Milt Handcock | Senior Vice President, Energy & Feed
605-225-5500 | www.agtegra.com
Agtegra
FROM THE CEO
JASON KLOOTWYK JASON.KLOOTWYK@AGTEGRA.COM
Hello!
Spring is quickly approaching, offering all the promise of a fresh growing season! The Agtegra team is looking forward to the coming agronomy season and is ready to service your farm and family. We have been hard at work getting inventory in position and readying our equipment for what will hopefully be a great planting season for our customers. Much thought has gone into making sure we have the right mix of products to service every acre, including a strong lineup of our traditional branded products as well as some newer generic crop inputs for those acres that require a solution with a different price point.
While we look ahead to spring and welcome warmer days, I would be remiss if I did not thank our team for the tremendous work they did servicing our customers’ needs this fall. Agtegra had our second record harvest in a row, and our team put in many long hours trying to stay ahead of the never-ending line of trucks. Many locations set volume records. With the lack of a reliable soybean export market, we pivoted to selling more corn trains during harvest. Despite that shift, we still ended the season with a record amount of grain stored in emergency piles and bunkers.
I am proud of the team for recognizing in the fall of 2024 the potential for the largest corn crop our region has ever seen, which culminated in the Agtegra Board of Directors approving several space and speed projects to help service this demand. We know there is still much work to do, and with two huge crops behind us, we have identified the next capacity bottlenecks in our system and are working on remedying them. I want to thank everyone for their patience this fall as the team worked to handle the massive crop.
While much uncertainty remains in the global markets, our business partners at EGT have done a great job helping find effective markets to export our corn surplus and make sure Agtegra was first in line when opportunities to sell soybeans did materialize. We had a significant grain drying season as well, and the people that work in our energy division were successful in keeping us and our customers’ dryers full of fuel during harvest.
As I wrap up this spring letter, I wanted to share that much of the past year has been internally focused, with time spent on improving our processes, procedures and overall operations. We are not perfect, and much remains to be done, but we are on the right path. This includes being mindful of expenses and trimming where it makes sense to do so. As the industry evolves through these challenging times, it does appear that we are on the verge of another wave of growth — some of it coming quickly. I am very excited about what the future holds for Agtegra and for our member-owners.
Thank you for your business, and happy planting!
STEVE PFEIFER
retires after 15 years of service to Agtegra
Cooperative's Board of Directors
ForSteve Pfeifer, farming is so much more than caring for the land and livestock — it's about being able to pass that love for the land to the next generation. His belief in the future of agriculture is also reflected in his commitment to helping the next generation understand the importance of agricultural cooperatives, which he demonstrated in his 15 years of service to Agtegra Cooperative's Board of Directors.
In 2010, Steve was elected to the South Dakota Wheat Growers Board and continued to serve as a director for Agtegra. He also served 12 years on the McLaughlin Cenex Board of Directors, including five years as President, two years on the Hettinger Advisory Board and two years on his church council.
Steve was recognized for his years of service to the board at the 2025 Agtegra Cooperative Annual Meeting of the Members on December 17 in Aberdeen. Board President Rick Osterday thanked Steve for his dedication to the cooperative on behalf of the board, delegate council, management and Agtegra
employees during the meeting.
"Steve has remained steadfast in his support of the family farm, the backbone of agriculture and the heart of our rural communities. His years of service and the legacy he leaves behind are deeply appreciated," Rick said.
Steve and his wife, Deb, have built a cow-calf operation and raised wheat, corn, soybeans and a variety of hay crops over the years on their farm outside of McLaughlin, South Dakota.
"My great-grandfather came over here from Russia and started farming this land after the government opened the area for settlements," Steve said.
As the fourth generation on his family farm, Steve has witnessed many transitions in both farming and the economy over the years.
"When my wife and I started this thing, I only had $375 in my checking account. But at the time, I had more money than I ever had before," Steve said.
"Generational success means being able to transfer the assets you've created your whole life to the next generation and be wealthy with it, and then to have them create wealth with it, too."
- Steve Pfeifer
Steve, his wife, two of their daughters, and their grandkids.
Front row: Ashley Terhark, Steve and Deb Pfeifer, Arron Krogh.
Back row: Axel Krogh, Gwyn and, Grayce Terhark and Hannah Krogh.
"Steve has dedicated his life not only to his family farm but also to the cooperative and the agricultural community he cares deeply about. As Steve retires from the Board of Directors, his leadership and commitment leave a lasting mark. His vision—to ensure excellent customer service in grain and agronomy and to keep producers' needs at the forefront—has strengthened the cooperative and supported its mission. His dedication to helping today's youth understand the value of cooperatives reflects his belief in the future of agriculture."
