Bon Homme Yankton Electric August 2019 Vol. 20 No. 4
Co-op Solar Projects Shine On Page 8
Ethanol Enthusiasm Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Cooperative Principle #2:
Democratic Member Control
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
As member-owners, knowing how your cooperative is performing is important.
It has come to my attention that most of our customers don’t know or understand that they are not just customers, but member-owners of Bon Homme Yankton Electric. As member-owners, knowing how your cooperative is performing is important. So how do you learn more? I would say by attending your annual meeting on August 13 is a good start. At the meeting, Board President Paul Voigt and I will be giving our reports which provide updates on the cooperative’s activities. Board Treasurer Robert Ruppelt will present the financial report and other official business will be conducted including the seating of directors Robert Ruppelt and David Sternhagen who are running unopposed. There is a meal provided prior to the meeting and prizes given out at the end of the meeting. The Tabor area always has a strong showing, but we would like to see more of our members attend from all of Bon Homme and Yankton counties. Later in this issue, we have financial information available for you to review prior to the meeting. We are pleased to present that your cooperative remains financially strong and have satisfied all of our lenders’ requirements. If you have any questions about this or anything else about the meeting, please contact me. In addition to being financially responsible, safety is a high priority to us. It has been a good sign seeing farmers in the field, but the pressure to get everything planted is causing deadline strain and a rush to get things done. Please take the time to notice your surroundings while operating large equipment. Not only take note of overhead poles and wires, but also underground equipment. Identify where our green boxes are, which may be hiding under tall grass, and avoid these. These boxes house high voltage lines and equipment and can create very hazardous situations if ran over or bumped. If you notice any damaged line equipment, overhead or underground, please contact us immediately so that we can mitigate any danger. Again, I encourage everyone to come to Tabor, SD on August 13 for the annual meeting. I would like to meet you and share the success of your cooperative.
2
Cooperative Connections | August 2019
Bon Homme Yankton Electric (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm To pay by phone, call: 1-888-395-5315 To report an outage, call: Local call from Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton: 605-463-2507 Toll Free in South Dakota: 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419.
ANNUAL REPORT
You are cordially invited to attend the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association
75th Annual Meeting Tuesday, August 13 Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD Registration begins at 5:00pm Attendance Gift Register for Prizes East River Electric Cookbooks Available Pork Loin Sandwich Meal
Business Meeting begins at 7:00pm President & Management Reports Financial Report Director Election Guest Speaker-Tom Boyko, East River Electric Prize drawings held after the meeting. You must be present to win!
Watch your mail for your Official Notice of the Annual Meeting postcard. Don’t forget to bring your ticket for fast and easy registration!
Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.
Statement of non-discrimination
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http:// www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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SAFETY TIPS
Electrical Safety During Disasters
Come visit your Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives at one of these events!
Electricity drives the modern world and we often take it for granted. And if a natural disaster occurs, there’s a few things to remember to stay electrically safe during the storm. Before the storm hits, make sure to charge all phones and other communication devices. Then, unplug all electronics and move them as high as possible to avoid water damage from flooding. Turn off the main power breaker feeding the home to prevent any surges to the wiring and equipment. After the storm blows through, and you begin to evaluate the aftermath, it’s important to avoid flooded areas as they may be electrified. Do not use any electrical equipment or electronics if they’ve been submerged. If flooding has occurred, have the electrical system inspected by a qualified electrical inspector. If you’re using a generator, ensure a qualified electrician installed it and make sure to use a listed and approved transfer switch and GFCI protection. It’s a good idea to protect your home with carbon monoxide detectors. When venturing outside, be very alert of your surroundings. If you encounter a fallen power line, stay at least 35 feet away. Avoid touching any objects the line may be laying on such as a fence, a car, or a light pole as the object could be energized. If others are around, alert them to stay away and call 911. While storms can be devastating to a community, the aftermath can be challenging. However, could be an opportunity to renovate and upgrade your main power source with renewable energy such as solar. Floodwaters and heavy winds aren’t the only hazards during a storm. That’s why it’s important to treat electricity with extreme caution. Source: esfi.org 4
Cooperative Connections | August 2019
Aug. 6-7 Gilfillan Estate 28269 MN-67 Morgan, MN Aug. 20-22 2300 E Spruce St. Mitchell, SD
Aug. 29-Sept. 2 1060 Third St. SW, Huron, SD
We’ll see you there! KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
“Do not dig up electrical lines.” Luke Kangas, 9 years old
Luke is the son of Andrew and Gail Kangas, Lake Norden, S.D. They are members of H-D Electric Cooperative, Clear Lake, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
RECIPES Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes
Very Vegetarian Southwest Brunch Casserole 2 T. oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 (8 oz.) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (5 cups) 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 6 eggs 2 cups milk 1 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. ground oregano 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. salt
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 275, Total Fat 15g, Sodium 633mg, Cholesterol 121mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Protein 14g, Fiber 3g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Black Bean Burgers 1-3/4 cups diced onion
2 T. seeded, minced jalapeno pepper (or pepper of choice)
3/4 tsp. salt 1-1/2 cups uncooked regular 2 large eggs, lightly beaten oats 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 T. flour 5 T. pineapple juice 2 cans pineapple tidbits, drain, reserving juice
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 stick butter, melted 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs
Mix together sugar, flour and pineapple juice. Add pineapple and cheese. Place in a greased casserole dish. Combine butter and cornflake crumbs; sprinkle over all. Bake at 350°F. until brown and bubbly. Serve hot or cold.
