ScrantonEquity

OUTLOOKA S C R A N T O N E Q U I T Y N E W S L E T T E R | F A L L 2 0 1 5

TALK TOA VETERAN

Bryce Johnson shares his experience during WWII.

FEED DIVISON NEWSMeet Steve Smith, our new

Feed Sales Manager.

“Proudly Serving our Patrons for 101 Years” -- A noble statement that conveys more of a privilege for Scranton Equity than an accomplishment because every adept company knows that their strengths lay within their customers, employees and Board of Directors, not the company itself. Community involvement plays a centric part in helping small towns and businesses avoid the “Emptied Prairie” fate, and not become one of many ghost towns dotting the North Dakota grasslands. We have been fortunate to have many forward-thinking residents that are willing to get involved in their community’s growth. In turn, a healthy community becomes the cornerstone of a strong company.

As the second quarterly edition of the ‘Outlook’ is preparing to roll out, plans for the 101st annual meeting are also in the works. New traditions interlacing with old traditions can make for a great combination when proper amounts of each

are considered. We are proud of our strong history but also continue to look for new ways to meet the ever-changing landscape of the farm and ranch industry.

June 30th ended another successful fiscal year not only for Scranton Equity but also for you, the producer and patron of this co-op. Nearly every department manager and staff has either met their goals or surpassed them, setting a foundation for future growth. It gives us great pride to say that we have an accomplished team here to assist our customers.

We invite all of our patrons to join us at our 2015 Annual Meeting, November 4th at the Scranton Community Center. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm (noon) and the meeting will follow at 1:00pm.

LETTER FROM OUR

| BOARD OF DIRECTORS |

WWW.SCRANTONEQUITY.ORG 3

LETTER FROM OUR BOARD 2 OF D IRECTORS

HARVEST T IME 3

FRONT IER TRAVEL 3CENTER UPDATES

SUPER VALU NEWS 3

TALK TO A VETERAN 4

AGRONOMY D IV IS ION 5

HERE TO HELP 5

EMPLOYEE SPOTL IGHT : 5AGRONOMY DEPARTMENT

FALL MAINTENANCE 6

FEED D IV IS ION NEWS 6

FALL COOK ING WITH SCRA NTON 7

FARM & FUEL 7

WHAT’S INSIDE

2 2015 FALL NEWSLETTER

WE INVITE ALL OF OUR PATRONS TO JOIN US AT OUR 2015 ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 4TH AT THE SCRANTON COMMUNITY CENTER.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THIS ISSUE!

It’s Labor Day and when you’re in the grain business, and trying to compose a newsletter article, there isn’t much to write about other than harvest. Some years it would be the beginning of harvest, like last year. Fortunately this year we are near the end.

This year we have much better quality with excellent yields, and no falling number issues. Thank goodness. There is very little to complain about other than the price, and that’s a big problem with another record crop possible for wheat, corn and beans. Some believe we are in a price cycle that could remain low for three to five years. I suppose that could be correct if we continue to see production like we have had the past few years. But what if we don’t?

Every year is different. The results of those differences always affect price both positively and negatively. This year with low prices and significant wheat inventory, basis fixed contracts may be a better way to market your inventory than just selling

it flat priced. Having the ability to move grain, and still be able to participate in a futures market rally might have some merit later in the year.

Durum may be the bright spot, as far as return per acre, with very good yields and a price that is much more attractive than other wheat options. Canada and exports, along with winter weather, will be the driving forces in price direction for the next several months.

We’re working on finding rail markets for flax and canola. I believe we’ll do some of that this fall and winter. For those that have one or both of these crops, I’ll try to keep you in the loop as we continue to develop a program that works for both us and the producers.

As we put 2015 harvest behind us, just think it’s only about 195 days until spring work starts. As always, thank you for your business and patience. Please give me a call if you have any questions.

HARVEST| MIKE WEDWICK, GRAIN ELEVATOR MANAGER |

The Frontier Travel Center (FTC) had a very exciting and busy summer. August was the 75th Anniversary Bike Rally in Sturgis. We had a record breaking 13,485 customers during that week. This summer we continued our community involvement by sponsoring Triple Turn Classic, Chamber Fireworks Display, Relay For Life, Burgers in the Park, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament/Summer Fest, along with Bowman’s all school reunion and Dakota Territory Car Club. Coming up, we will also be sponsoring the Bowman, Slope and Harding County Fairs, North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals, PRCA Rodeo, Oilfield Golf Tournament, Ty Tuff Challenge and Farmer Rancher Banquet. As summer comes to a close, FTC is looking forward to another busy hunting season. Please remember to not text and drive.