- Rick Osterday Agtegra Board President
The Pfeifer family brands cattle on a sunny December morning on the farm near McLaughlin, SD.
Steve addresses attendees at the 2025 Agtegra annual meeting in December while Board President Rick Osterday thanks him for his years of service.
Today, Steve and Deb manage their 1,000-head cattle operation, while their two daughters and their families oversee the day-to-day work on the crop side of the farm. Their daughter Ashley and her husband Justin have two kids: Gwyn and Grayce. Their daughter Arron and her husband Zach also have two kids: Axel and Hannah.
"My grandkids are the sixth generation to farm here — not everyone can say that," Steve said.
Steve not only takes pride in having Ashley’s and Arron’s families involved in the farm, but also in his ability to keep the operation going
through difficult periods, such as drought years or the farm crisis of the 1980s.
"It would be nice to be able to show my grandfather what the farm looks like today," Steve said.
Steve loves being able to share his passion for farming and ranching with his daughters, their husbands and his grandchildren, passing down the knowledge and experience he’s gained over his many years on the farm.
"We're all on the same path, but sometimes, the kids have to choose the bumpy path and learn along the
way," Steve said.
He's also passed down his passion for cooperative governance on to Ashley, as she was elected to Agtegra's delegate council at the 2025 annual meeting.
When reflecting on his time on Agtegra's board, Steve noted how much he will miss the camaraderie between board members.
"As a board, we got a lot done," Steve said. "And I just hope that I made a difference in somebody's life."
Justin and Ashley Terhark, Steve and Deb Pfeifer, Arron and Zach Krogh
ON THE HORIZON: AGTEGRA TO BUILD ABERDEEN TRAVEL CENTER
Agtegra Cooperative is building a place where neighbors, families and travelers can connect, fuel up and feel at home by constructing a new Travel Center on the east side of Aberdeen. Located at the corner of U.S. Highway 12 and Brown County 14, the Travel Center will serve everyone from truckers to local families on the go.
“This Travel Center is about creating a place that feels like family. It’s more than a stop along the highway — it’s a space that will welcome travelers while giving back to the farmers and ranchers who built this cooperative. Every gallon pumped there will strengthen our member equity and reinforce our commitment to the people who make this community strong.”
- Jason Klootwyk, Agtegra CEO
The state-of-the-art Travel Center will offer a variety of services, including fresh-made meals, clean amenities and well-lit gas and diesel pumps with easy access for trucks and farm equipment.
“This Travel Center is about more than convenience — it’s about connection,” said Milt Handcock, Agtegra Senior Vice President of Energy. “This new Travel Center will be a place where travelers and community members cross paths, catch up and feel right at home.”
Construction is starting soon, with doors expected to open in late 2026.
The Travel Center will be located on the corner of Brown County 14 and U.S. Highway 12 in Aberdeen.
in memory of Wally Knock
Wallace "Wally" Knock passed away on Sunday, January 4, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Wally served over 20 years on Agtegra Cooperative's Board of Directors, in addition to a multitude of other community, state and national boards and organizations throughout his career. His servant leadership style led him to receive many recognitions, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Farmer Co-op Director of the Year in 2024, South Dakota State University Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family and Community in 2025 as well as being the 100th inductee into the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Hall of Fame in 2025.
Characterized by unwavering commitment, visionary thinking and tireless advocacy for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities, Wally’s life and career exemplified the essence of cooperative leadership. His influence across South Dakota’s cooperative landscape was built on the foundation of a life lived in service — anchored in values, shaped by experience and driven by a clear vision for the future of rural communities.
Wally will be greatly missed by the Agtegra Cooperative family.
2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Agtegra Cooperative held its annual member meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, where leaders announced the director and delegate election results and discussed the cooperative’s 2025 performance and vision for the future. Delegate and director election results can be found on the following two pages.
2025 FISCAL YEAR PATRONAGE
Patronage equity is the portion of Agtegra’s profits that are allocated to patrons based on eligibility and how much business that patron did with Agtegra in a particular year.
During its 2025 fiscal year (August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025), the Agtegra Cooperative Board of Directors approved $13.7 million in cash patronage payments. Agtegra also passed $4.4 million of Section 199A benefits through to our patrons.
Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday calls the 2025 Agtegra Cooperative Annual Meeting to order.
