Crystal Valley

The proposed merger between Crystal Valley and New Vision was not approved by our members. While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we respect and appreciate the decision of our members. Both Crystal Valley and New Vision will continue to prioritize serving their members and communities, focusing on building a strong, sustainable future.

Calling all South Dakota State University ag students looking for an internship and/or a full-time opportunity after graduation. Our Crystal Valley recruitment team (Matt & Jason) will be on campus this week for the CAFES Career Fair. Stop by to learn more about the opportunities we have for you to further your career in ag with Crystal Valley!

Our team is excited to be kicking off our annual career fair season with our first stop at North Dakota State University on Wednesday! With both full-time and internships available, we're ready to connect with up-and-coming ag professionals. #CareerFair #recruitment #internship #NDSU

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 Juan Marroquin, Feed Location Manager in Trimont, entered the world of agriculture right after he graduated from college in Mexico. It was there that he first discovered his passion for animal nutrition while working at a local feed mill. This initial spark of interest was further fueled in 2009 when he moved to the United States to work on a hog farm. Eager to expand his knowledge and advance in the industry, Juan sought new opportunities, eventually finding his way to Crystal Valley. In 2021, Juan joined Crystal Valley in Jackson, taking on a role in operations. Once he learned of the new feed mill being constructed in Trimont, he seized the opportunity and applied for the Feed Location Manager position. He was brought on board when the new facility opened in 2022. This new role within Crystal Valley allowed Juan to build a team from the ground up, hone his leadership skills, and deepen his expertise in animal nutrition. On any given day, Juan is in a whirlwind of activity at the Trimont feed facility. He ensures his team has everything they need to perform their tasks efficiently and is always ready to troubleshoot any issues that arise. His responsibilities include managing ingredients, overseeing receiving and batching, and directing his drivers, ensuring they follow proper biosecurity protocols. As operations ramp up at the end of each month, Juan works hard to get inventory counts in order and ensure all the numbers align perfectly. Juan's role as Feed Location Manager has him overseeing the entire feed department in Trimont and collaborating with various colleagues across the company. "Honestly, they treat you as family here," Juan shares. "A big company that trains you cares about you and values your safety and work-life balance makes you feel good to be a part of this company." Despite his busy professional life, Juan finds joy in spending time with his family. He takes great pleasure in helping his children raise their animals for 4-H, preparing them for the county fair each summer. His blend of professional engagement and personal satisfaction shows the kind of dedicated manager, passionate agriculturist, and a loving family man that Juan is! 

Getting to work with people like Alli is what makes Crystal Valley such a great company!

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: Alli Zietlow, Sales Agronomist - La Salle, had always dreamed of living and working in Southwest Minnesota, and in the summer of 2021, that dream became a reality when she joined Crystal Valley as a sales agronomist. For the past three years, she has thrived in this role, working within the wide range of services offered and using cutting-edge technology every day. One of the aspects Alli loves most about her job is the flexibility throughout her day and the work-life balance it provides. Her days are filled with variety, taking her to different meetings with suppliers and allowing her to explore the countryside daily. A side perk is the collection of vendors promotional items that accumulate each year. Alli was drawn to Crystal Valley because of their commitment to utilizing the highest level of technology and agronomic expertise to help their customers succeed. This progressive approach is not limited to agronomy but extends across all divisions. Her common goal along with her coworkers is to serve their customers best and continually improve the cooperative. Alli's job varies with the seasons, ensuring no two days are the same. A typical day involves taking phone calls, discussing farm needs with customers, and planning for the future. Each season brings a different focus: summers are spent scouting fields, meeting potential customers, and attending supplier meetings, while winters are dedicated to securing farm plans and inputs for the coming year. What Alli cherishes most about her job are the relationships she has built with her customers. “I feel like I have developed really good relationships with a lot of people where you get to know more about their personal life and knowing that I play a major part in helping them hopefully have a successful crop.” Her commitment to doing what is right and finding unique solutions for each farmer aligns with her dedication to serving customers as she would want to be served. Alli is grateful for the supportive team she works with. The agronomy department is a fun, energetic group always willing to help and walk through processes with her. This collaborative environment makes her job even more enjoyable and fulfilling. #employeestory #salesagronomist #crystalvalley #employee #agriculture

Join us for our Merger Member Meetings this week to learn about the proposed merger between New Vision and Crystal Valley. These meetings are a great opportunity to get all your questions answered and understand what this means for you and our communities. Full details can be found https://lnkd.in/grfSf32X

Crystal Valley is thrilled to announce that $2.76 million in equity retirement checks were sent to our members last week! These payments redeemed the remaining portion of their 2010 equity. Last August, we redeemed 20% of their 2010 equity and the remaining equity from 2009. This retirement of equity is non-taxable since taxes on the total patronage dividend were paid back in 2010.

Crystal Valley is pleased to announce Jack Ammann, Precision Ag Intern – Mankato, MN, was awarded the 2024 Dan Trullinger Scholarship this year! This $2,000 scholarship is given to a Crystal Valley intern in memory of Dan Trullinger, a former Crystal Valley agronomist. He was a great mentor to his interns and took pride in watching them develop their Agronomic skills. Dan Trullinger worked for Crystal Valley for 11 years. He attended college at SDSU, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy. He interned for La Salle Farmers Grain (LSFG) before the merger with Crystal Valley, and his first job was in Tyler, MN, as an Agronomist in 2004. In 2006, he returned to his hometown of Madelia, where he started working for Crystal Valley. On May 21, 2017, Dan's life tragically ended as a result of a car accident. Jack is attending South Dakota State University and majoring in Precision Ag. We congratulate him on a great summer and a bright future in agriculture! Congratulations, Jack!

The Boards of Directors for Crystal Valley and New Vision Cooperative have agreed to move forward with a member vote to potentially unify the two cooperatives. This follows an in-depth study and numerous discussions aimed at enhancing benefits for our members and employees. For more information about the Merger Study or to provide feedback, visit https://lnkd.in/gafuNeFS