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2 CapitalPress.com March 17, 2017 People & Places Cooperative branches out Pratum Co-op purchases Madras Service Center in Central Oregon Pratum Cooperative Headquarters: Salem, Ore. Established: 1946 Members: 315 Employees: 115 Annual revenues: $115 million Capital Press Calendar Business units: Agronomy, petroleum, seed processing, seed marketing, seed research, grain handling Sunday, March 19 Home Orchard Society 42nd Fruit Propagation Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Clackamas Coun- ty Fairgrounds Main Pavilion, 694 NE Fourth Ave., Canby, Ore. Hundreds of varieties of free scions and cuttings. If you graft this is paradise, or you can choose custom grafting by experts for $5. Free with your admission are hundreds of va- rieties of apple, pear, cherry, plum and persimmon scions; cuttings of grapes, kiwis, and figs to root; and experts to an- swer fruit growing questions. Cost: $7 per person (family $12) www.homeorchardsoci- ety.org/events Tuesday-Thursday March 21-23 LEAP Logger Education. University of Idaho Extension Kootenai County Office, 1808 North Third St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. LEAP, or Logger Edu- cation to Advance Profession- alism, is a national extension program started at the request of loggers who wanted to im- prove their skills and market their services more effectively to forest owners and manag- ers. The course features two days indoors and one day with field exercises on forest biolo- gy, forest ecology, silviculture and forest water quality. It is taught by University of Idaho faculty and Idaho Department of Lands personnel. Cost: $75, or $79 online registration. w w w. u i d a h o . e d u / e x t e n s i o n / forestry/calendar Thursday, March 23 Small Farms and Community Food Systems Workshop Series. 6-8:30 p.m. University of Idaho Extension, 2200 Michigan Ave., Orofino, Idaho. This is the last of three Thursday evening work- shops. Topic is marketing ag prod- ucts in Northern Idaho featuring Iris Mayes, UI Extension. Please mail registrations with payment to UI Extension Workshop Fund, 2200 Michigan Ave., Orofino, ID 83544 prior to the workshop. Sign-in will begin at 5:30 each evening. Seating is limited to 25 people. Cost: $5 per workshop or $10 for all three. Capital Press Managers John Perry ................................Publisher Joe Beach ..................................... Editor Elizabeth Yutzie Sell .... Advertising Director Carl Sampson ................Managing Editor Barbara Nipp ......... Production Manager Samantha McLaren .... Circulation Manager Entire contents copyright © 2017 EO Media Group dba Capital Press Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press Troy Kuenzi, left, president of the Pratum Co-op, stands with Doug Kuenzi, its agronomy division manager, at a company facility near Salem, Ore. The cooperative is expanding eastward to Central Oregon with the purchase of the Madras Service Center. The Central Oregon region also specializes in seed crops that aren’t widely grown in the U.S., so Pratum has exper- tise in serving such growers, said Doug Kuenzi, the coop- erative’s agronomy division manager and Troy’s cousin. “We understand niche crops, we understand how to service them,” he said. The acquisition Pratum isn’t disclosing the purchase price for the Madras Service Center, but the coop- erative expects it will increase annual sales by $14 million, for a total of about $115 mil- Sponsored by: To submit an event go to the Community Events calendar on the home page of our website at www. capitalpress.com and click on “Sub- mit an Event.” Calendar items can also be mailed to Capital Press, 1400 Broadway St. NE, Salem, OR 97301 or emailed to newsroom@ capitalpress.com. Established 1928 Board of directors Mike Forrester Steve Forrester Kathryn Brown Susan Rana Mike Omeg Western Innovator By MATEUSZ PERKOWSKI Grain handling was initial- ly the primary purpose of the Pratum Co-op, but the com- pany’s focus shifted and ex- panded in the seven decades since its founding. The cooperative diversi- fied into selling fertilizers, chemicals and fuel while de- veloping an expertise in grass seed as farmers devoted more acreage to the crop in Ore- gon’s Willamette Valley. Eventually, Pratum de- commissioned its iconic grain elevator at the company’s headquarters near Salem, Ore., after its grain business was phased out. This year, though, the cooperative