FRONTIER TRAVEL CENTER UPDATES

| BECKY BROOKS, FRONTIER MANAGER |

Once again, the holidays are racing up on us. The annual meeting and Apple Days will start us off.

We pre-booked our turkeys, and it looks like we will be well supplied from a safe facility. If you would like a certain size, give us a call and we will put one aside for you.

If you need gift ideas, we can help. Fruit baskets, meat and cheese trays or muffin and cookie trays are always great options. We can create customized options for anyone and everyone! Baskets and trays are available year-round. Come in or call me directly, and we will make something special for you.

SUPERVALUNEWS

| KATHY KROMAREK, SUPER VALU MANAGER |

6 2015 SUMMER NEWSLETTER WWW.SCRANTONEQUITY.ORG 54 2015 FALL NEWSLETTER

Meet Deann Berntson. Deann has joined our agronomy staff as our agronomist/crop specialist. She is a Crop and Weed Science, Agronomy Major, and 2014 graduate of North Dakota State University (NDSU). Growing up on a fourth generation small grains farm in central North Dakota, Deann was like any other farm girl, helping out where ever “Dad needed her”. Aside from her family farm experience, Deann came to our agronomy team with three summers of crop scouting experience through Larson Grain Co. In her third year with Larson Grain Co, she was advanced to Scouting Director with her own scouting team.

Deann is the oldest of three siblings, a younger sister and brother. She was a Kulm High School honor student, active in 4-H, the local horse show circuit and many other school organizations. In 4-H, Deann competed at local and state levels in communication arts, project expo, hippology, grain projects, showed horses and was a county and state 4-H Ambassador. Her enthusiasm for involvement was not left behind during her college years. Deann became a part of the NDSU Equestrian Team: Hunt Seat, NDSU Horseman’s Association, NDSU Rodeo Club and NDSU Horse Judging Team. She was also a North Dakota State 4-H Ambassador, held multiple rodeo queen titles and organized some

youth horse day camps. In keeping with her true spirit, Deann has already proven to be an involved participant in our local communities. During her short time here, she has helped out with the North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals jackpot roping, Slope/Bowman/Adams counties’ 4-H horse workouts and the Slope County Fair.

We are very excited to have Deann Berntson as our new agronomist/crop specialist. She will be an excellent resource for planning your 2016 crop needs. She joins us with some very valuable experience and crop/weed knowledge. Deann is well-versed in mapping technology and field tracking software. Currently, she is updating our capabilities of communication between the crop scouting module and the sprayers for burndown, in-crop and pre harvest spraying. Deann is available to our customers for any agricultural needs in weed identification, crop scouting or chemical advice.

Deann has also accepted the position of our specialty seed salesperson. She will be booking canola, corn, sunflowers, grass mixes or any other specialty crops you may need for your 2016 farming season. Feel free to stop in and visit with her about any of your seeding plans.

Fall is in the air, and many people are done with the small grains and just the row crops are remaining to harvest. With that, we have a great opportunity to clean up some of these fields. Past years have not given us this opportunity because of weather conditions, but that is not the case this year. Does anyone have Canadian Thistle? For the past three years, the lack of a good fall burndown (wildlife, wind, etc.) has this noxious weed in about every field. It is also a good time to clean up winter annuals and other tough weeds. RT3 has come down in price, making this opportunity even more feasible.

Fertilizer prices have come down since spring and will remain flat through the fall season. Fall applying nitrogen is another good opportunity to manage residue and spread out the workload for spring. Soil sampling in the fall allows you to see your current nutrient levels and is a good tool for fall and spring planning.

Call or stop in for fall burndown options, fertilizer prices and to schedule your soil sampling.

With harvest mostly wrapped up, it is time to start looking at how the season went and how to improve next year’s crop. I will be coming around and visiting about possible options to meet your goals for next year. If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to help you.

| DAMON REITZ, AGRONOMY MANAGER |

| DEANN BERNTSON, SALES AGRONOMIST |

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

AGRONOMYDEPARTMENT

WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO HAVE DEANN BERNTSON AS OUR NEW AGRONOMIST/CROP SPECIALIST.

AGRONOMY DIVISION

HERE TO HELP

MEET

“Thank a Veteran,” is a familiar slogan that we hear a lot around Veterans Day. This year we should put a different slant on that familiar saying and, “Talk to a Veteran.” I had the privilege to do just that, and I can only describe it as nothing short of humbling. It was my honor to talk to Scranton Equity patron and local World War II (WWII) veteran, Bryce Johnson.