Bean ‘n’ Butter Bread 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans
1 egg, beaten
1/3 vegetable oil
1 cup hot water
1/3 cup peanut butter
3 pkgs. yeast
1/3 cup molasses
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 T. sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
Egg white
Place first 7 ingredients in blender; blend until smooth. Pour into large mixing bowl. Stir in hot water. Combine yeast and 4 cups flour. Add to bean mixture, mixing well. Add wheat flour. Work in to form a stiff dough. Let rise 1-1/2 hours. Punch down and let rise 15 minutes. Shape into 2 loaves, placing on a greased cookie sheet. Mix egg white with 2 T. water for egg wash. Brush on loaves. Make 1/8-inch slash every 2-1/2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F. for 55 minutes. You may use crunchy peanut butter or add sunflower seeds. Anne Burleson, Lead, SD
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornmeal
In a large bowl, coarsely mash beans with a fork. Add next 6 ingredients; stir well. Shape into 8 patties. Combine flour and cornmeal in a pie plate; stir well. Dredge patties in mixture. Cook patties in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned – about 5 minutes on each side. Darcy Bracken, Hermosa, SD
1 cup sugar
Verna Nelson, Wakonda, SD
Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened. Spread 1/2 of the bread cubes in 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer with 1/2 each of the onion mixture, beans, Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers. Beat eggs in medium bowl until foamy. Add milk, chili powder, oregano, cumin and salt; beat until well blended. Pour evenly over top. Press bread cubes lightly into egg mixture until completely covered. Let stand 10 minutes. Bake at 350°F. for 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown. Makes 12 servings.
3 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Baked Pineapple
Please send your favorite garden produce, pasta and slow cooker recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2019. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
5
ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Report For the Years Ending December 31, 2017 and 2018 Income Statement Operating Revenue
Balance Sheet
2017
2018
$6,124,143
$6,656,227
232,578
248,379
473,453 1,675,924
187,884 1,833,138
908,356
1,111,240
Public Street Lighting Other Sales to Public Authorities Other Revenues Deferred Revenues Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses
12,072 285,409 53,133 17,079 9,782,147
12,072 304,764 109,069 (76,189) 10,386,584
Purchased Power Operations Maintenance Consumer Accounting & Collecting Member Service and Information Administrative and Office Expense Depreciation
5,900,614 467,010 535,179
6,297,493 547,933 596,951
210,472
213,794
Liabilities (What we Owe)
168,330 723,548 912,602
131,422 750,686 977,323
140,189
149,367
Interest on Long-Term Debt Other Deductions Total Cost of Electric Service Margins
451,414 7,858 9,517,216
490,078 8,182 10,163,229
Operating Margins Non-Operating Margins East River Electric, Basin Electric and Other Capital Credits Total Margins
264,931 47,776
223,355 61,684
442,625
1,023,721
Patronage Capital Other Equities Long-Term Debt Current Maturities of Long Term Debt CFC Line of Credit Accounts Payable Customer Deposits Taxes Accrued Other Current Liabilities Customer Prepayments Deferred Revenues-Margin Stabilization Total Equities & Liabilities
Farm/Residential Sales Seasonal Sales Irrigation Sales Commercial Sales Large Commercial Sales
Taxes
$755,332 $1,308,760
Comparative Statistics 2017 Kilowatt Hours Sold Average Monthly Use Farm/Rural Residential Average Number of Consumers Miles of Line Consumers per Mile of Line
6
2018
87,617,855 93,866,459 1,552
1,707
3,758 1,304 2.88
3,806 1,296 2.93
Cooperative Connections | August 2019
Assets (What We Own) Investment in Lines, Buildings and Equipment Less Accumulated Provision for Depreciation Net Value of Plant Investments in Associated Organizations Margin Stabilization Fund Non-Utility Plant Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Materials and Supplies Prepayments Deferred Debits Total Assets
12/31/17
12/31/18
$32,909,494
$34,060,189
10,562,674
11,162,100
22,346,820
22,898,089
5,950,996
6,724,804
567,801 2,874 35,680 1,062,520
643,991 1,619 457,603 1,095,879
663,338 14,434 6,708 30,651,171
499,817 14,691 24,838 32,361,331
9,070,313 1,277,334 17,293,767
