compared to the world (Dealers can make more money selling it overseas). Even with these head winds, NH3 markets are better than expected for fall application. Demand destruction for Phosphates, UAN and Urea are keeping products from climbing higher and I expect small resets in Urea and UAN as well, albeit they should be lower than they are. We are well positioned in all products and will be ready for all your summer and fall application needs! After popular demand, we are continuing our “Pizza in the Park” community events! Thank you to all that come out to these family friendly events and to all our members who support your coop! We are nothing without our families, communities, and agriculture.  

Jeff Bermel – Refined Fuels Manager 

With this year’s planting season over and the crops off to a good start, a good portion of the diesel fuel usage is now behind us until fall. We are still using gasoline and fuel for mowing, baling, and some crop spraying, so hopefully the prices keep coming down to a more normal price before harvest. Bob, Jason, and I would like to thank each and every one of our customers for their support over the years. We will continue to strive to provide you with the best service possible. The Co-op is so proud of all our 4-H and FFA Exhibitors at the county fairs and the State Fair. We wish you the best of luck.  

Sarah Hora – FCA Grain Originator 

June brought above average rainfall across much of Iowa, with Central and Eastern Iowa receiving the highest totals while the northwestern region remained comparatively drier. Despite the abundance of moisture, grain markets remained under pressure and have yet to see a significant rally. The USDA Acreage Report is scheduled for release on June 30th. Many analysts anticipate a shift in planted acres from corn to soybean this year, driven largely by high input costs. According to the USDA Crop Progress Report that was released on June 22nd, 78% of Iowa’s corn is rated good to excellent, with soybeans close behind at 75%. On a separate note, we want to ensure you’re staying connected with our market text updates. If you’ve stopped receiving the daily market texts, text “MARKET” to 641-426-2086 and follow the prompts to re-enroll in the service. If you require further assistance, please contact Sarah at 319-657-2911. Stay cool this summer! 

Kyle Dop – Stockport Vision Ag Manager 

The growing season has certainly kept us on our toes. We’ve gone from near-drought conditions to rain every other day, putting our crops through a wide range of stressful environments. Now, we’re looking at another stretch of high temperatures and heat stress. Soybeans are beginning to flower, and corn will soon be tasseling, which means fungicide season is just around the corner. Last year, our area was hit hard by Southern Rust and Tar Spot, and with the amount of moisture we’ve received over the past month, we’re anticipating another significant disease season. Protecting every bushel is more important than ever, and timely fungicide applications will play a key role in maximizing yield and profitability. While making those applications, it’s also a great opportunity to consider adding other beneficial products to the tank. Depending on your crop’s needs, products containing boron, zinc, sulfur, boost sugars, or an insecticide may provide additional value and help protect your investment. On another note, I’d like to introduce Lauren Sloan to our Stockport location. Lauren has been with us for the past two weeks and will be serving as our front desk/accounting employee. She is excited to meet our customers and looks forward to getting to know each of you. From all of us, we wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and happy Fourth of July! Thank you for your continued business, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help you make the most of this growing season.  

Andy Weber – Feed Division Manager  

With the fair season in full stride, we would like to recognize and congratulate all of the 4-H and FFA members that are showing at their locals fairs and will also be showing at the Iowa State Fair! We recognize all the time and hard work they have put in to producing quality projects. We have a good supply of creep feed on hand that is sure to put extra pounds on calves to keep the cows in optimal condition to breed back. We also offer mineral with fly control both in Purina and Hubbard. The Purina brand contains Clarify and the Hubbard brand contains a combination of both Clarify and garlic. Both products are available in either loose mineral or mineral lick tubs. Thank you for continued business and support and have a safe July.  

Dave Hyman - Broadway Service Center Manager 

I can think of a ton of things I would rather spend my money on than new tires. Man, those new tires make for a smooth ride though. New tires can be expensive. Now, I am not talking new bathroom expensive, but expensive nonetheless. Here are some tips on how to extend and maximize the life of your tires: 

1. Keep your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000. 

2. Have your alignment checked once a year or sooner if your vehicle is pulling to one side. 

3. Keep your tires at the proper inflation. If the tires are over inflated, the tread wears faster in the middle. If your tires are under inflated, the tread wears faster on the outer edges.  

4. Setting the cruise control on the long trips lessens the tire wear. 

5. Driving slower on gravel helps to avoid flats and gravel wear. 

6. Make sure all aspects of your suspension including shocks and struts is working properly.  

Stop into Broadway Service Center and one of the tire specialists would be more than happy to evaluate your tires. Thank you for your continued support and stay safe on the roads.  

Chad Sieren – Keota Seed Manager 

2026 so far has been a year of weather swings going from good conditions to wet conditions and back and forth. As July approached, we got our first big blast of heat. Fungicide applications will be starting before long in corn. They are made between full tassel and brown silk. If no disease is present, holding off a bit will extend your control later into the season. It’s important to keep an eye on corn diseases so it can be sprayed at the optimum timing. For any assistance, please contact your local Vision Ag Agronomist.  

Thank you for joining us at our Keota and Keosauqua Pizza in the Park events the last couple weeks. Join us for the last two in Sigourney on July 2nd, and finally in Ainsworth on July 9th.  Each event is from 5-8pm with pizza, sides, desserts, and swag! See you there!