All Posts from August 21, 2012

Simplot acquires Dorman Brothers

The J.R. Simplot Co. has acquired Dorman Brothers LLC., an agricultural supply company with locations in Goodland, Kan., and in Colorado at Burlington and Cheyenne Wells. It will join Simplot’s AgriBusiness Group as part of the Simplot Grower Solutions network.

“Our goal at Simplot Grower Solutions is to continue to grow our business by expanding our reach in strategic areas as we focus on meeting customer needs,” said Dave Dufault, vice president of Simplot Retail. “Dorman Brothers fits in perfectly.”

Mike Dorman, who started Dorman Brothers in 1998 with his brother, Tim, said the business arrangement with Simplot will be good for customers and employees. “We felt that Simplot Grower Solutions was the best fit for our employees and our customers, and their commitment to agriculture is well known throughout the industry,” he said.
“Each location will remain focused on providing customers with a full line of crop nutrients, crop protection, seed, specialty products, and agricultural technology.”

According to AgriBusiness Group president Garrett Lofto, the Dorman Brothers acquisition represents a good fit with existing Simplot operations. “For more than 80 years, the J. R. Simplot Co. has played a significant role in various sectors of the global food and agriculture system and this long term commitment continues,” said Lofto. “Dorman Brothers fits in very well with our existing retail operations and we are excited about how it will complement our recent announcement around the expansion of our Rock Springs phosphate operation.”

Simplot Grower Solutions has more than 250 crop advisors and over 90 retail locations.

The J.R. Simplot Co., a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China, with products marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Commission wants more info on NH3 plan

The North Dakota Industrial Commission failed to take action Monday, Aug. 20, on a request for a $1 million state grant to help finance the development of a unique system that converts onsite flare gas from oil wells into ammonia fertilizer (GM Aug. 20, p. 1). According to Alison Ritter, spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Natural Resources, the Commission made up of Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Atty. Gen. Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring was enthusiastic about the potential of lower-cost fertilizer for the state’s farmers but indicated that a $1 million is a lot of money and decided that more information is needed and asked N-Flex developer Neil Cohn to provide more information. “I would look for the issue to be on their agenda next month,” Ritter told Green Markets.

Koch æpressure blastÆ injures two workers

Koch Nitrogen Co. is releasing none of the details regarding what Koch is calling a “big over-pressurized blast” at its Beatrice, Neb., plant shortly before 5 a.m. last Friday, Aug. 17, that left one worker in the hospital with serious injuries.

“We transported one patient to Beatrice Community Hospital and the second patient with serious injuries to BryanLGH West in Lincoln about 35 miles away,” Beatrice Fire Chief Brian Daake told Green Markets. “I know they were shut down for maintenance at the time.” Both the injured were reported to be contract employees. “There was no fire and no hazardous materials were released although they’ve got all kinds of that stuff out there.” He said Koch plant is located about six miles out of town and is in the jurisdiction of the Beatrice volunteer rural fire district. Neither Rural District Fire Chief Jim Engel nor Assistant Chief Gary Wiese was available but Daake said the rural district responded with eight fire fighters and the city with two ambulances.

Tampa NH3 price moves

The Tampa anhydrous ammonia price for September is moving up, with reports that major business has been concluded at $705/mt DEL, up $15/mt from August’s $690/mt.