Bryce was born on his parent’s homestead south of Ralph, South Dakota on Flag Day, June 14, 1921. He described his life on the homestead similar to every other boy during that period of time. They struggled through the, “Dirty Thirties,” like everyone else. “In 1936 there was no rain at all,” Bryce said. “There is just no way to explain how terrible it was to anyone that didn’t live through it.” Yes, there was plenty of heartache to go around for every family, but life was also splashed with a bit of fun, laughter and light-heartedness. This is witnessed by the smile on Bryce’s face when he talked about meeting a beautiful Bowman girl, Annie Jorgenson, at a local dance.

Bryce’s peaceful prairie life changed on December 7, 1941, when devastating news came crashing in through their radio, announcing that Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Bryce joined the ranks of many other young patriots when he enlisted into the Army Air Corp on April 9, 1943. He was caught up in a whirlwind of training at Fresno, California, then on to Denver, Colorado for more training. While stationed at Denver, he married his sweetheart, and his dance partner from Bowman, Annie Jorgenson. She accompanied him to Topeka, Kansas for some more training before he was shipped out to Africa.

revived while in the air, and now it was time to concentrate on his own landing. Bryce gave precise details as I visualized the landing; the shattering of his right side against the ground, the dangling arm and the horrendous pain.

“We were told in our training before we left that if a civilian gets you, you don’t stand a chance,” Bryce said. “But with the military you may go through a lot, but you have a better chance of surviving.” After his hard landing he looked up and saw a crazy man coming across the field whipping a rusty corn knife over his head. Following military order, he dug a hole in the dirt, put his 45-automatic in the hole, covered it, and unsteadily stood on that disheveled ground. The man ran up to Bryce’s smashed right side yelling something he couldn’t understand. At that moment, Bryce turned his head to the left and said, “Little bride it don’t look like it will be very long until you will be a widow.” He turned his head back, and there stood a little soldier with his rifle pointed at his head. With thoughts of a time gone by, he described the “big ole boy’s” agitation, and the little soldier’s stature and composure; all the while the rusty corn knife was being wielded around. “I stood there waiting to get my head chopped off,” Bryce said. “Then he put the knife way behind his shoulder and come at me with it. Just before about two inches from my neck, the little soldier shoved his rifle between the knife and my neck and spun that ‘big ole boy’ out of the way.” Then he said to me plain as day, “Walk beside me,” Bryce said. “I am convinced to this day that I saw my guardian angel that day.” Bryce Johnson was officially taken as a prisoner of war (POW) on June 26, 1944.

In a serenely quiet voice Bryce ends our visit with, “The Lord is good and his mercy endures forever.”

VETERANTO A

At times chuckling, and at other times misty eyed, Bryce told many stories of tragedies, successes and near misses; the stories of war. I noticed a change in his voice when he started to talk about one particular flying mission. He was describing the plane and its occupants so vividly that I felt like I was sitting right there. The plane had already lost one engine earlier that day, and now they were preparing for an attack. He described every detail; how he watched the 12 enemy planes make a formation to turn back at them. He explained how he anxiously waited for them to get within range before he took a shot. “I ran off a few shots in short spurts,” Bryce said. “But you can’t fire steady, you see, the barrel will get too hot and melt.” Their plane was wounded and lost two more engines and the crew knew what that meant. Everyone was in a busy array of getting prepared, changing shoes and readying jump equipment. Amidst all of the turmoil, Bryce heard someone call his name. He removed his helmet to look up, and there stood the radio operator with his parachute spread out around him on the floor. He had accidentally released it. “I will never forget the look on his face when the radio operator asked, ‘Can you guys do something about this?’ and I said, you bet I can.” Bryce picked up that parachute and started stuffing it back into his pack, no time for folds. “Out he went, I stood right behind him, I had to know what happened,” Bryce said. “Sure enough, it was a streamer. The pilot chute caught enough wind to pull it straight up, but it didn’t open.” My heart sank as I listened to details about the wind, the speed and momentum. Each jerked the radio operator around, opening the chute a little more until it was completely open. Dangerously close to the ground, Bryce was last to jump. “I dived out of the cabin hatch, and within a second or two my head just exploded, possibly bullets,” Bryce said. “I passed out instantly.” He

TALKDEANNBERNTSON

| ROXY EVANS, CENTRAL OFFICE |

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We have another retirement to announce. Jeff Jung has officially retired after 18 years of service with the Equity. Jeff and his love for antique cars will be missed.

We continue to upgrade and make improvements to our shop. Our goal is to be able to handle, diagnose and repair the newer models of truck, cars and tractors. We have ordered new diagnostic software that will help make it easier and more cost effective to make the appropriate repairs to trucks, trailers, ABS systems and Cummins engines.

Our tire shop continues to produce at a high level. The new staff is becoming much more familiar with the equipment and the area. In the past, we have had trouble with the

newer, larger wheel styles. We now have a tire balancer that will handle the larger wheel sizes. Tire sales continue to grow, and we have a new lower cost semi tire that has been very successful.

