Co-Op Connection - Fall 2024

Check out what's going on at Skagit Farmers Supply this fall!

FALL 2024

CO-OP CONNECTION

Pictured here is our newly remodeled Stanwood Country Store. SFS began marketing fuel to members in 1934. Later, we added tractor, automotive and farm supplies. Our modern Country Stores offer solutions to rural living enthusiasts, animal lovers, and homeowners.

CONNECTED TO THE PAST — PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE — Tom Boland, President & CEO

On a recent virtual staff meeting call, Skagit Farmers Supply (SFS) Controller Jennifer Lundberg reminded the 65 or so attendees that the end of the fiscal year was approaching on September 30th. It was a reminder for managers to make sure to process their invoices, double check inventory,

Amid yet another loud election season, it’s comforting to have familiar rhythms in your life that ground you. Things that connect you to the past even as we plan for the future. Jennifer and her team, along with auditors who the board hired from Moss Adams, are busy finalizing our fiscal 2024 results. Preliminary results indicate our sales are down 3% from our record sales in 2023. Much of that is related to a drop in propane gallons during our mild heating season last winter, and to deflation in fertilizer prices. Our energy department continues to be a workhorse for SFS, despite volumes being down. In agronomy, our fertilizer tons are up over 10% for both

process any shrink (damaged or otherwise unsaleable merchandise), and to prepare for the upcoming audit. Our summer employee retreats are over, kids are back in school, and fiscal 2025 budgets are being finalized.

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SKAGITFARMERS.COM

dry and liquid, and manufactured tons for Hawaii are seeing a nice increase as well.

“Wholesale volumes out of AFCO are up 15% and we’re budgeting for similar increases in 2025.”

Wholesale volumes out of AFCO are up 15% and we’re budgeting for similar increases in 2025. Production of our proprietary feeds out of the mill in Spokane are up 10% this year. We have a multiyear reinvestment strategy at our mill to add automation. Our plan is nearing completion with the addition of a robotic bagging line to be installed this winter. That line will significantly increase the amount of feed we’ll be able to manufacture with our existing staff. We’ll share more about that investment with you in a future newsletter. Our Country Stores had another solid year with earnings on pace with last year. We won’t hit the records we hit the past two years, but 2024 was another strong year for us and a good reminder of how important it is for us to have diversified business units. We are seeing growth in private equity investments across our economy. Familiar brands have been sold to private equity investors. Some of those are brands we market, and some of those are brands we compete against. Being a locally directed cooperative has never been more relevant as we navigate a changing business environment.

economic cycles and in slower economic cycles, in bear markets and bull markets, despite what is happening in politics, we must focus on our members and customers. Farmers will still fertilize fields, pets will still eat, animals will still be fed, gardens will be planted, and homes will be heated. It’s up to us and our teams to continue to focus on our customers so we can continue to retain their business. It’s still the core of our mission statement. Kelly and I and our oldest son have shared in the nervous excitement of kids getting back to school this fall. Our youngest started high school, and we have a freshman and a sophomore in college. New schedules, teachers and friends can be a challenge for them, yet it’s a great time in our lives. For busy parents, it’s a nice time to reflect on how far they’ve come, and how far we’ve come. It wasn’t too long ago we were there ourselves. It’s a challenge—but a good challenge—to be taken out of your comfort zone every once in a while.

I share with our leadership team that SFS markets services and products that people need. In good

SFS’s float in the 4th of July parade at Oak Harbor. The photo was taken in front of our Oak Harbor Country Store.

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OUR PEOPLE

CONNECTING ACROSS CASCADES: 2024 EMPLOYEE RETREATS — Stephanie Hanson, SFS Human Resources Specialist

We were also excited to welcome Tucker Cool, a professional auctioneer, emcee, and motivational speaker to each retreat. Tucker shared insights on the five generations present in today’s workforce, encouraging us to embrace our differences and foster understanding and collaboration across generations. His presence added a valuable perspective and further strengthened the camaraderie within our teams. These retreats play a crucial role in reinforcing our team’s unity, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing our understanding of what makes our co-op thrive. We look forward to continuing these experiences and building even stronger connections in the year ahead.

This year, we were thrilled to host our annual employee retreats on both the east and west sides of the Cascade Mountain Range. In 2022, we introduced a new tradition of holding these retreats annually on each side, replacing our previous rotation schedule.