DIRECTOR ELECTION RESULTS 2025
Matt Johnson Webster, SD District 1
Beaner Mellette, SD District 2
Vanneman
SD District 3
BOARD ELECTED OFFICERS
At the board meeting following the annual meeting, the Agtegra Board of Directors held its annual reorganization meeting and re-elected the following directors as officers.
Rick Osterday Java, SD President
Heather Beaner Mellette, SD First Vice President
Matt Johnson Webster, SD Second Vice President
Steve Halverson Pierre, SD Secretary
NONVOTING ADVISORY DIRECTORS
During the 2025 annual meeting, Board President Rick Osterday thanked members Garrett Masat and Casey Nilsson for their service as nonvoting advisory directors for 2025. Rick also announced members Kyle Anderson and Steven Gill as the appointed nonvoting advisory directors for 2026 during the meeting.
Agtegra's Board of Directors may appoint up to two nonvoting advisory directors to serve a one-year term every year. The position helps provide members interested in serving on the board the unique opportunity to attend, observe and participate in board and committee meetings.
2025 NONVOTING ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Heather
Kim
Winner,
Caleb Wiest Herreid, SD District 4
Chad Boekelheide Northville, SD At-Large
Garrett Masat Redfield, SD District 2
Casey Nilsson Mansfield, SD District 1
Kyle Anderson Verona, ND District 1
Steven Gill Java, SD District 4
DELEGATE ELECTION RESULTS
1 DISTRICT
2 DISTRICT
3 DISTRICT
4 DISTRICT
Justin Deutsch Langford, SD
Casey Nilsson Mansfield, SD
Matthew Sperry Bath, SD
Carson Stange Stratford, SD
Mike Vogel LaMoure, ND
Mark Boekelheide Northville, SD
Nathan Glanzer Carpenter, SD
Randy Nelson Carpenter, SD
Rory Troske Turton, SD
Eric Zell Cavour, SD
Ryley Beidler Orient, SD
Tom Hills Kennebec, SD
Liam McManus Reliance, SD
Ronnie Prien Stickney, SD
Slade Roseland Faulkton, SD
Don Eberle Strasburg, ND
Steven Gill Java, SD
Andy Hulm Hague, ND
Candice Mizera McLaughlin, SD
Ashley Terhark McLaughlin, SD
Nicole Erasmus Huron, SD Special Delegate Election (1-year term)
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Learn more about Agtegra Cooperative's performance during the 2025 fiscal year! (August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025)
OPERATIONS
Executed the best safety performance in the cooperative's history with the lowest number of recordable incidents.
Invested nearly $100 million in capital improvements, which included adding 17 million bushels in grain storage and improved dumping speeds at 9 locations. These pictures include a few of those projects!
AGRONOMY
Upgraded our fleet with 15 new sprayers and spreaders to enhance application effectiveness and reduce downtime.
COMMUNITIES
Donated $266K to local communities, which was matched by partners to make total contributions of $360K+
ENERGY
Welcomed UPI Petroleum in Milbank to the Agtegra family and re-branded the c-store.
FEED
One-of-a-kind monitoring system implemented on over 400 creep feeders, providing real-time inventory visibility for cattle producers.
GRAIN
Record 87M bushels piled in bunkers, center piles and emergency ground piles were reclaimed with excellent quality.
PATRONAGE
Agtegra Cooperative paid $13.5M in cash patronage in FY 2025.
LOCAL IMPACT VIDEO
GRAIN MARKET UPDATE + HARVEST RECAP
From another record-setting harvest to the ups and downs of the soybean export market, 2025 proved to be an unforgettable year in grain marketing.
SOYBEAN EXPORT MARKET
When a soybean export program didn’t appear possible last year, Agtegra’s grain team was prepared to handle and store beans until the market needed them.
"As we planned for harvest last year, we stored our entire bean crop during harvest and into November with the anticipation that China would come back online later that fall," Agtegra Senior Vice President of Grain Marketing & Rail Logistics Travis Antonsen said.
As anticipated, China resumed buying soybeans from the U.S. after a months-long boycott of the commodity in November. China committed to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans in the last two months of 2025 and at least 25 million metric tons annually through 2028.
By Thanksgiving, Agtegra sold its first soybean shipment of the fall harvest season to China and was able to continue participating in the market and sell soybeans to China for winter and spring shipments.
At the time of printing this magazine in the middle of February, the China soybean export market was once again active, with indications that China would purchase more than the original 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans.
