Page 14 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 9-23-2015

Ag./BusinessPage 14 • Sept. 23, 2015 Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter

On behalf of Christine DeLong and the Staff of Cutting Opinions vary on volume
Edge Fitness, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks
to all the individuals who donated their time & talents; and value of soybean crop
and the individuals & merchants who generously donated
raffle prizes & money to the Christine DeLong Medical By Aaron Putze, Iowa Soybean Association
Fund. Who farmers choose to listen to will greatly influence their perspective about
The benefit, held August 30th, 2015 was a big success that the size and value of this year’s soybean crop.
would not have been possible without your support! As harvest season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Agri-
cultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released Sept. 11 did little to
Thank You add clarity to turbulence in the grain trade.
“This is an adjustment period,” said Grant Kimberley, Iowa Soybean Associa-
Create a Tom Alexander tion director of market development. “Nothing on the horizon says we’re going to
Financial Plan Financial Consultant have a dramatic turnaround in prices, and two back-to-back years of record global
production is driving that.”
Securities America Kimberley expects the harvested acres numbers, which have not changed
Member FINRA/SIPC since August, to shrink due to wet weather across the state.
“Rain makes grain to a certain point, but as farmers know, too much precipi-
641-357-7106 tation makes mud and disease,” said Kimberely. Disease has come on strong in the
888-357-7106 last couple weeks in certain pockets. That’s not always easy to see from the road
but could add to the variability of yields farmers notice when harvest gets rolling.”
Located at Clear Lake Bank & Trust Oilseed consultant John Baize was not surprised at the projected soybean
322 Main Ave • PO Box 8, Clear Lake numbers. He’s seen quality soybean fields, particularly in northwest Iowa - per-
haps some of the best he’s ever seen.
[email protected] “I think yields are high and we’re going to have a big crop,” Baize said. “The
www.investmentcenterclearlake.com problem will be next year. South America had a big year as well as Brazil is export-
ing beans at a record pace. How are we going to move these beans out of the U.S.
Not FDIC/NCUA Insured. May Lose Value. No Bank Guarantee the next 12 months.”
Not a Deposit. Not insured by any Federal Government Agency. Kimberely said China will continue to be a buyer. How much? That’s the
billion-dollar question.
Securities offered through Securities America Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, Tom Alexander, Representative. “While China’s economic growth has slowed, it’s still growth,” he said. “Keep
Investment Center and the Securities America Companies are unaffiliated. in mind that even a five percent growth in China’s economy is still nearly double
the growth expected in many other developed nations.”
Residential • Commercial But demand isn’t enough to keep prices above breakeven for U.S. soybean Oakwood hosts event
Complete Recycling Services farmers.
Domestic grain prices are being pressured by the strong value of the U.S. dol- Oakwood Care Center and Courtyard Independent & Assisted Living, owned
1 Yd. to 42 Yd. Containers lar in contrast to the weakening Brazilian Real. and operated by ABCM Corporation, celebrated National Grandparents’ Day
“The combination is being felt by U.S. farmers in the form of lower soybean with a classic car show, musical entertainment and meal. This event was also a
ABSOLUTE WASTE prices,” Kimberely noted. kick off to National Assisted Living Week. “2 men and a guitar,” a band from
REMOVAL Baize said if today’s yield and production estimates are correct and Brazil’s Iowa Falls, played classic hits from the 50s. Area classic car owners displayed
currency devaluation continues in combination with the strong U.S. dollar, soy- their amazing gems at the car show. Grandchildren were encouraged to partici-
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED bean prices could dip below $8 per bushel. pate in 50’s games such as hoola hoop, hop scotch and many more fun activities.
“The real crunch will come in February when Brazil’s harvest begins. In the It was an afternoon of fun, reminiscing and family time. -Submitted photo
Proudly serving the Clear Lake area meantime, poor weather conditions in key growing areas or a decline in soybean
plantings in Brazil brought on by farmers not wanting to plant a crop that they
(641) 357-4517 • (800) 357-1042 they’ll lose money on could change some of the dynamics.
Kimberely said that the net effect of market reports and forecasts is that fixed
Email: [email protected] and variable costs will need to decline. CLB&T named a winner of
“No one is expecting a significant pop in grain prices any time soon,” he
SPECIAL DEAL! said. “So farmers will need to cut back expenses for the foreseeable future. Iowa Top Workplace Award
A closer look at the WASDE numbers: Clear Lake Bank & Trust Com-
25Oil Change $ 99 •U.S. soybean production is 83.5 million acres, unchanged from August fore- pany has been named a 2015 Top Iowa zational health. And who better to ask
& Filter cast. Workplace by the Des Moines Regis- about work life than the people who
•U.S. soybean export increased by 10 million bushels to 1.835 billion bush- ter for the fifth consecutive year in the live the culture every day—the employ-
Includes standard 5 quarts of conventional oil and filter, inside vacuum, els. small employers category. Across com- ees. Time and time again, our research
window wash, and 21 point maintenance inspection •U.S. soybean yield is 47.1 bushels an acre, up 0.2 bpa from August. panies large and small throughout the has proven that what’s most important
•U.S. soybean for 2015 ending stocks are projected at 210 million bushels. state, Clear Lake Bank & Trust is one to them is a strong belief in where the
Servicing all car & truck makes & models •The soybean domestic ending stocks outlook for the 2015/16 crop year was of only 13 to have received this recog- organization is headed, how it’s going
FREE Pick Up & Delivery lowered by 20 million bushels to 450 million bushels, reflecting a cut to beginning nition annually since the award’s incep- to get there, and the feeling that ev-
in Clear Lake & Ventura stocks as well as increased demand from crushers. The 2014/15 soy end stocks tion. eryone is in it together. Claffey adds,
Call to schedule your view was lowered to 210 million bushels from 240 million bushels due to higher The Top Workplaces lists are “Without this sense of connection, an
appointment today exports as well as crushings. based solely on the results of an em- organization doesn’t have a shot at be-
*Globally, USDA lowered ending stocks to 85 mmt, down 1.9 mmt from ployee feedback survey administered ing named a Top Workplace.”