On the east side, employees participated in a scavenger hunt organized by Let’s Roam, while those on the west side enjoyed a lively day at Top Golf. These retreats provide invaluable opportunities for our teams to connect, learn, and indulge in some much-deserved fun and relaxation. Our first retreats took place June 26-27, bringing together employees from Oroville, Colville, and Spokane at the Wonder Building in downtown Spokane. The event was marked by delicious food, engaging conversations, and a competitive scavenger hunt. The day concluded on a sweet note with a treat from Ben & Jerry’s, adding the perfect ending to a memorable event. The west-side retreats, held August 14-15, brought our team members together at Top Golf for a day filled with friendly competition and camaraderie. These retreats saw our highest attendance to date, highlighting the appreciation for these gatherings. Each retreat featured updates from Tom Boland, our CEO, as well as informative sessions from Sally Merenz and Erika Steiner on safety, Lloyd Campbell and Melissa Weems on AFCO & LMF, and Mike Hunskor and Stephanie Hanson on human resources updates. Raelene Smillie provided an overview of co-op history and our journey at SFS, highlighting the values that continue to drive our success.

Employees from the AFCO Mill and Distribution Center, plus Safety Sally, helping each other with some clues on the scavenger hunt

Agronomy employees gathered at a golf bay together, taking turns swinging.

CO-OP CONNECTION | 3

OUR PATRONS

HONORING HERITAGE AND THANKING CUSTOMERS — Kris Black, Administrative Manager

The 2024 Customer Appreciation BBQ, celebrating the cooperative’s 90th year in business, was a big hit with both patrons and employees! Live music by Pacific Twang, Sweet Art Cotton Candy, Giggles Entertainment with airbrush face painting, Muggshotz Caricatures, the ever-popular Toppin’s FroYo truck, flowers by Bushel & Bloom, and cakes decorated by “Just Tell Me What You Want…” all added to the festivities. A big shout out to Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, and an appearance from Donkey Kong (thank you Tom Boland for playing along with the theme!) added a little extra fun for kids and adults alike.

We served almost 740 people this year with 250 pounds of salmon, 95 dozen oysters, 825 steaks, 70 pounds of hot dogs, and 140 quarts of salads, plus baked beans, fruits, veggies, chips, dinner rolls and cake! Over 50 employees from both sides of the Cascades (plus a handful of other volunteers) worked hard and had fun serving our guests. They made sure everyone was well taken care of. Thank you to our customers for attending and to everyone who worked so hard to make this annual event a success!

The SFS crew with our traditional pre-BBQ photo.

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Pacific Twang entertains the crowd.

Lynden Manager Doug Lambert waits his turn for Toppins Frozen Yogurt.

Mario Kart driver Joslyn Cassidy and “Donkey Kong” Tom Boland shuttle attendees to the check-in stand.

A busy buffet line.

Retired Energy Manager Bill Markus fills his plate and gets a laugh out of Credit Manager Shannon Perkes.

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REMEMBERING

BOB SWANSON 1944 - 2024

Bob’s familiar smile.

— Ryan Hill, Agronomy Manger

We lost a Skagit County mainstay this summer.

In 2017, after the completion of the new fertilizer plant, Bob transferred back to Burlington where he spent the rest of his career. There, he enjoyed working in a larger shop, with a larger wash pad, and all the acetylene he could torch with! He did everything from small engine repairs to sandblasting our 12-ton nurse boxes and painting them to ensure they lasted for many years to come. Bob’s work ethic was one that set the tone for the SFS agronomy department. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to work. He welcomed new people coming in and helped by lending a hand, while often not realizing those people would learn from his vast knowledge of local ag and its machinery. Bob was very humble and always eager to help wherever possible. He developed several close friendships during his many years with the company. He enjoyed his early morning coffee and cigarette with Charlie Dignum, John Benston, Larry Rygg, Kevin Mendoza, Tom Roorda and more. He was the first to work in the mornings and often the last to leave.

Bob Swanson started working in agriculture at the current site of our Skagit Farmers Supply (SFS) agronomy plant on Avon Allen Road in 1974 when it was operated by Hansen &

Peterson. The business changed hands and names a few times over the years. In 2007, SFS purchased the property and business from UAP (United Agri Products). The plant’s employees, including Bob, became part of our co-op. Bob worked many positions over the years. He served as an applicator driving Loral buggies and spreading dry fertilizer throughout the Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands. He devoted his life to supporting agriculture through the valley where he grew up. He was a staple in the community among local growers and his welcoming smile was often met in return with a hearty handshake and a “How ya doin’, Bob?” He learned the ways of operating a fertilizer plant and became someone we leaned on when problems arose. Bob could listen to a leg running full of fertilizer and tell you exactly what was wrong with it and how to fix it. He had a mechanical mindset that many of us relied on to understand the complexities of the equipment we operate every day. During his days with UAP, Bob would work in the warehouse, mix fertilizers, operate heavy equipment, and much more. After SFS acquired UAP in 2007, Bob transitioned to Conway where he maintained the equipment and small engines that the co-op loaned to our customers.