In the meantime, Agtegra continues to participate in other soybean markets, such as domestic crush plants and to St. Louis, which offers access to Gulf export markets via the Mississippi River route to New Orleans.
ANOTHER RECORD HARVEST
The 2025 harvest was another year for the record book. A record number of corn bushels were dumped at Agtegra grain locations last fall, topping the 2023 and 2024 record-breaking harvest numbers by 20% when it came to corn receipts. Additionally, Agtegra piled a record number of bushels in temporary ground piles to keep farmers running throughout harvest.
As the winter months turn to spring, Agtegra's grain operations team continues to reclaim those grain piles in a timely and safe manner while keeping a close eye on grain quality. The use of thermal imaging and drones continues to ensure grain quality is maintained by identifying pile hot spots, which
enables the grain operations team to pivot reclaim strategies effectively.
"Our export grain terminal partner on the West Coast, EGT, was instrumental in getting corn business on and was able to execute the large number of corn trains needed to keep our facilities fluid this fall," Travis said. "This investment and partnership continues to show huge benefits and value back to the cooperative and the farm gate."
2026 GRAIN MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
As farmers begin planning their grain marketing strategies for 2026 and beyond, Agtegra's grain marketing team is ready to help!
"Every day, we strive to bring you the best possible market access and pricing tools to manage your price risk, not only for the current crop but also for your crop one, two, and even three years into the future," Travis said. "Continue to lean on our grain marketing staff to provide sound advice and risk management execution as we navigate the next crop cycle together."
Agtegra offers full-service solutions for your whole farm - everything from ear tags to fertilizer! As a member-owner of a local cooperative, taking advantage of the comprehensive portfolio Agtegra has to offer benefits your farm, Agtegra and the community you live in. We’re celebrating our employees and member-owners who support Agtegra’s whole offering with our sixth annual summer concert at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, SD on August 1, 2026!
HOW MEMBERS CAN EARN CONCERT TICKETS:
Purchase or sell a minimum of $5,000 in at least three categories to receive:
3 categories = 2 tickets
4 categories = 4 tickets
5 categories = 6 tickets
6 categories = 8 tickets and 2 VIP passes
7 categories = 10 tickets and 4 VIP passes
Qualifying purchase dates: August 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. Agtegra Cooperative employees will receive 2 tickets to the event.
CREEP FEEDING ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Agtegra customers experience first season of mobile creep feed level monitoring
While calving season is just kicking off for many producers, it can be hard to believe that creep feeding season is just around the corner. However, now is the perfect time to start thinking about summer pasture planning.
Creep feeding is well-known for boosting the value of your calf crop by easing the transition to feed and promoting early weight gain. But getting the most out of creep feed depends heavily on good feeder management — especially keeping feeders consistently full. When feeders run empty, calves may go hungry and then overeat once they’re refilled. Checking feeder levels daily is not always practical, which makes a tech-forward solution not just helpful, but necessary.
MOBILE CREEP FEEDER MONITORING
Starting in 2025, all Agtegra-rented creep feeders were equipped with a monitor that sensed feed levels,
giving both producers and Agtegra remote access to feed levels. Every day, producers had the option to receive a text message with the percentage of how full each of their creep feeders were.
Additionally, Agtegra has access to the levels, which helps inform creep feed delivery truck routes.
With one season of creep feeder monitor use now complete, Agtegra’s feed division plans to refine the process moving forward, focusing on improving monitor accuracy and expanding available services. Future goals include offering on-demand level checks and providing more flexible notification options, such as sending level-percentage text alerts only when feed levels drop below 50%.
CREEP FEED WITH EASE THIS SUMMER!
For producers who own their own feeder, but who also want
to remotely monitor feed levels, Agtegra can install a rented monitor at no cost if at least 15 tons of creep feed are put through the feeder by Agtegra during the season. Diamond Creep Feeders are also available to purchase from the Ipswich Farm Store; give them a call at 605-8461231 and ask about delivery options to your local Agtegra location!
Looking to book creep feed or rent a creep feeder? Lock in your creep feed pricing today with no prepay required! Visit with your local Agtegra feed representative or Dakotaland Feeds Staff Nutritionist to discuss nutrition options and to explore the 0% financing program available through Purina®.
Have questions about creep feeder monitors? Contact a member of our feed team listed below!
Scott Kilber: 605-380-5262
Jon Jessen: 605-870-6230
Tim Cavalier: 605-377-4016
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Learn more about Agtegra Cooperative's involvement with state and national leaders and organizations as they work together for our member-owners.