10,318,931 1,313,195 18,017,588
754,758
765,316
400,000 796,788 115,961 148,493 182,904 43,052
0 889,577 66,853 158,607 162,911 24,362
567,801
643,991
$30,651,171
$32,361,331
ANNUAL REPORT
Proposed Minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association was held in the Beseda Hall in Tabor, South Dakota on August 28, 2018. The meeting was called to order by President Paul Voigt at 7:00PM and he welcomed the members to the meeting; he then led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem video was played, and the Invocation was delivered by Treasurer Robert Ruppelt. Vice President Dave Sykora introduced visiting guests, our attorney, and the current directors. He also thanked all the employees involved with the annual meeting, the Tabor Alter Society ladies circle for serving the meal, Bob Gale and East River Electric for the sound equipment, and Jim Kokes for cooking the pork for the meal. Quorum – Secretary Dave Sternhagen announced that 295 members had registered at the time designated for the meeting to start and he declared a quorum was present. Secretary Dave Sternhagen then proceeded with the Proof of Mailing of the Notice of the Annual Meeting. Minutes of the Previous Annual Meeting – Secretary Dave Sternhagen indicated that a copy of the previous annual meeting minutes had been printed in the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections. It was moved and seconded to approve the previous annual meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Audited Financial Report – Treasurer Robert Ruppelt presented the 2017 audited report by Eide Bailly to the membership. A motion was made and seconded that the
audited report be approved as presented, motion carried. Election and Seating of Directors Attorney Sheila Woodward conducted the election and seating of the directors. Director seats were available in Districts 3 and 5. Dave Sykora filed the only petition for the board seat in District 3. Pursuant to the Bylaws, a motion was made and seconded to appoint Dave Sykora as the director for District 3. Motion carried. John Lillevold filed the only petition for the board seat in District 5. Pursuant to the Bylaws, a motion was made and seconded to appoint John Lillevold as the director for District 5. Motion carried. President Report – President Voigt presented his report on some of the current issues facing the cooperative including aging infrastructure and emerging technologies. Guest Speaker Chris Studer Chief Member and Public Relations Officer at East River Electric Power Cooperative spoke about electric vehicles. Vern Eide Auto in Mitchell provided a Chevy Volt and Country Ford in Tyndall provided a Ford C-Max to display.
a 10-year service award. Both Manager Horst and President Voigt presented the awards to employees Linda Bares who was recognized for 15 years of service and Ken Carda who was recognized for 25 years of service to the cooperative. President Voigt asked if there was any Other Business to be brought before the members. Member Alvin Novak stood up and expressed his sincere thanks to the employees for putting on great safety presentations to the public with the high voltage trailer. He also encouraged the members to experience this very educational presentation. President Voigt then asked if there was any other business, with there being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, motion carried. Prize drawings were held after adjournment.
Ernie Merkwan of Tabor claims the 2018 grand prize.
Manager Report – Manager Horst presented her report themed Member Owned, Member Focused featuring youth programs, safety programs, cybersecurity security measures, and providing safe reliable electricity. Manager Horst introduced all the employees individually and noting the combined 340 years of service. Manager Horst then presented President Voigt with
In honor of the celebration of the 75th Annual Meeting, we have added an additional grand prize to the list of prizes that are given away after the business meeting!
2019 Grand Prize $275 Electric Bill Credit 2nd Place Prize Deluxe Electric Cart Grill August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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INNOVATION
Central Electric’s Prairie Solar project can be seen in front of the co-op’s office along Betts Road west of Mitchell, S.D. On the Cover: Central Electric employees install the Prairie Solar project in 2015.
