October 2026 Choice
General Manager – Djamel Khali
The ongoing conflict in Iran is causing some pretty big headwinds for fertilizer and diesel prices. Many fertilizer companies are not offering any spring pricing due to the extreme volatility of the market. Elemental sulfur has risen to 4x prewar prices causing sever price increases for any products that use it. Combine that with record high diesel costs, there are serious concerns on where this trajectory will go. We, like all of you, are not immune to the increased costs and have been working to increase efficiencies and hold these costs down so that they are not passed to you. In the near future we may have no choice but to implement a fuel surcharge. IF we do, we will communicate it clearly and ahead of time. I am very aware of other companies adding these in after the fact to their customers. As a member-owned cooperative we will not do business that way and will work with you on making sure everyone knows if & when we have to do that. In happier news, we have completed our acquisition of Keota Transmission and Repair in Keota. Erik Strand and I have been working on this for several months. Erik had been kicking around this idea internally and approached me asking we were interested. While we get a fair amount of these types of proposals that do not make sense to our communities and members, his business dove-tailed nicely into our current Broadway business. Both teams will work well together and each bring unique niches. Because of how well Broadway is ran, and how well Keota Transmission has ran, this is one of those things that will make a force multiplier in our service to you. Dave will still be running his business how he has, and Erik will still be running his business as he has. Having more talent available through the Co-Op will help insure that we continue to provide value to our members, keep our communities thriving, and support all towns that we are in. We take the health of all the communities that we are in seriously and want to make sure that they continue to thrive. Thank you for your support!
Ainsworth Location Manager – Brian Wood
Hello to everyone from Ainsworth. Hopefully Mother Nature will have a change of heart soon and let us get rolling in the fields. We have been working hard checking over and getting all of our fall equipment ready to go. NH3 tanks and bars have been checked and gone through along with our dry spreaders and spreader carts. We have been steadily getting both dry fertilizer and anhydrous inventories in the past month and will continue to get more in as time goes. We hope everyone has a good and safe harvest. As always we are here to help our customers in anyway we can. Stop in or give us a call whenever. Thank you for your continued business and support.
West Regional Manager – Steve Brooks
As we move into the final stretch of the growing season, things are beginning to look more and more like harvest around Southeast Iowa. The weather has certainly kept us on our toes this year. September has brought a mix of warm temperatures and scattered rainfall. That variability has made field conditions different from farm to farm. Across Iowa, recent rainfall has generally improved moisture conditions, while also limiting some opportunities to get into the fields. Corn continues to move toward maturity. Overall corn condition remained 76% good to excellent according to the Iowa Dept. Of Agriculture. Soybeans are also progressing with the Overall soybean condition rated 75% good to excellent. The next few weeks will be important as we watch pod fill, maturity and the transition into harvest. Every field tells a little different story this year. Soil type, planting date, rainfall and localized weather have all played a role, so we’re continuing to scout fields and evaluate conditions. From all of us at Vision Ag, we’re looking forward to working alongside our growers through harvest. Stay safe, watch the weather, and here’s to hoping for some good harvest weather ahead.
Broadway Service Center Manager – Dave Hyman
Broadway Service Center is excited to announce that we now have the ability to balance medium and heavy-duty truck tires. Why balance truck tires? Balancing truck tires helps to stop vibrations, prevents uneven wear so you get more life out of your tires, saves fuel (who doesn’t need that, right?), improves handling, and protects parts from internal wobbling. If you are looking for a more balanced ride with your medium to heavy-duty truck, call us at 641-636-3438 to set up an appointment. We’ll be sure to get you balanced! We realize that the fall harvest season has not started out ideal. Broadway Service Center is here for you and will be open on Saturdays from 7AM – 12PM until most of the crops are out. Thank you for your continued support, stay safe on the roads, and hoping you have a great harvest.
LP Department Manager – Nathan Nelson
Fall is here! September has been mostly warm and on the rainy side, but heating season is just around the corner. As we head into colder months, it’s always best to start with a full tank. If you’re getting low, please give us a call and we’ll get you on the schedule for a fill. Propane exports have started to increase over the past few weeks. While the U.S. had record propane supplies this summer, increased exports will begin to draw down those inventories. This could put upward pressure on cash propane prices as we move into the winter months. One way to help protect against larger propane bills during the winter is to sign up for a winter propane contract. Customers must have a propane contract in place to be eligible for contract pricing, so if you’re interested in locking in your winter supply and protecting against potential price increases please contact us to get your contract set up. Our trucks are ready for the busy season ahead! As corn dryers start and go throughout harvest season, any advance delivery instructions are greatly appreciated. Advance notices helps us plan routes and make sure we can keep up with everyone’s needs during this busy time of year. Have a safe and successful harvest and thank you for your continued partnership with FCA/Vision Ag!
Keota FCA Feed Manager – Jeff Sprouse
With Fall off to a very wet and slow start, we need to be mindful of what our cows will have for forage. Do not forget to supplement those cows for maximum usage of the forage in the fields. We have a great supply of Range Land 30-13 protein tubs as well as Ignite 40% protein tubs. The Range Land tubs qualify for John Deere Financing at 0% and the Ignite tubs qualify for CFA Financing. Contact Jeff Bulechek, Jeff Pastoor, Ted Bates, or Jeff Sprouse for more information. CREEP FEEDING works! We have a supply of pelleted creep feed on hand which also qualifies for the JDF Financing or CFA Financing program. Please reach out with any questions as to how you can save using these programs. Remember to keep Wind & Rain mineral in front of the cows, keeping them in good health. Often in the hustle and bustle of fall, we can overlook keeping mineral feeders, your cows will thank you. Thank you for continued business!
Grain Originator – Sarah Hora
Tractors and combines are at a standstill as continued wet conditions have put harvest on hold. According to the USDA Crop Progress Report released on 9/21, Iowa’s corn harvest is 4% complete, with soybeans not far behind at 2%. Both crops are behind last year’s pace as well as the five-year average. Regarding condition, Iowa’s corn is rated 76% good to excellent, while soybeans are rated 75% good to excellent. On the trade front, President Trump and President Xi met at the end of September. With limited news regarding ag commodities and potential trade agreements following the meeting, the market experienced a selloff. Soybean and corn prices moved lower during the following Monday’s trading session. Many traders and analysts continue to watch closely for additional details and developments. As you begin delivering grain, remember to review our updated Grain Policies. Stay safe and we hope you have a bountiful harvest!