Can YOU Help Us Tell More of Our Story?
Although 2020 was technically our 100th anniversary, we’re still celebrating with stories and photos about where TRC began and where we are today!
Here to Help: Seedsman’s Job Is Year-Round
About once a year you stop in to go through the newest hybrids and varieties with your seedsman, then once you’ve made your purchase you go on your way. What else can a seed salesman do for your operation?
Label Changes for Dicamba Products
In case you haven’t heard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the re-registration of many in-season dicamba products. This announcement includes crucial label updates that will affect the management of some Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and XtendFlex soybean systems for 2021. Here’s what you need to know as you make your management decisions for the upcoming spring season.
Feed for Thought
WEATHER you believe it or not, the numbers matter.
As Iowans, we have a habit of saying, “It wouldn’t feel so cold if it weren’t for the wind.” This couldn’t have been truer during last month’s cold snap for all of us, and our livestock too. Once it is cold outside it’s hard for us humans to tell the difference between 32° and 15°, but your cows can!
Where it Stops, Nobody Knows
We have a perfect storm occurring in the commodities market after many years where it seemed like all the odds were stacked against us in terms of higher prices.
Cenex®: Protecting Your Equipment Right
Diesel-powered equipment gets more sophisticated each year. That’s why we recommend Cenex® Premium Diesel Fuels to our cooperative members.
Not only do Cenex Premium Diesel Fuels regularly outperform conventional #2 diesel in lab, field, and road tests, but they’ve also been enhanced to optimize performance in today’s diesel engines.
Two Decades of Two Rivers
It struck me the other day that April 1, 2021, marks 20 years since the merger was complete that formed Two Rivers Cooperative. Where has the time gone?
I was told years ago by a dear friend that the older you get, the faster time goes. I’ve always tried to wrap my mind around that comment. The hours in a day don’t change, nor do the days in a week or weeks in a year.
Cooperatives: A Tried and True Part of Agriculture
Local cooperatives have certainly changed over the years, but the desire of producers to have access to the products and services they need to continue to do what they love remains.
Farm Machinery Through the Years
Today’s farmers can do so much more even with fewer resources which is a great testament to our advances in machinery and technology over the last 100 years.
Services Offered in 1995
The co-op built a new chemical facility because of increasing business and new environmental laws concerning secondary containment. By the 75th Annual Meeting, the co-op had total sales of $11,633,000 with local savings of $203,650 and total savings of $356,650.
Two Rivers Cooperative (VIRTUAL) Annual Meeting 2020
Farmers Eat Free at TRC
Farmers don’t have to be hangry this harvest season thanks to TRC and Iowa Corn! Join us for a free meal in October!
September 22, 2020
Corn & beans struggled to keep the early morning rally intact despite continued export sales reported Another 530,000 metric tonnes of beans was reported sold to China and unknown this morning Another 460,000 metric tonnes of corn was reported sold
September 4, 2020
Corn CBOT Prices Two Rivers Cash Bid Prices Sep ‘20 347’2 +2’6 Sep ‘20 318’0 +5’0 Dec ‘20 358’0 +4’2 NC ‘20 313’0 +3’0 Mar ‘21 368’4 +3’6 Dec ‘20 317’0 +4’0 May ‘21 374’6 +3’2 Jan ‘21 324’0 +5’0
Coronavirus Member Letter – Harvest 2020
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 2020: With the current rate of COVID-19 cases rising in Iowa, ALL customers and employees are required to wear masks upon entry to ANY Two Rivers Cooperative facility until further notice. Dear Two Rivers
August 28, 2020
Corn CBOT Prices Two Rivers Cash Bid Prices Sep ‘20 346’0 +1’6 Aug ‘20 321’0 +2’0 Dec ‘20 359’2 +0’6 Sep ‘20 312’0 +7’0 Mar ‘21 369’2 -0’2 NC ‘20 313’0 Unch. May ‘21 375’6 -0’2 Dec ‘20 318’0 Unch.