BRIGHT LESSONS Co-op Solar Projects Help Educate, Inform editor@sdrea.coop
Co-op members across the area are able to get firsthand information about solar energy straight from their electric cooperatives.
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association installed its solar project in 2018 behind the co-op’s office in Tabor, S.D.
“There were a number of vendors in the region promoting various technologies. We wanted to provide accurate, real-time information to our members. Our role as a trusted energy expert made us want to educate ourselves on behalf of the members,” said Brian Jeremiason, manager of marketing and external relations at Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative in Tyler, Minn. So, in late December 2015, Lyon-Lincoln Electric installed its 8.4 kW AC solar system. The small project was designed to match a typical residential load for the southwestern Minnesota cooperative. The project consists of 28, 400 watt panels, each measuring 52.5 inches by 78 inches. The entire array measures 45.5 feet by 28 feet. “It’s provided information about expected production versus actual production,” said Jeremiason, who noted that actual production for the system’s first three years has been “about 80 percent of what our vendor projected.” Aside from a few inverters that failed within the system’s first two years, Jeremiason said the system has been mostly maintenance free. An important lesson learned for the co-op was that companies in the industry tend to go out of business overnight. “Overall, while the financial payback is long, it’s been a benefit to the cooperative members as an educational tool,” said Jeremiason. 8 Cooperative Connections | August 2019
Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, S.D., also installed a solar project in 2015 to learn firsthand how to plan and construct such a project and also how well it would perform in the area around Mitchell. Similar to Lyon-Lincoln’s experience, the vendor the co-op used went out of business shortly after installation. Fortunately, there has been little maintenance or upkeep needed for the system.
Photo by Bob Felber/Bon Homme-Yankton Electric
Brenda Kleinjan
“The solar industry is still in its infancy and experiencing growth and change,” said Central Electric General Manager Ken Schlimgen. “As a result, the names in the industry come and go and the solar equipment you see today will be obsolete in a few years.”
INNOVATION Production of Central Electric’s solar project is indicated in black. The red and blue lines track the energy use of one member’s home during the same time.
Photo by Central Electric
One lesson the co-op learned was to double check with building requirements in your county. The ground-mounted system they installed required a Davison County building permit. A second lesson learned was the impact of cloud cover on the system. “Any type of cloud cover reduces the kilowatt hour production of the system,” said Schlimgen. “I believe the project has helped our employees better understand the equipment used in solar projects. We can also compare the production of our solar project and overlay that information onto a members actual consumption. This allows the member to better understand when a solar system would be offsetting their purchases and when they would still need to make purchases of electricity. Our solar project also helps to provide sizing information to members who are asking questions about installing solar,” said Schlimgen.
Photo by Brian Jeremiason/Lyon-Lincoln Electric
Central Electric’s Manager of Marketing and Member Services Patrick Soukup noted, “One of the biggest lessons that I had to learn is about time of use versus time of production. Once we overlaid the graphs together, it’s apparent how
solar works in our typical day and how important sizing the system to your needs would be.” While the co-op invested more than $32,000 in the system, the returns on the investment from an educational perspective have been worthwhile. “The investment we had and the data collected is just priceless,” Soukup said. Sioux Valley Energy in Colman, S.D., has the largest of the solar demonstration projects installed at its Brandon, S.D., service center. The cooperative constructed its 24.8-kilowatt project in April 2015 and had it operational by May 1 of that year. The project’s 80 panels were faced south, southwest and west, which allowed the co-op to examine how the orientations affected production. “The output is very close to what was
planned. The difference in the output from facing the panels three different directions has allowed us to learn about which orientation will better match up with a member’s usage patterns. The project was fairly easy to assemble,” said Ted Smith, Sioux Valley Energy’s director of engineering and operations. The entire array was installed for about $3 per watt. In the project’s first four years, it produced 126,201 kilowatt hours, with a projected payback of 16 to 20 years. (The estimated life of the array is between 30 and 50 years.) The new kid on the co-op solar block is Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association in Tabor, S.D, which installed its 5kw system in July 2018. The co-op publishes the project’s output each month in their magazine.
