2021 Spring Insights - Flipbook - Page 3
Fueling Farmers
River Valley Cooperative expands refined fuel delivery business
Jean Bowen, Energy Business Lead
The addition of two new fuel trucks to River Valley Cooperative’s fleet will provide the opportunity for
additional deliveries and faster service.
They have arrived! With the goal
of being a partner in our customers’
whole acre, River Valley Cooperative
is excited to announce the addition of
two new fuel trucks. These new trucks
will allow for a revised fuel strategy to
ensure our continued commitment
to providing exceptional customer
service. While our partnership with
CHS and CENEX fuel will still be an
option, having our own fuel trucks will
provide another delivery alternative to
customers.
We are also pleased to introduce
our new Energy Department staff.
Once again, to ensure our continued
customer commitment, we have
added resources to provide the
expertise and follow-up you expect.
We want to partner with you, whether
by providing market insights or filling
your storage tanks.
Joining the River Valley Cooperative
staff are Jean Bowen, Energy Business
Lead; Dan Woolsey, Illinois Energy
Account Manager; and Gary Carpenter,
Iowa Energy Account Manager. Jessie
Stone and Steve “Opie” LaMar will be
the refined fuels drivers.
Referring to the markets, as we
put 2020 behind us, we have learned
in the energy business that the
year was anything but normal. We
saw record lows after the COVID-19
outbreak and ended the year with
energy commodities outpacing other
commodities’ increases 14% to 26%
since October 1, 2020. Historically,
changes in pricing were heavily
influenced by domestic supply and
demand. This year’s polar vortex over
Asia has caused export demand to
escalate to never-before-seen levels.
All of these factors have caused the
market to be one of the most volatile
markets ever. From a crude and
refined fuels perspective, like propane,
we saw pricing sink to levels unheard
of, followed by increases as we closed
out the year. As we know, impacts from
COVID-19, OPEC decisions, legislation
changes, and global demands will
continue to drive volatility in the
markets.
What will 2021 bring is anyone’s
guess, but rest assured our team is
ready to help navigate the market
dynamics and deliver solutions for
your home and business needs.
We are now offering contract and
daily pricing for premium fuels.
Propane contracting will begin soon.
Additionally, customers can stay
informed with weekly energy updates,
which can be found under the “Energy”
tab on our website. Stay tuned for
further details!
IN S IG H TS / 3