August 27, 2020
Corn CBOT Prices Two Rivers Cash Bid Prices Sep ‘20 340’6 +3’6 Aug ‘20 319’0 +3’0 Dec ‘20 354’4 +4’2 Sep ‘20 305’0 +7’0 Mar ‘21 366’2 +3’4 NC ‘20 313’0 +5’0 May ‘21 372’6 +3’4 Dec ‘20 318’0 +5’0
August 25, 2020
Grains finished higher with hot, dry forecasts feared to be pushing crops and thus reducing yield I believe the August USDA production numbers are the highest we’ll see this crop year with weather stressing plants along with storm damage ravaging
TRC’s 2020 Fair Winners!
Each year we continue the tradition of supporting our youngest customers livestock projects. It is an honor to watch these kids learn and grow into knowledgeable and accomplished stockmen and women. Congratulations to all on another successful year!
Subscribe to Two Rivers Newsletters Here
Fill out the form on this page to sign up for both of Two Rivers Cooperative’s e-newsletters, The Tributary and The Soil Report.
Welcome to the TRC Family!
Congratulations to Dustie and Curvin Wentz on the arrival of their first daughter, Aurora Rein Wentz! …
After a Positive Spring, We Look Ahead to Summer
This year was one of the best planting seasons we’ve had in several years. Most of the corn and soybeans in the Pella and Otley area were in the ground by the first of May. We had some cold weather and actually saw some frost damage…
Weathering the 2020 Storm
Predictable has never been a word used to describe the ag markets. The many factors affecting supply and demand change daily, especially in 2020 navigating what we hope will be a once-in-a-lifetime event…
Staying the Course
Perseverance is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as persistence in doing something regardless of difficulty and/or delay in achieving success. This word really resonates with us now, given the past 12 months of volatile trade markets…
Summer Energy Updates & Savings!
There has been quite a bit of volatility in the oil market recently, and we have seen that it pays to contract any needs you may have, sooner rather than later. These markets are moving all of the time, and prices are subject to change at any moment.
Adapting to Our New Normal
This year has definitely not gone to plan. For Two Rivers Cooperative that meant some of our 100th Anniversary activities were unfortunately put on hold as we adapted to new guidelines. As of now, our Customer Appreciation Day is scheduled…
How to Manage Your Pastures Before Grazing
As with anything in life, there are things we can control and things we cannot. However, when it comes to best management practices and doing what is most suitable for our land and livestock – we are in control. As
TRC’s Response to COVID-19
March 18, 2020 Dear Two Rivers Cooperative Customer, This past week has made all of us stop in our tracks at times and think hard about where we are going, what we are doing and if it is important. With
Cattle Producers Hear From Industry Experts
What a great night! Producers packed the upstairs meeting room at co-op in Pella to listen to and interact with well-respected industry professionals like Dr. Drew Shain from Purina who talked about weaning and starting protocols including the newly launched
Free Screening of SILO
Pella FFA presents the independent film, SILO. Inspired by true events, SILO follows a harrowing day in an American farm town when teenager Cody Rose is entrapped in a 50-foot-tall grain bin. When the corn turns to quicksand, family, neighbors
2019 Harvest Hours
Current Closing Hours: Pella: 7:00pm Otley: 7:00pm Monroe: 7:00pm Tracy: 7:30pm Locations will determine closing time based on harvest activity on a daily basis.
2019 Fair Winners!
Congratulations to Kaisand Cattle of Bussey on a great day at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, bringing home several division winners along with Premier Breeder and Exhibitor in the Simmental Show! Congratulations to Ryder Thill and family
A Strong Defense is the Best Offense
The time is coming upon us when weaning calves becomes a priority, additionally, cattle buyers are gearing up to reload pens. When it comes to starting calves off, we only get one chance to do it right—that is why we
June 28, 2019
Corn sold off hard and soybeans rallied on the data released by the USDA for the quarterly report
USDA put corn acres at 91.7 million acres, more than 5 million acres lower than average estimates
When the Diet is not the Only Thing That’s Hot!