Bob will be deeply missed as a co-worker and friend.

SFS hosted about 120 family and friends for a memorial service to Bob Swanson, held at our Burlington agronomy plant on Aug. 18, 2024. Many current and former employees were present.

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AGRONOMY

WINTER MEETING SCHEDULE — Jon Jarvis, Agronomy Sales Manager

We may be waiting for the 2024 crop harvest to kick off in earnest, but the agronomy department’s fall/winter meeting schedule is fully underway. We have a lot of exciting events that we will be hosting for our growers. We have been busy setting up venues, lining up speakers/topics,

Skagit Farmers Supply, our board of directors has been extremely supportive of hosting these meetings every year. The value and information that we provide at these meetings is something that is simply not being done by our local competitors. It is one more way that we can achieve our vision statement of being the premier cooperative in the Pacific Northwest by being the producer’s first choice.

ordering food, and laying out agendas for months now. These events have been very well attended over the years and are very popular with our local growers. Many of our members look forward to attending these events every year. From learning more about the latest corn varieties at our Corn Plot Field Days to being introduced to the latest trends and technologies in agriculture at our annual Grower Education Meeting, there is a lot of value provided to our producer- members at these events. There are so many challenges that our local growers face every day including increasing land values, shortages of labor, high input prices, skyrocketing equipment prices, changing public perception and increased scrutiny, fewer available chemistries for crop management, increased competition from foreign markets, ever-changing technologies, increased regulation, complicated farm succession planning, unpredictable weather conditions, and many more. Our goal with these meetings is to present our growers with solutions designed to combat some of these challenges. Present at these meetings, we will have numerous industry experts who can provide insight and help for attendees. Sometimes they may introduce a new technology or crop option. Other times, they may present a product that increases nutrient efficiency while reducing chemical or fertilizer usage for that farm or producer. We are committed to helping our producer- members grow more with less.

FALL & WINTER EVENTS INVITES WILL BE SENT OUT BEFORE EACH EVENT: SEPTEMBER 18: Skagit Corn Plot Field Day SEPTEMBER 19: Whatcom Corn Plot Field Day OCTOBER 4: Lynden Customer Appreciation BBQ NOVEMBER 6: Corn and Forage Education Summit DECEMBER 12-13: Grower Education Meeting FEBRUARY 11-12: Grower Recertification Meetings

Group shot at our annual Grower Recertification Meetings in February 2024.

As preserving and enhancing viability of the local agriculture economy is one of the key objectives of

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GROWER SPOTLIGHT

Allstar Hydroseed: BIRTHED IN FIREHOUSE

— Brianna Hackler, Graphic & Multimedia Specialist

For Paul Jensen and Chad Gustafson, running a successful business boils down to some key skills they learned as firefighters. “We’ve taken our fire department philosophy of customer service and put that at the forefront of our business,” Jensen said. “We answer our phones, we keep our rigs nice and shiny, we show up when we’re supposed to, and we just communicate.” Jensen and Gustafson have owned and operated Allstar Hydroseeding in Stanwood since 2004. The two worked together as firefighters in King County, and after several years, they wanted to find something to do with their spare time. The two did some research and came across hydroseeding.

“We put our heart and soul into this company, and we have a good reputation.”

- Paul Jensen

They purchased a small truck for the business from Arlington and have been going ever since.

“We ran the wheels off that small truck the first couple years,” Jensen said, adding that the business grew quickly as the men made connections and networked in the area. Today, Allstar Hydroseeding is one of the largest hydroseeding companies north of Seattle. The company has yard locations in Stanwood and Snohomish, and four full time employees, including Jensen as president and Gustafson as vice president. As they ramp up for their busy season this fall, Allstar will bring on a handful of part-time employees to keep up with demand. Jensen describes the hydroseeding process as a “mini greenhouse.” It is a planting process in which seed, wood mulch, fertilizer, water and tackifier are blended into a slurry that is sprayed onto dirt. The mulch holds

Hydroseeding blends seed, wood mulch, fertilizer, water and tackifier into a slurry that is sprayed onto dirt. The hydroseeding process creates a “mini greenhouse” that holds moisture and heat while protecting the seed.