Solar panels at Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative in Tyler, Minn., have helped the co-op answer members’ questions about the resource. August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
9
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASSIFIEDS September Issue Deadline: August 1, 2019. Email your classified ad to: by@byelectric.com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch. FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact Gary at 605-463-2209 or Ron at 605-463-2256. Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@ gmail.com. FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-6603497. FOR SALE: New oak roll-top desk $725. Old dark oak dresser $65. Call 605-589-3703.
Directors File Petitions Director districts two and seven have terms expiring this year. Robert Ruppelt has petitioned for re-election to district two. District two serves the southwest area of Bon Homme County. Robert is a retired correctional officer from Mike Durfee State Prison. He is currently a part-time bus driver for B-J School Buses. He has served on the board for three years and is currently serving as treasurer. Robert and his wife, Debra, live in the country between Tyndall and Springfield. They have four children, Laura, Lisa, Brian, Eric, and three grandchildren.
Robert Ruppelt
Robert said, “I have enjoyed my 3 years of serving on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Board. I would like to continue to serve to help provide affordable and reliable electric service to all of our members.” David Sternhagen has petitioned to continue to serve district seven which consists of the northeast part of Yankton County. David has served on the board for 30 years. He previously served as president and is now the secretary of the board. He is also the board’s representative on the South Dakota Rural Electric Association board. David also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.
David Sternhagen
He farms near Utica which has been quite a challenge with the extremely wet conditions this year. David and his wife, Cindy, have three children, Nick, Jason and Susan. When asked why he is running for the board, David said, “I am very concerned about the rising cost of electricity. We have an aging system, with a lot of original poles and conductor that will need to be gradually replaced to keep our system reliable. There are also Federal and environmental issues that could affect the cost of electricity.” Since no other person has returned a nominating petition for these districts, the petitioners will run unopposed at the 2019 Annual Meeting.
SOLAR STATS Month Solar Production Solar used by office
June 824 KWH 803/97%
Solar put back on grid
21/3%
Main office KWH used
4,283
From grid
3,480
From solar
803
Solar % of KWH used
19%
Max solar production/day 10
36 KWH
Cooperative Connections | August 2019
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Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063
605-463-2244 Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
MUTUAL
605-463-2558 605-589-3572
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Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
605-665-9679
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605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Feel the power of data in your hands with SmartHub mobile and web apps. SmartHub allows you to view your usage data and manage your account right from your mobile device in a secure environment. Go to www.byelectric.coop and follow the link to the SmartHub site or download the free app on Google Play or iTunes.
605-660-3204 August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
11
AG NEWS
Ethanol in South Dakota Courtney Deinert cdeinert@centralec.coop
Ethanol production continues to increase with a new large facility added every other year or so. The ethanol industry in South Dakota began a little more than 30 years ago when Jeff Broin and his family purchased a foreclosed ethanol plant in 1988 near Scotland, S.D. The Broin family had been distilling ethanol as a way to make a little extra money on the farm after the 1970s, when corn production cost more than producers could sell it for. By purchasing the plant, the family had an opportunity to expand their process. This initial plant near Scotland became the pilot for POET Biorefining and is currently one of 15 operating plants in the state. Last year, South Dakota ranked 6th nationally in ethanol production capacity and provided 7 percent of the nation’s total ethanol production. Rural South Dakotans know that in addition to providing an alternative fuel source, ethanol provides an additional market for corn producers. From 2002 to 2012, gross corn use for ethanol production increased from less than 10 percent to more than 40 percent (and the production process does kick back distiller grain to alleviate the need for corn and soybean meal for livestock). The same study claims for every 10 percent increase in ethanol production (or 1 billion gallons), average 12
About one-third, or 17 pounds, of every bushel of corn sent to an ethanol plant is used as livestock feed.
long-run corn prices increase by 2 percent to 3 percent (based on production from 2008-2013).
Impact on Electric Cooperatives Ethanol has also impacted local electric cooperatives. East River Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Madison, S.D., includes a number of ethanol plants located within its system, and more than 11 percent of East River kilowatt hour (kWh) sales go to large ethanol production plants. “Ethanol production continues to increase – with a new large facility added every other year or so over the last 15 years,” says Michael Volker, manager of rates and treasury at East
Cooperative Connections | August 2019
Blender pumps at South Dakota gas stations offer drivers a variety of choices of ethanol blends.