Walking pens in the late spring and summer months, as temperatures rise, we can bet on seeing a few things; cattle are in the shade or looking for some, the water trough always has a line and feed intakes typically
40 Years of Service
On April 9, 2019, Dave Van Soelen celebrated 40 years with Two Rivers Cooperative. How blessed are we to have gained a man with such a profound skill set and has been dedicated to our cooperative? Over Dave’s many years
Common/Preferred Stock in Two Rivers Cooperative
The following individuals have common and/or preferred stock in Two Rivers Cooperative. From the date of this notice, these individuals have 6 months to notify Two Rivers Cooperative of their new addresses or the amount of stock in the cooperative
First Things First
Warmer weather prompts a variety of home improvement projects both big and small. Anything from installing a new mailbox, planting a tree, to even building a deck. No matter the size or how simple the project may seem, the importance
May 23, 2019
An interesting day in the markets today as the market shook off the cold, wet forecasts. Instead they focused on the USDA release of the MFP 2 program.
Greener Pastures
I, like many of you, am cautiously celebrating the end of winter—baby calves turning didoes in the field and watching the green grass grow and flourish. As nice as it is now, we are preparing for summer to ensure that
May 10, 2019
Markets lower today but bounced off the lows following the release of the supply & demand reportThe USDA released their first projections for 2019 crop today
Body Condition Scoring
For spring-calving beef producers, the excitement of calving season is either wrapped up or well underway by this month. It’s a great feeling to have a new crop of robust calves kicking up their heels in the springtime sun. It
Where has Spring Gone?
Now that everything has thawed, most of us are left wondering where springtime has gone to. It seems as though we went from below 30 and snow to 75 overnight! With that being said, we are gearing up for grass
Fixed Price/Budget Billing Contracts
Propane Cylinder Safety With the outdoor grilling season here, there are a number of safety tips you should review before you really get cooking. ALWAYS: Store or place a propane cylinder outdoors and in an open area, and not in
Time Will Tell
The April USDA WASDE Report came out the second week of April following the Quarterly Stocks and Acreage Report at the end of March. Both reports were bearish but opposite on their corn predictions. WASDE is predicting more corn acres
April 2, 2019
Soybeans led the grain complex higher with ideas of further soybean sales possibleOptimism for sales stems from Chinese trade delegation visiting the US this week
March 29, 2019
The USDA released their monthly stocks report today and it certainly was a bearish oneCorn stocks was pegged at 8.605 billion bushels vs 8.335 average estimates
7 Reasons You Need to Know Your Soil’s Health
The nutrients in your soil are the key ingredients to growing a productive crop. The color of the soil doesn’t tell you what the nutrients are. The texture doesn’t tell you how many nutrients you have. There’s only one way
Preparing for Spring
It’s all about the numbers, from birth weights to conception rates they all weigh heavily on profitability. As spring approaches, and we dig out of our snow drifts we need to think about all the stressors that are impacting a
Welcome to the World, Baby Lorraine!
We would like to send a warm congratulations to our Tracy location manager, Nick Hageman, and his wife Sam on the birth of their new daughter, Lorraine. She made her debut on December 27, 2018 just in time to celebrate
Successful Close to the Year
We were thankful that the weather cooperated in giving us a nice evening to host the Two Rivers Cooperative Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 13, 2018. There was a wonderful turn out to support the festivities and celebrate another successful
New Transitions
Shay Davis has been with Two Rivers Cooperative Grain Department for the last four and a half years in the Pella office and this fall she made the move to the Monroe location to take over as the new location
2018 Annual Meeting
Two Rivers Cooperative 2018 Annual Meeting THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018 Graham Hall, Central College Campus We will begin with a meal at 6:00 followed by a report on the fiscal year end 2018 financial results and results of the director elections.
Cooperatives See the Future
Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, Co-op Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways cooperatives are using innovation to create shared prosperity for their members and communities. The theme of this year’s National Co-op Month,
October Producer Meeting
What Came First: The Chicken or The Egg?