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Owners Paul Jensen and Chad Gustafson opened Allstar Hydroseed in Stanwood in 2004. Today, they serve customers from Seattle north to Bellingham.

moisture and heat while protecting the seed, and then breaks down to form a natural fertilizer for the seed.

Where hand seeding has about a 30 percent germination rate, due to disruption from rain, birds and a slower germination time, hydroseeding has more than a 90 percent germination rate and grows much faster, Jensen said. Allstar Hydroseed has a wide variety of customers, from residential homeowners and contractors to NAS Whidbey and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Over the years, jobs have included nature conservancies, landfills, reclamation sites, SeaTac and Bellingham airports, wetland restoration and roadside erosion prevention.

Hydroseeding has a more than 90 percent germination rate, compared to hand seeding, which has about a 30 percent germination rate.

“We really do it all,” Jensen said. “No job is too small. I’ve done jobs as big as my pickup to 200 acres.”

Autumn marks the start of busy season for Allstar. Many construction teams work throughout the summer and either need ground cover to complete the job or need to cover dirt for the winter to prevent erosion.

Some of the company’s most notable jobs have included nature conservancies, landfills, reclamation sites, SeaTac and Bellingham airports, wetland restoration and roadside erosion prevention.

One of the early challenges for the company was sourcing materials.

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CO-OP CONNECTION | 9

“Before, getting material was a tough thing. Then I discovered Skagit Farmers, and you guys are right up the highway—easy,” Jensen said. Now, Allstar Hydroseeding buys fertilizer and some seed from SFS. “Fertilizer, special blends—Skagit (Farmers Supply) can do that special stuff we need.” Today, the biggest challenge for the company has been scheduling, Jensen said. During the busy season, the crew will book about two weeks out, although they try to get to customers as quickly as possible. “We put our heart and soul into this company, and we have a good reputation,” Jensen said. “We’ve grown the way we have because we’ve had really good customer service, and I believe we have really good relationships with our customers.” Jensen’s son, Hunter, and Gustafson’s son, Taylor, also work for the business. Jensen said he sees the younger generation taking over Allstar someday.

For now though, the Allstar team is enjoying taking care of their customers and providing quality work.

“It all comes down to customer service,” Jensen said. “I want them to feel like they got good service, good value, and I want them to come back and use Allstar Hydroseeding again.”

Allstar Hydroseed has a wide variety of customers, from residential homeowners to contractors.

Co-owner Paul Jensen with employees Hunter Venturo and Jared Penry pose in front of the Allstar Hydroseeding trucks at a short plat housing development site in Lake Stevens, WA.

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ENERGY

CHECK TANK LEVELS BEFORE WINTER

— Ryan Nootenboom, Energy Manager

Temperatures have cooled off and our mornings are greeted with a low-hanging cloud cover. Our propane winter season will soon be here. Skagit Farmers Supply (SFS) has continued to invest in cellular propane tank monitors

CAP-AND-TRADE UPDATES The SFS fuel department continues to navigate the cap-and- trade program established in January of 2023. Since then, farmers and truckers may have been eligible for exemptions from the program if they paid the CCA fees at the time they purchased their fuel. This past August, our state’s department of licensing launched the Agricultural Support Program (ASP). We’ve received many calls about the program’s online application for credit if you paid the state’s carbon fee on fuel used in agriculture. Customers who qualify for ASP and have paid these fees are encouraged to apply and submit gallons they purchased in 2023 to receive rebates. NOTE: SFS has delivered farm fuel to customers who have their exemption paperwork in place and have not paid the carbon fees. These gallons would not qualify for the ASP. Questions as to whether you qualify? Call us at 360-757-6053.

to ensure your propane tanks are filled and avoid any tanks running out. Over the past three years, we have installed over 5,500 monitors. This investment covers 30% of our 20,000 propane tanks that we have identified as higher usage tanks, commercial routes and difficult-to-reach areas. If you are a will-call propane customer or on our regular scheduled delivery (RSD), this is a great time to check those tank levels. If you are at or below 30%, give us a call or visit our web page and place your order online.

This crane truck sets about 300 new propane tanks annually. SFS markets propane to homeowners, businesses, and farmers across Skagit, Island, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties.

