22 RVC Insights Spring - Flipbook - Page 9
Pictured left to right: Aaron Trenkamp, Kirk Dosland, Matt VanSloten, Dylan Meyer, Rick McCulloh, Pam Ratjhen.
China, China, China… like it or not; the United States
is very dependent upon Chinese manufacturing.
Covid lockdowns in China are very real and have
impacted the timely shipping of raw ingredients and
finished products during the pandemic. In addition,
environmental issues are also causing disruptions.
Historically, environmental stewardship has not been
a top concern of this communist country- we have all
seen the images of smog-filled skies in China. Until
recent months, manufacturing facilities have not had
to follow environmental regulations. Why now? China
wants the world to see clean, smog-free skies during the
winter Olympics in February. Facilities have been forced
to slow or, in some cases, even stop operations, to limit
air emissions in advance of this global event. Even after
the Olympics are over, China knows they must clean up
their act, literally, and we should expect them to continue
these environmental regulations, affecting their supply
chain processes.
The Opportunities
Given all of the changes happening in the world, how
could there possibly be opportunities in 2022? You’ve just
reviewed numerous reasons why the supply chain will be
challenged in 2022 and likely beyond.
As a member-owner of River Valley Cooperative, you have
chosen to do your business with a sound and responsible
organization. You can be sure River Valley Cooperative has
not been sitting back and watching these events unfold
without taking early action to secure its customers’ needs.
Forecasting the product needs of our customers for spring,
summer, and even fall and purchasing products based on
those forecasts began months before the 2021 crop was
even harvested. Our warehouses are filling up more and
more every day, and our chemical bulk tanks are being
topped off earlier than ever before. Agronomy account
managers are educated on the best chemical programs
available today to control yield-robbing pests and weeds
on your farm. These programs and rates may look different
from what you are used to and are different from those you
have used in the recent past, but know these programs are
agronomically sound and will give you the results you want
and expect.
Your opportunity? Planning, communicating, and partnering
with River Valley Cooperative for a successful growing
season in 2022!
IN S IG H TS / 9