The chicken and the egg seem like such an age-old conundrum and one which many find themselves trying to solve. How does this silly chicken apply to cattle production? To be honest, I relate this same analogy to calving and
Markets React to a Wet Harvest
The WASDE report was released on October 11. Corn estimates dropped six-tenths of a bushel per acre bringing the average down to 180.7 bushels per acre. Soybeans took an opposing direction and increased a mere three-tenths of a bushel per
A Farm Worth Chirping About
Everywhere you look in Iowa you will most likely see a farm. In 1965, father and son duo, Henry and Jack Bensink fit the bill of a typical farm family. They raised common farm livestock of pigs, cows and chickens
September 4, 2018
Values were higher today despite the weakness of wheat, down 14 cents
Wheat struggled on talk that Russia would not implement export tariffs after all
End of Season Nutrient Stress in Corn
As we prepare ourselves for harvest, there are still field symptoms to keep an eye out for. It is important to consider the end of season nutrient stress in your corn fields for current management decisions and for next season
Fall 2018 Mineral/Tub Promotion!
Weaning Calves
As August continues and fall is quickly approaching, it is that time of year when kids are heading back to school, and our little 4 legged kids are getting weaned. As much as I’d like to separate these two, they
August 1, 2018
Grain finished lower today after a strong session yesterday led by talk of trade talks resuming
President Trump yesterday considered increasing tariff from 10% to 25% according to some news
Heat Stress
Driving down the road is usually a great time to reflect for me, and being out and about the past few weeks I can say it has been pretty warm and my AC has been earning its keep. This scenario
Welcome, Ashley!
Two Rivers is excited to announce its most recent addition to the Feed Division. Our new Ruminant Production Specialist, Ashley Warren joined us on July 9. Ashley brings with her an extensive background in the cattle industry. Originally from Rose
July 17, 2018
Corn and beans closed higher today with lower crop condition ratings than the trade anticipated
Corn was down 3% and beans were down 2% from the week prior
Scouting Season
There was a lot of effort from everyone put into this spring planting season. And while the Two Rivers staff is proud of this, we don’t want you to lose momentum. Remember to keep scouting your fields as the season
June 13, 2018
Commodities struggled today, a day after an overall supportive USDA report was released
Corn found buying interest as traders look for a bargain buy with tighter balance tables
2018 Sign-up for Soil and Water Conservation Cost-Share
Over the years, farmers across Two Rivers Cooperative territory have been proactive in integrating conservation practices into their farm operations. This includes the longtime use of no-till and minimum till farming practices. The past several years have seen the use
June 12, 2018
Corn and wheat were the darlings of the grain markets today while soybeans lagged behind
Corn got a bump from a reduced 2017 carryout as well as a 2018 carryout
Storing Grain in the Summer
We have been noticing higher moisture in the grain that is being brought to us from out of the bin. With increasing temperatures and humidity, remember to keep the following in mind as summer weather joins us: Moisture content
Last Call for 2018-2019 Propane Contracts
Over the last few years, our budget billing program has proven itself to be a valuable tool for Two Rivers customers in controlling their energy costs. With the extremely volatile nature of the energy market, we recommend that all Two
Beef Month
May happens to be Beef Month in Iowa, and what a great month to celebrate! We thought in honor of a great “holiday” we would share some facts you may not have known about the industry: The state of Iowa
May 21, 2018
US Ag markets shot higher last night after reports that the US/China tariff threats would be suspended
Secretary Treasury Mnuchin reported that very meaningful progress has been made on a trade deal
Stabilize Your Nitrogen
In a favorable year, weather and nitrogen combine to contribute more than 50% of the total yield. The weather, in fact, influences every aspect of nitrogen loss, availability and utilization by the plant. Whether it is a drought year or
May 10, 2018
Corn finished near unchanged as beans finished with a higher close, although off the highs for the day
The USDA report showed largely as-expected numbers for the US supplies
May 8, 2018
The grains finished higher today on a bounce from yesterday’s selloff
Soybeans bounced nicely off chart support & some bargain hunters came back on Turnaround Tuesday
May 3, 2018
Grain finished higher again today with a late surge from soybeans helping out
Soybeans surged about 17 cents in just a few minutes with reports of a China-US trade agreement
May 1, 2018
Corn and soybeans finished impressively higher today, particularly corn and soybean meal
Soymeal leading feed grains higher with uncertainty over Argentine soybean size & meal production
April 26, 2018
An uneventful finish to a session that saw some prices swings early
The market isn’t willing to rally but also isn’t willing to sell off with many question marks out there
EPA Glyphosate Review
Dear Member, We want to make sure that all of our members are aware of current issues and events occurring in the industry, specifically those that have an effect on area farmers. Per routine registrations, the Environmental Protection
April 17, 2018
Corn finished lower today while soybeans trade higher based on China talk
China announced they would add a 78.6% tariff on US sorghum imports
Tariffs Causing Commotion
Tariffs have been making bigger headlines than the USDA report as of the last few weeks. While these tariffs are only proposals currently, they are causing much stir in the industry for obvious reasons. Currently, the United States has proposed
Is Creep Feed Worth It?