2101 2nd Ave. S., Clear Lake last month, on reduced production in Ukraine and Canada. USDA also lowered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a lead- “We spend a significant amount
old-crop ending stocks to 78.7 mmt from last month’s estimate of 80.6 mmt. ing research firm that specializes in of time and energy in our recruitment
357-1941 To learn more about ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com. organizational health and workplace process,” Mark Hewitt, president and
improvement. Several aspects of work- CEO, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Com-
FOOTBALL & LIFE Expo comes to Clear Lake Sept. 26 place culture were measured, including pany, said. ““We believe this process
VOLLEYBALL! alignment, execution, and connection. helps put the right people in the right
Mark your calendars for an excit- inspirational speaker and singer from “The Top Workplaces award is not places, which ultimately results in a
Play by Play On-Air and ing new event which is coming to Clear Clear Lake who has produced two al- a popularity contest. And oftentimes, great experience for the customer, the
Streamed on Lake on Saturday, Sept. 26. It is called bums and appeared at the Iowa State people assume it’s all about fancy perks employee and the bank.”
the LIFE Expo. Fair. Her music features country, con- and benefits.” says Doug Claffey, CEO Founded in 1934, Clear Lake
www.kiow.com or on our Mobile App The purpose of the LIFE Expo is temporary, and gospel. Denise offers an of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Bank & Trust is a full service bank with
“to inform and inspire people to mean- inspiring message with an approach of Top Workplace, organizations must four locations in Clear Lake, Garner,
(download the free app for your smartphone or iPad on GooglePlay or iTunes) ingfully connect within their commu- gratitude and humor toward life. meet our strict standards for organi- and Mason City. Clear Lake Bank &
nities”. We want to help people discover The LIFE Expo will be held at Trust employs 82 people.
on KIOW FM 107.3 their passion and purpose by featuring the HUB, 501 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake
Friday, September 25 exhibitors who will offer ideas for par- (the former bakery building) on Sept. MC Farm to Fork Dinner set for Sept. 30
ticipation within the community. You 26, from 12 ­-3 p.m. The expo is free The 2015 Mason City Farm
FB Estherville-Lincoln Central at Forest City, 7:30 p.m. will be able to learn about classes to of charge. Prizes will be given away and to Fork Dinner will take place on The Decker House B & B.
FB North Iowa at Clarksville, 9:30 p.m. take, clubs to join, activities in which to food will be available for a free will do- Wednesday, Sept. 30. Seatings are “This is a one of a kind dinner,”
participate, volunteer experiences, and nation. available at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each remarked Chef Kurt, of 1910 Grille,
Game of the Week services that are provided within your Don’t miss this opportunity to course will be made from local ingre- “All food preparers build off of the
community. Whether you’re new to the meet new people and discover new ac- dients with products coming from base of their usual menu items, but
Saturday, September 26 community, interested in finding ways tivities, classes, clubs, services, and vol- more than 10 North Iowa producers. with a dinner like this, we have a lot
to connect, ready for fresh experiences, unteer experiences within your com- Producers will be on hand to intro- of creative opportunity to take those
FB Waldorf at Buena Vista University, 7:00 p.m. or just want to be entertained, the LIFE munity! duce themselves and their products. items to a new level.”
expo is for you. The LIFE Expo is being organized The dinner will start at Mason “The experience of such great
Tuesday, September 29 There will also be a panel of speak- by Opportunity Village and United to City Brewing with the appetizer, pre- food is the heart of Farm to Fork Din-
ers at the LIFE Expo who have insight Serve with Passion and Purpose. pared by Hy-Vee West. Continue to ners.” said Andrea Evelsizer, Program
V-Ball Bishop Garrigan at Forest City, 7:30 p.m. about serving your community with Direct any inquiries to Michael 1910 Grille at the Historic Park Inn Coordinator for Health Harvest of
passion and purpose. Our headlin- Mahaffey at 641­-355-­1231 or Brad where Chef Kurt will serve Grilled North Iowa, co-sponsor of the dinner.
on KHAM B103.1 ing entertainer is Denise Shipler, an Barber at 641­-425­-0431. Ostrich and Pumpkin-Caramelized Tickets are $65 per person, avail-
Friday, September 25 Red Onion Ravioli for the main en- able online at www.northiowafood.
tree. Wrap it up with scrumptious org or at the Historic Park Inn, or by
FB Nashua-Plainfield at West Hancock, 7 p.m. desserts and coffee by Sally Pressly, at calling the Park Inn at 641-422-0015.
For more information, visit www.nor-
thiowafood.org.