has returned to grain storage and marketing with the purchase of the CHS cooperative’s service center in Madras, Ore. The move has less to do with nostalgia for the grain in- dustry than a desire to branch out. “We can spread our risk over a larger cropping sys- tem,” said Troy Kuenzi, the cooperative’s president. Apart from grain handling, the Madras Service Center also has agronomy, seed pro- cessing and seed marketing divisions that correspond with several units of the Pratum Co-op. “We aligned really well with Madras,” said Kuenzi. The acquisition marks an eastward leap across the Cas- cade Mountains, opening the cooperative to a new climate and crop portfolio. Capital Press Friday-Sunday March 24-26 18th Annual Northwest Horse Fair and Expo. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Linn County Fair and Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road, Albany, Ore. Three days of clinics, semi- nars and performances for horse enthusiasts. Cost: Adults $12 a day, children ages 6-12 $6 a day. Parking $4. www.equinepromo- tions.net Friday-Monday March 24-27 Oregon FFA State Convention. Deschutes Fair & Expo Center, 3800 S.E. Airport Way, Redmond, Ore. www.oregonffa.com Saturday, March 25 Clackamas Tree School. 8:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Clackamas Commu- nity College, Clairmont Hall Room 117, 19600 S Molalla Ave., Oregon City, Ore. Tree School attendees can learn about basic forestry from “A to Z” — tree identification, woodland management, pest man- agement, wildlife enhancement, chainsaw operations, safety and maintenance, truffle hunting and cultivation, among many other top- ics. Advanced sessions focus on business management, managing for timber, forest roads, wildlife and biodiversity. Cost is $50 per person in Clackamas County, $65 per per- son outside Clackamas County and $25 for youths 13-18 with an adult. http://bit.ly/1Txt8Lk Monday-Thursday March 27-30 Outlook 2017 Agribusiness Conference. DoubleTree Hotel, 2233 Ventura St., Fresno, Calif. This is California’s premiere agribusiness conference where key agricultural issues are addressed, commodity updates are provided and the highly regarded Trends in Agricultural Land and Lease Values publication is re- leased. Appraisers, farm managers, consultants, lenders, accountants, real estate brokers, government employees, farmers and educators will benefit from the education, net- working and the Trends publication. agprolink.asmfra.org Wednesday, March 29 Exploring the Small Farm Dream. 5-8 p.m. OSU SOREC Research Building Library, 569 Ha- ley Road, Central Point, Ore. This three-session course provides an excellent framework to help new farmers assess their skills and in- terests, learn the realities of farm business ownership, and become connected to local resources. The lion. The number of employ- ees will also increase by 23, to 115 in total. The acquisition, which closed in February, includes a 13-acre property, four lines of seed processing equip- ment, several delivery trucks, a warehouse and a fertilizer plant. Pratum expects to break ground on replacing the fer- tilizer plant this autumn with an operation that has faster blending capacity and more storage space, said Troy Kuenzi. “We feel it would be better to start over with a new, mod- ern, state-of-the art facility,” he said. Pratum has long shown a willingness to seize new op- portunities in its 70-year his- tory. In reaction to the surge in grass seed production in the 1980s, the cooperative con- structed its first seed cleaner for farmers in the region. As the grass seed indus- try matured, Pratum assumed new roles in seed contracting and marketing with its Moun- tain View Seeds Division, which was launched in 1998. Today, the cooperative contracts with farmers to grow grass seed on 28,000 acres. The company has a pri- vate label business, packag- ing seed under other brand names for its clients, as well as its own “Top Choice” retail trademark. Research added As larger grass seed com- panies began buying research firms, Pratum took another step in its vertical integration by partnering with breeder Steve Johnson to start Peak Plant Genetics. The company operates on 80 acres north of Albany, Ore., and has released and li- censed 125 varieties of cool season grasses since it was established in 2008. The venture’s timing was precarious: Peak Plant Ge- netics was created during the severe housing downturn that cratered demand for grass seed