AG NEWS
Ethanol Plants in South Dakota City
Company
Production Capacity MGY (million gallons/ year)
Operating Production
ABE South Dakota LLC
Aberdeen
53
53
ABE South Dakota LLC
Huron
32
32
Wentworth
48
48
Glacial Lakes Energy LLC
Mina
100
100
Glacial Lakes Energy LLC
Watertown
120
120
Marion
130
130
POET Biorefining – Big Stone LLC
Big Stone City
79
79
POET Biorefining – Chancellor LLC
Chancellor
110
110
POET Biorefining – Groton LLC
Groton
53
53
POET Biorefining – Hudson LLC
Hudson
56
56
POET Biorefining – Mitchell LLC
Mitchell
68
68
POET Research Center
Scotland
11
11
Red River Energy LLC
Rosholt
25
25
Redfield Energy LLC
Redfield
60
60
Ringneck Energy & Feed LLC
Onida
-
-
Valero Renewable Fuels Co. LLC
Aurora
135
135
Dakota Ethanol LLC
NuGen Energy LLC
River. Currently, there are new plants being constructed near Onida and Yankton, S.D. The plants specifically served by East River and its member cooperatives can produce more than 500 million gallons of ethanol per year and consume approximately 200 million bushels of locally grown corn.
Flex Fuels South Dakota is a national leader in its use of ethanol in the state vehicle fleet. In 2017, South Dakota ranked third nationally in the gallons of E85 consumed by state fleet (behind No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Maryland). Of the state fleet, approximately 65 percent use a blend of ethanol, from E15 to E85. In early 2019, Gov. Kristi Noem announced her intent to transition the state fleet to E30. For the public, there are 87 stations in South Dakota that offer E85 (ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51 percent to 83 percent ethanol). Of the stations, 41 include some mid-level blend such as E15 or E30.
While E85 can only be used in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs), the EPA approved the use of E15 (gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol) in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs) and all FFVs. This includes approximately nine out of 10 of the vehicles on the road today. On May 31, 2019, the EPA signed into action the rule allowing E15 to be sold
For the ethanol industry and farmers, this means greater market access — more ethanol demand over the long term as additional retailers begin offering E15.
Under Expansion MGY (million gallons/year)
80
year-round, including the summer months and peak driving season, rather than eight months out of the year. “For the ethanol industry and farmers, this means greater market access – more ethanol demand over the long term as additional retailers begin offering E15,” Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol, responded after the EPA announcement. Consumers will also see E15 marketed as “Unleaded 88” at the gas pumps.
Byproducts According to ACE, about one third, or 17 pounds, of every bushel of corn sent to an ethanol plant is used as livestock feed. The kernels of corn are made of starch, protein and fiber. The protein stays in the food supply in the form of a high-quality feed called DDGS (Dry Distillers Grains with Soluables.) The concentrated corn protein is a high-value feed product for cattle, hogs and poultry. The ethanol production process uses only the corn’s starch (carbohydrates.)
August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
WELCOME MEMBERS Avon Chad Beeson Thorstad Companies Irene Zach Jensen Scotland Jacob Challand Springfield Dennis & Linda Talsma Sidney Bierema Family Trust Tabor Holly McCann Michael Mendez Andrew Wise Tessa Carda & Gabrielle McHugh Sasha Renteria Utica Edith Nelson Yankton Mitch Yarbrough Jesse & Amy Bailey Bobby Hendrix Victoria Giedd Mark & Robyn Rettig Dylan Charette Jake Harms Michael & Joni McGargill Haze Homes
Alex Caba Hired Full Time Alex Caba of Tabor has been hired to replace Lineman Floyd Burbach who retired earlier this year. He is enrolled in the power lineman apprenticeship program and will be studying and testing while accruing his hours of experience. Alex also received experience as our summer help for the past two summers. Alex graduated from Bon Homme High School and Mitchell Technical Institutes’s power lineworker program. He was an accomplished wrestler throughout his school years and is assistant coach in the Bon Homme-Scotland-Avon wrestling program.
Alex Caba
He also likes to spend time riding motorcycles. Welcome to the crew, Alex!
Sean Kafka New Summer Help Sean Kafka has been selected to gain knowledge with our experienced linemen this summer as a temporary summer help groundsman. Sean is originally from Gregory, SD and has graduated from the Power Lineworker Program at Mitchell Technical Institute.
Sean Kafka
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Cooperative Connections | August 2019
YOUTH PROGRAMS
FLAGS, FREEDOM & CO-OPS
Rural Electric Youth Tour Heads to Washington, D.C. Brenda Kleinjan South Dakota Rural Electric Association
Sen. John Thune, R-SD, meets with the students on the Senate steps.