As a matter of housekeeping, we have been working very hard at cleaning up our site and disposing of the large pile of old tires, metal and rubbish that have been stock piled for many years. Our staff has been very diligent about cleaning our site, making it look nicer and creating an environment that is clean and much more efficient.

Please come by and say ‘hi’. Your input is always welcome, as we are here to serve you.

FALL MAINTENANCE| DAVE OGDEN, MANAGER |

Everybody here at Scranton Equity Diamonds Feeds hopes you’re having a great fall. We look forward to fulfilling your livestock needs for the fall and winter.

Your feed needs are very important to us. Help your cows thrive this winter with supplements from Scranton Equity Diamond S Feeds. If you keep them in good condition by feeding our supplements, you are going to have a successful calving season. That will put money in your pocket.

Call Jason in Scranton at 701-275-8102, Bill in Baker at 406-891-1060, Jo in Buffalo at 605-375-3767 or Bryan in Linton at 701-440-6325. Each of them would love to talk with you about your feed needs. Scranton Equity Diamond S Feeds - meeting all of your livestock needs.

| MARLENE TESKE, FEED MANAGER |

Steve Smith has joined our Feed Division staff as our new feed sales manager. Steve grew up on a family ranch, where he developed his love for horses, cattle, sheep and way of life that represents his western heritage. Steve has spent over 35 years in the feed industry, and owned and operated his own feed business in Elko, Nevada. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, with a degree in Ag business. After graduating from college, Steve spent many years with Purina Mills in the Greely, Colorado area.

Steve met his wife Jodi and they have two boys, one of which is named Chad. Chad is a talented custom saddle artisan and leather craftsman. In 1984, Steve left Purina and started his own feed business in Elko, Nevada. His business, Stockman Supply, specialized in veterinary medicine, cattle and sheep feeds, hay, equipment and fertilizer. After over 35 years, Steve’s kids had their own careers, and Steve and Jodi had an opportunity to sell the business.

We are excited at Scranton Equity to have found someone with Steve’s talent, expertise and ambition. Please join us in welcoming Steve and Jodi. If you have any questions or would like Steve to visit your ranch or farm, please give him a call at 701-440-6324.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

FEED DIVISION NEWS

6 2015 FALL NEWSLETTER

FARM &FUEL

Another harvest is in the record books and I hope everyone had a safe, successful harvest. Now you can all kick back, relax and wait for spring. Well on second thought, maybe not.

We have a good supply of posts, gates, corral panels and other fencing supplies for your fall projects. We also carry lumber and Valspar paint®.

IF YOU DO GET SOME TIME OFF, CHECK OUT OUR SUPPLY OF HUNTING VESTS AND AMMUNITION. WE EVEN HAVE SOME FISHING GEAR.

If things go as planned, we will be starting our update on the bulk plant September 28th. After 40 plus years, we need to replace two 10,000 gallon and one 17,000 gallon horizontal tanks for Fieldmaster® diesel. We will replace them with three 27,000 gallon vertical tanks. This will increase our storage capacity by 44,000 gallons and hopefully help us take advantage of lower prices and ensure supplies for spring and harvest work. All new piping and a loading dock are also needed. The loading dock will have fall protection for our drivers’ safety while they are on top of trucks during loading. This will take three to four weeks to complete, so we will be loading out of our Reeder plant until then.

| BOB KROMAREK, MANAGER |

FALL COOKINGCHEESEBURGER SOUPRecipe courtesy of: tasteofhome.com

INGREDIENTS1/2 pound ground beef3/4 cup chopped onion3/4 cup shredded carrots3/4 cup diced celery1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes4 tablespoons butter, divided3 cups chicken broth4 cups diced, peeled potatoes (1-3/4 pounds)1/4 cup all-purpose flour2 cups (8 ounces) processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed1-1/2 cups milk3/4 teaspoon salt1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper1/4 cup sour cream

INSTRUCTIONSIn a 3-qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute the onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.

Yield: 8 servings (2-1/4 quarts)

SCRANTON EQUITY12 Hamiliton St.Scranton, ND 58653

TO SCRANTON EQUITY PATRONS!COMING SOON!Scranton Equity is developing a new website to serve you better. View live futures and cash bids, order your

feed online, check out department specials, log-in to your account, apply for stock credit and more!

Pick up your Scranton Equity and Diamond S Feed 2015 Feed and Product Guide today! Contact one of our

sales reps to get your copy.

2015 FEED & PRODUCT GUIDESCRANTON EQUITY & DIAMOND S FEED

IS NOW AVAILABLE!