With spring upon us, some are beginning to wrap up calving season, and it is now time to look at if it is profitable to creep feed those calves. I am confident in saying that this year will be another great year to creep feed. With today’s genetics, cattle need that extra supplementation to express their potential, and we cannot get the gain on mother’s milk and grass alone.
April 10, 2018
The monthly USDA update report was released today but held few surprises to the market
The quarterly stocks & acreage report on March 30 took all the fanfare, which can make this one a dud
Tax Reform Update
April 10, 2018 Dear Member, On December 21st and January 5th, I communicated with you regarding the new Section 199A tax deduction which was included in the Tax Reform Bill of 2017. As I am sure you
April 6, 2018
Another day in the midst of trade war, tariff threats that have markets on edge
President Trump asked for drafting of another $100 billion tariff implementation against China
April 5, 2018
Grain prices continued to rebound the day following the panic selling after Chinese tariff threats
Corn prices actually finished one cent above pre-tariff announcement
April 3, 2018
Values climbed higher today, finishing higher for the day but well off the highs of early in the session
Values again were higher overnight but lost buying enthusiasm as the market tries to find direction
Boot Farms: Built on Family and Tradition
Craig Boot is no stranger to the hard work required of farming. Having been involved with the farm since he was young, he knows the work is never done, and it is in his blood to always keep busy. After
March 29, 2018
Markets jumped immediately following the release of the USDA acreage numbers
Corn acres were at 88 million vs average trade estimates of 89.42 and 90.167 last year
The Seven Wonders of Corn Yield on Your Farm
Not every farm is capable of producing 260-bushel corn in a growing season. Management efforts need to reflect field level performance in order to maximize profitability. Some fields are able to be more profitable in a high technology, high management
March 27, 2018
Another quiet day in the commodity market circles as the market awaits Thursday’s report
The USDA will report their first initial estimates for acreage for 2018 on Thursday
March 26, 2018
Grain markets couldn’t hold their overnight gains as the market seems unsure of next direction
Grain prices are stuck between support and resistance levels but uncertainty is making market anxious
Dicamba Updates to be Aware Of
The spring weather we have been anticipating is just around the corner and will be here before we know it. As we look ahead to the spraying season, we want to keep you up to date. If you plan to
Condolences to Redding Family
With heavy hearts, we offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Robin Redding. Robin passed away on March 14th and was a valuable employee at Two Rivers Cooperative. Robin began her employment with Farmers Cooperative Exchange of
New Tracy Location Manager, Nick Hageman
Two Rivers is excited to announce the most recent transition in the company. On February 1, our very own Nick Hageman transferred to the Tracy location as the new Location Manager following Craig Hetland’s retirement. Learn a little bit more
Managing Cattle in the Winter Part 2
Timing has everything to do with mineral consumption during these cold winter months. Make sure your cattle are getting what they need when they need it. Don’t forget you can take advantage of our mineral special: Buy 10 get 1 FREE
Managing Cattle in the Winter
Two Rivers is here to help you manage your cattle come any season of the year. We know winter can be an exceptionally challenging season, and we want to help you as much as possible. Follow the link to learn
January 26, 2018
Corn finished the day higher, following wheat’s strength and a weaker dollar
Soybeans saw some profit taking after a strong rally the past 9 sessions