Thirty-eight teens representing 20 South Dakota electric cooperatives headed to the Washington, D.C., area June 13-20 for the 2019 Rural Electric Youth Tour. Mason Ruzicka of Yankton, SD represented Bon Homme Yankton Electric. Mason wrote, “Thank you for the amazing opportunity to go to our nation’s capitol. I met amazing people and created new friendships that will last a lifetime. My favorite part of the trip is just knowing what I learned in history classes and translating it to a real place. It was amazing to think that I stood where incredibly important people stood and walked where they walked. This was truly a once-in-alifetime trip and I’m very grateful for the B-Y Electric co-op to have picked me to go. From Fort McHenry to touring Capitol Hill, to riding the metro, it was a week that I will never forget. Thank you!!” The program, which can trace it’s existence back to a 1957 speech by Lyndon B. Johnson where he encouraged electric cooperatives to send youth to the nation’s capitol so they “can actually see what the flag stands for and represents,” encourages teens to engage in their communities and learn about the importance of political involvement. More than 1,300 teens have represented the Rushmore State since South Dakota sent its first group in 1963. The 2019 group visited many of the historic sites the region has to offer, including a Flag Day stop at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. The fort’s bombardment in the War of 1812 was captured in Francis Scott Key’s poem which would eventually become the national anthem. Old Glory would play a recurring theme in the trip as students could see it at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and also hear an inspirational message centered on the flag from Youth Day keynote speaker Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympic medalist in USA men’s wheelchair basketball. Students also met with the state’s congressional delegation and with Youth Tour participants from across the country.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, poses for a photo with the group.
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-SD, took Mason and the students on a private tour of the U.S. Capitol . August 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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DATELINE
May-September
August 16-18: Black Hills Threshing
Last Thursday of the Month Bragging Rights, 5:30 p.m. to Dusk, East of the Meridian Bridge, Yankton, SD 57078 https://www.facebook.com/ missouririverassoc/
Bee, Sturgis SD, 605-490-2024
July 19-21
Stampede Rodeo, Burke, SD, 605-830-0304
July 19-21
Annual Festival in the Park, Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
July 20-11
Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com
Hills Alive, Rapid City, SD, 605-342-6822
July 20-21
JazzFest, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-335-6101
July 23-27
Days of ‘76 Rodeo and Parades, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
July 27
July 24-27
August 2-4
Senior Games, Rapid City, SD, Contact Kristi Lintz at 605-394-4268
July 26-27
Rock-N-Rumble Motorcycle Rally, Yankton, SD, 605-665-3636
July 26-27
Senior Games, Brookings, SD, Contact Traci Saugstad at 605-692-4492
July 26-28
Annual Bruce Honey Days, Bruce, SD, 605-627-5671
July 27
Folk Off & Rib Challenge, Renner, SD, 605-543-5071
July 27
Miner Music Festival, Hill City, SD, 605-574-2886
South Dakota Chislic Festival, Freeman, SD, 605-925-4444 Sioux River Folk Festival, Canton, SD, 605-261-7414
August 2-10
Sioux Empire Fair, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7178
August 2-11
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD, 605-720-0800
August 3
August 9-10
Senior Softball Tournament, Huron, SD, Contact Scott Mckaskell at 605-354-2237
August 10-11
August 12-18
August 22-25
Brown County Fair, Aberdeen SD, 605-626-7116
August 16-18
Riverboat Days, Yankton, SD, 605-665-1657
August 3-4
August 17-18
Senior Games, Huron, SD, Contact LaRon Clock at 605-353-8533 or Howard Bich at 605-491-0635
August 22-24
Senior Games, Watertown, Contact Andrew Magedanz at 605-949-0028
August 16-25
August 9-10
Corn Palace Festival, Mitchell, SD, 605-995-8430
Threshing Show, Twin Brooks, SD, 605-432-9487
Foothills Classic Car & Tractor Show, Wessington Springs, SD, 605-539-1805 Senior Games, Yankton, SD, Contact Brittany Orr at 605-668-5234
August 21-25
Central States Fair & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD, 605-355-3861 Threshing Bee, Rosholt, SD, 605-537-4426
August 20-22
Dakotafest, Mitchell, SD, 800-827-8007
Prairie Village Annual Steam Threshing Jamboree, Madison, SD, 605-256-3644 To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.