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COMMUNITY

SFS AWARDS 11 “CAREERS IN AG” SCHOLARSHIPS

— Raelene Smillie, Company Administrator

Skagit Farmers Supply (SFS) began a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in agriculture in 1991. Since then, 138 scholarships have been awarded. The names on many of those scholarships read like an almanac of farming families in the Skagit Valley. They testify to the impact SFS has had on rural communities throughout the region. Awarding scholarships continues to be one way our co-op can promote agriculture for future generations.

Students can qualify for a scholarship each year of their two-or four-year education by submitting an application by April 1 of each year. Renewal applications are available for those students who have previously been awarded a “Career In Agriculture” scholarship. Both applications may be obtained at SKAGITFARMERS.COM

In the spring of 2024, our committee awarded $1,500 scholarships to 11 recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year—the highest amount ever.

One local student is receiving the scholarship for a third year and another student for a second year. Renewals of these scholarships are available for up to four years of continuing education, provided a renewal application is submitted each year. The renewal applications support the value of education as they show the students’ increased knowledge in and passion for the agricultural industry. Stephen Breckenridge and Macoy Reiber were awarded renewal scholarships. Daisy Bobadilla, Maia Deebach, Addison DeJong, Haylee Frizzell, Samantha Holling, Duncan Parks, Dakota Ramirez, Katelyn Vander Veen and Daniel Waltner have all been awarded first time “Career in Agriculture” scholarships.

Students can qualify for a scholarship each year of their two-or four-year education by submitting an application by April 1 of each year. Renewal applications are available for those students who have previously been awarded a “Career In Agriculture” scholarship. Both applications may be obtained at www.skagitfarmers.com

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STEPHEN BRECKENRIDGE Stephen, son of John Breckenridge and Jennifer Schuh, is entering his fourth year of studies at Washington State University majoring in Agricultural Technology and Production Management. A 2021 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Stephen continues to be very involved in Schuh Farms and is looking forward to applying what he has learned regarding crop genetics and modern technology and equipment to continue to improve and expand the family’s agricultural operations.

MACOY REIBER Macoy is enrolled in his second year of studies at Lewis-Clark State College in the Applied Science Diesel Technology program. Macoy is the son of Eric and Jayme Marie Reiber of Pullman, WA. Living in an apartment connected to the Lewiston Livestock Market, Macoy is employed by the stockyards, working the stock sales as well as performing maintenance and repair duties. Macoy and his brother raise Wagyu cattle and have their own brand, M2 Livestock. He wrote with excitement about diagnosing and repairing a Massey Ferguson loader tractor with an injector problem and rebuilding hydraulic cylinders for a John Deere 310D backhoe in one of his classes. He is involved with the Career and Technical Education program for students and continues his involvement with the local Cattleman’s Association.

DAISY BOBADILLA Daisy, a 2024 graduate of Tonasket High School, is attending the University of Idaho as a freshman in the Agriculture Business program. The daughter of Cesar and Veronica (Bobadilla-Castro), Daisy has been an integral part of a beef cattle ranch for the past several years. Assisting in all aspects of the business from rounding up cattle, assisting with vaccinations, calving, etc., has fed Daisy’s interest in the beef industry. She plans on being involved in cattle operations and sales as a career. Continued on next page

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MAIA DEEBACH Maia is beginning her college studies in Ag Education at Corban University in Salem, OR. Involved in all aspects of FFA throughout her high school years, her career goal is to become an agriculture teacher, following in the footsteps of her father, who has taught agriculture for 28 years at Tonasket High School. Growing up on a small farm, she learned at an early age about the work involved, both in raising alfalfa and animals. That fueled her passion for learning and teaching. Maia, daughter of Matthew and Tara Deebach, held leadership positions in FFA and was involved in sports during high school. In addition to her studies, she will be playing soccer for Corban. ADDISON DEJONG Addison is the daughter of Jeffrey and Kelly DeJong, of Lynden, WA. A graduate of Lynden Christian High School, Addison is enrolled at Dordt University in Sioux City, IA, studying Ag Business. Addison has been very involved in 4H and FFA, serving as officers in each organization and competing at the FFA National Convention. Passionate about the dairy industry, she plans to return to Whatcom County as a fifth-generation farmer, to help run the family dairy farm. SAMANTHA HOLLING Samantha, a graduate of Oakesdale High School, grew up in Fairfield, WA. Daughter of Casey and Miranda Holling, she was president of her high school class, Honor Society and her FFA Chapter. She is attending the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID, majoring in Ag Business and wants to work directly with farmers in her future career. She is interested in animal science and ag research as well. Her family farming operation is very involved with the agricultural cooperatives in the area. HALEY FRIZZELL Haley, the daughter of Travis Frizzell, is from Valley, WA. She graduated from Jenkins JR/SR High School in Chewelah, WA. Haley grew up raising a wide variety of livestock and continued her involvement with agriculture through FFA, holding positions of leadership in that organization. Haley has appreciation for the cooperative business model as her FFA advisor was very involved in the 2022 formation of the Columbia Community Creamery in Chewelah. He educated his students on the workings of a cooperative. Enrolled at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, Haley’s course of study is Ranch Management. She has a goal of returning as a fourth-generation rancher and opening a butcher shop to market her family’s beef.