across the U.S. Without its own research capabilities, however, Pratum realized that it would struggle for sources of high-end genet- ics, said Troy Kuenzi. Over the past nine years, the cooperative has invested about $3.5 million in research and breeding, with Peak Plant Genetics turning its first profit last year. “We knew it was a long- term investment,” Troy Kuen- zi said. Much of Oregon’s early grass seed production was dedicated to perennial rye- grass, but tall fescue has recently been gaining a foot- hold in the turf market, he said. Valued for its fine texture, dark green color and drought tolerance, tall fescue is mak- ing strong in-roads in north- ern climates. Aside from providing seed for lawns and golf courses, Pratum works with sod pro- ducers across the country to supply turf for sports venues, Troy Kuenzi said. “It’s evident athletes want to play on real turf. It’s cooler and it’s easier on the body,” he said. “Artificial turf is hot and it’s like a rug burn.” GASES / WELDING / SAFETY / FIRE www.oxarc.com aim is to help those thinking about small-scale commercial farming learn what it will take to start and manage a farm business, and de- cide whether that is something they really want to pursue. $50 per person, $75 for two from the same farm. Website: http://bit.ly/Jackson- SmallFarmDream Wednesday-Thursday March 29-30 International Mass Timber Conference. Oregon Conven- tion Center, 777 NE Martin Lu- ther King Jr Blvd., Portland, Ore. Explores the entire supply chain for cross-laminated tim- ber, nail-laminated timber, glu- lam panels, laminated veneer lumber and other mass timber; and the opportunities and ob- stacles for mass timber building in global construction. Benefit from 80 speakers, four focused educational tracks, 60 exhibits in the exhibit hall, multiple net- working receptions, and one of the largest gatherings of CLT and mass timber experts in the world. www.masstimberconference.com Friday-Saturday March 31-April 1 High Desert Stampede. 6-10 p.m. Bank of the Cascades Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, Ore. High Desert Stampede, in concert with the Professional Ro- deo Cowboys Association, will be presenting a full rodeo performance lineup complete with bull, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wres- tling, team roping, calf roping and barrel racing. www.highdesertstam- pede.com Saturday-Sunday April 1-2 Spring Farming Days. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern Washington Agricul- tural Museum, 99 Fairground Road, Pomeroy, Wash. Old-time horse and mule farming on 13 acres, plus static and active equipment and vehicle displays and artisan dis- plays. RV and camping available and hot lunch available both days. Cost: Free. www.co.garfield.wa.us/ museum Wednesday, April 5 Exploring the Small Farm Dream. 5-8 p.m. OSU SOREC Research Building Library, 569 Ha- ley Road, Central Point, Ore. This three-session course provides an excellent framework to help new farmers assess their skills and in- terests, learn the realities of farm business ownership, and become connected to local resources. The aim is to help those thinking about small-scale commercial farming 20 Northwest Locations 1-800-765-9055 learn what it will take to start and manage a farm business, and de- cide whether that is something they really want to pursue. $50 per person, $75 for two from the same farm. Website: http://bit.ly/Jackson- SmallFarmDream Saturday-Tuesday April 22-25 Wednesday-Saturday April 5-8 Saturday-Sunday April 29-30 86th Idaho FFA State Leader- ship Conference. College of South- ern Idaho, Twin Falls. www.idahof- fa.org/conferences-conventions/ Saturday, April 8 Goat Seminar. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 7211 40th Ct. NE, Olympia, Wash. Learn about goat healthcare and nutrition, along with a short session about packgoats. Cost: $25 public; $7.50 4H/FFA. Website: http://edel- weissacresobers.com/ Tuesday, April 11 Do Your Kids Want the Busi- ness? Planning for Yes or No. 7:30 to 9 a.m. Hayden’s Lakefront Grill, 8187 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Tualatin, Ore. Presented by Steve Bennett, Farleigh Wada Witt and the Austin Family Business Program, Oregon State University. 800-859-7609, http://bit.ly/2h3k8Ck Wednesday, April 12 Exploring the Small Farm Dream. 