AG CO-OP DAY AT THE SD CAPITOL
AGTEGRA JOINS SDRA
Agtegra Cooperative recently joined the South Dakota Retailers Association. Jerad Appel, Agtegra Vice President, Energy Operations + Retail, was elected to the SDRA Board of Directors in January.
Agtegra Cooperative hosted a legislative dinner for South Dakota state legislators on February 4 in Pierre in addition to participating in Ag Co-op Day at the Capitol on February 5.
Topics on Capitol Hill:
ACES ACT
Agricultural Cooperative Energy Savings Act Introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson to Expand Rural Energy for America Program Eligibility for Farmer Cooperatives.
The farm bill remains a key topic in the industry this year. When Congress approved legislation to end the government shutdown last November, the measure also included a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. This is the second extension of that bill, giving additional time for work on a new version ahead of the next deadline on September 30, 2026.
As discussions continue for legislation impacting the next farm bill, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson introduced a bill supporting farmer-owned cooperatives and their ability to apply for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants.
WHAT IS REAP?
REAP, a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and eligible rural businesses for renewable energy
systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. While farmer-owned cooperatives are technically eligible for these grants, many of them do not qualify for the program — Agtegra included.
Rep. Johnson's bill — the Agricultural Cooperative Energy Savings (ACES) Act — would allow farmer cooperatives with fewer than 2,500 employees to be eligible for REAP.
As REAP reads today, farmer-owned cooperatives are limited by number of employees, or in the case of farm input suppliers or grain handlers, by extremely low sales thresholds. Due to the limited nature of these eligibility requirements, the objective of the ACES Act is to make more farmerowned cooperatives eligible for REAP – similar to the structure of a number of other USDA programs.
The impact of the ACES Act is
meaningful to farmer-owned cooperatives across the country. If passed, more farmer-owned cooperatives would have the opportunity to pursue funding opportunities with USDA to lower energy consumption and electricity costs.
ACES ACT LEGISLATION
The ACES Act, also known as H.R. 6093, was introduced by Rep. Johnson on November 18, 2025, in the House of Representatives and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The bi-partisan bill now awaits placement on the committee’s agenda. As of the beginning of February, cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Tracey Mann (KS), Sharice Davids (KS), James Baird (IN), Jim Costa (CA), Don Bacon (NE), Derek Schmidt (KS), Mike Bost (IL), Eugene Vindman (VA) and Nikki Budzinski (IL).
CELEBRATING HARD WORK
Congratulations to the following Agtegra employees who were recognized during the South Dakota Agri-Business Association Ag Expo in January in Sioux Falls, SD!
LEON WRAGE AWARD
Dave Clark, NE Region Agronomy Sales Manager
Dave was awarded the Leon Wrage Award for his dedication to the agriculture industry, exceptional leadership within the cooperative system and his lasting contribution to the SDABA. Over the last 32 years, Dave has built a career rooted in the cooperative model, progressing from operations to agronomy, then into leadership roles. He has served the SDABA for 19 years on the board of directors, with three terms as president. Since 2005, the Leon Wrage award has been given by the SDABA each year to individuals for exemplary service to the crop production industry in honor of Leon Wrage, who served as the SDSU Extension Weed Specialist for 35 years.
TAL PROGRAM SDABA APPLICATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Drew Johnson East Region Grain Origination Manager
Drew was recognized at Ag Expo for completing the Tomorrow's Ag Leaders (TAL) Program. TAL is a leadership development program sponsored by the SDABA and is designed to improve the leadership skills of SD agri-business professionals.
Every year, the SDABA names finalists for Applicator of the Year. This award showcases the hard work professional applicators put into caring for crops and customers, as well as their involvement in their communities. Dennis McClendon and Drew Meyer were each named finalists for the award this year.
AGTEGRA APPLICATOR AWARDS
In conjunction with Ag Expo, Agtegra hosts its own applicator appreciation reception during the conference where the following applicators were recognized for their commitment to customer success last season!
Dennis McClendon Bath
Drew Meyer Redfield
K I D S' C O R N E R
Let's talk about PROPANE
Learn more about propane safety while coloring the images!
What is propane?
Propane is a form of gas stored as a liquid!
What
does
What color is propane?
Propane has no color, so it is clear!
propane smell like?
Propane doesn’t have a natural smell, so a special odor is added to help people notice if something is wrong. This smell is often compared to rotten eggs or a skunk. If you ever notice this odor, tell an adult right away—it could mean there’s a propane leak!
What is propane used for?
Propane is commonly used for space and water heating and cooking.