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KATELYN VANDER VEEN Katelyn, daughter of Tim and Mindy Vander Veen of Lynden, recently graduated from Lynden Christian High School. She is currently enrolled at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR where she is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Sciences to achieve her career goals of working in the agriculture industry. During the pandemic, Katelyn assisted in the installation of robotic milkers. She gained invaluable knowledge in both the technology side and the troubleshooting aspects of the new equipment and uses that knowledge to help in her family’s dairy business. Katelyn competed in both State and National FFA competitions in Farm Business Management and Dairy Quality and Product Evaluation events. DANIEL WALTNER Daniel has begun his higher education at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. The son of Brian and Cristina Waltner of Mount Vernon, Daniel graduated from La Conner High School and participated in the running start program at Skagit Valley College. He will earn his degree in Business/Food and Agribusiness Management and Marketing and looks forward to utilizing his education to expand and grow the family farm in the Skagit Valley. Daniel has worked many jobs on the farm from working the berries, machine operator, shop assistant, fork-lift operator, potato truck driver, mowing, raking hay and balancing cash receipts for the produce stands. The nature and variety of work is one of the reasons Daniel wants a career in agriculture. DAKOTA RAMIREZ Dakota graduated from Arlington High School and Sno-Isle Skills Center this past spring where she participated in the veterinary assistant program. She is now attending Skagit Valley College before transferring to a university where she can complete her degree in Animal Science and enter vet school. Dakota plans to work as a large animal veterinarian. She is the daughter of Joseph and Jessica Silicio, Stanwood, WA. During high school, Dakota assisted in riding lessons, grooming, cleaning stalls and feeding over 40 horses at a local horse ranch. A member of 4H and several horse-related organizations, she participated in barrel racing, pole bending and western games. Dakota also served in an internship with the Arlington Animal Hospital. DUNCAN PARKS Duncan is the son of Jamie and Melanie Parks. Graduating from Lynden High School, Duncan is now attending Montana State University where he studies ag business and accounting. His exposure to agriculture began seven years ago when his family moved to Whatcom County to live and work on a raspberry farm. He was able to learn about berry farming by working at a variety of jobs on the farm. Most recently, he worked with the agronomy team, scouting for pests and running irrigation on 1,300 acres of berries. An active member of FFA, Duncan participated in Parliamentary Procedure, Dairy Judging and Ag Issues. Valuing the community, hard work and passion required to succeed in agriculture shaped his decision to pursue a career in business agriculture.

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1833 PARK LANE • PO BOX 266 BURLINGTON, WA 98233-0266

360.757.6053 • 888.757.6053 WWW.SKAGITFARMERS.COM

MISSION STATEMENT

VISION STATEMENT

To preserve and enhance viability of the local agriculture economy through cooperative profitability.

To be the premier cooperative in the Pacific Northwest by being: • The producers’ first choice • The consumers’ first choice • The employees’ first choice

Customer Commitment People Integrity Performance Quality Safety Community

DIRECTORY

MAIN OFFICE–BURLINGTON 360.757.6053 AFCO DISTRIBUTION & MILLING 800.538.8700 AGRONOMY–CONWAY 360.445.5015 AGRONOMY–LYNDEN 360.755.3615

AGRONOMY–BURLINGTON 360.757.7870 ENERGY–MAIN OFFICE 360.757.6053 PETROLEUM & PROPANE DELIVERY 360.757.6053 // 888.757.6053 EMERGENCY 360.209.0310

COUNTRY STORES Burlington ..........................360.757.4055 Colville .................................509.684.2232 Freeland ..............................360. 331.1970 Mount Vernon ...................360.424.4207 Oak Harbor ........................360.675.2277 Oroville ................................509.560.7088 Sedro Woolley ................360.856.6567 Spokane Central ..............509.534.1412 Stanwood ...........................360.629.7033 Stevensville (MT)............. 406.777.5527

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