5-8 p.m. OSU SOREC Research Building Library, 569 Ha- ley Road, Central Point, Ore. This three-session course provides an excellent framework to help new farmers assess their skills and in- terests, learn the realities of farm business ownership, and become connected to local resources. The aim is to help those thinking about small-scale commercial farming learn what it will take to start and manage a farm business, and de- cide whether that is something they really want to pursue. $50 per person, $75 for two from the same farm. Website: http://bit.ly/Jackson- SmallFarmDream Saturday, April 15 Oregon Women for Agriculture 30th annual auction and dinner. 5-9 p.m. Linn County Fair & Expo Cen- ter, 3700 Knox Butte Road E, Alba- ny, Ore. Website: owaonline.org Friday-Saturday April 21-22 Second Annual Horsedrawn Vehicle and Equipment Auction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Yamhill County Fair- grounds, 2070 NE Lafayette Ave., McMinnville, Ore. Preview starts at 8 a.m. both days. Auction benefits the Youth Educational Scholarship Foundation. www.pacificoverland- expo.com California FFA State Convention. Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, 700 M St., Fresno, Calif. Website: www.calaged.org Oregon Ag Fest. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem, Ore. Ag Country activities, a petting zoo, pony rides, toy tractor races, a craft and garden show and family entertainment make for a fun and informative day. A ranch breakfast is served on Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $6. Sunday Ag Fest hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ag Fest cost: Free for 12 and under. $9 for 13 and older. Free parking. http://oragfest.com/ Wednesday, May 10 Managing for Resilience: North- west Grazing Conference 2017. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate, Pendle- ton, Ore. Featured speakers are Kit Pharo and Fred Provenza. Pharo, cattle breeder and owner of Pharo Cattle Co., says, “The most profitable cow-calf produc- ers that I know of have a low-in- put, grass-based program with very efficient, low-maintenance cows. These are also the happiest producers I know of.” Provenza, professor emeritus at Utah State University, is part of the BEHAVE team. BEHAVE principles, based on 30 years of research: If we understand how animals learn, we can train the animals to fit the landscapes instead of changing the landscape to fit the animals. Cost: $227 by April 14, $267 after. Website: http://bit.ly/2kpT9yb Thursday-Saturday May 11-13 87th Washington FFA State Convention. Washington State Uni- versity, Pullman. www.washingtonf- fa.org/calendar/ An independent newspaper published every Friday. Capital Press (ISSN 0740-3704) is published weekly by EO Media Group, 1400 Broadway St. NE, Salem OR 97301. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, OR, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Capital Press, P.O. Box 2048 Salem, OR 97308-2048. To Reach Us Circulation ......................... 800-882-6789 Email ........ Circulation@capitalpress.com Main line ........................... 503-364-4431 Fax ................................... 503-370-4383 Advertising Fax ................ 503-364-2692 News Staff N. 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Capital Press ag media www.capitalpress.com www.FarmSeller.com marketplace.capitalpress.com www.facebook.com/capitalpress www.facebook.com/farmseller twitter.com/capitalpress www.youtube.com/capitalpressvideo Index Dairy .................................... 15 Idaho ...................................... 9 Markets ............................... 13 Opinion .................................. 6 Oregon .................................11 Washington ......................... 10 Thursday, May 18 Family Business Charters. 7:30 to 9 a.m. BridgePort Brew- Pub, 1313 NW Marshall St., Portland. A family business char- ter sets forth the essential rules, obligations, and responsibilities relating to ownership and man- agement of the business, as well as the family values that will help sustain the business for future generations. Presented by A. Jef- fery Bird, Lane Powell PC and the Austin Family Business Program, Oregon State University. $40 per person. 800-859-7609, http://bit. ly/2gPuLYY Correction policy Accuracy is important to Capital Press staff and to our readers. If you see a misstatement, omission or factual error in a headline, story or photo caption, please call the Capital Press news department at 503-364-4431, or send email to newsroom@capitalpress.com. We want to publish corrections to set the record straight.
