Supporting the Agriculture Industry and Local Community

Supporting the agriculture industry and our local community are important to us at K & S Millwrights. Successful agriculture organizations, farmers and businesses are an integral part of what we do every day. Our local community and the organizations within it have supported K & S from our start. We like to share that same level of support with others.

Support, Sponsors and Affiliations

Agriculture SupportSome of the organizations that we’re most involved with are shared on our website. We’re involved in our local business association, support the Buffalo Lake Lions Club, Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers Associations, and many local school organizations to name a few.

One area school organization that we follow closely is the Buffalo Lake Hector Stewart (BLHS) FFA program. FFA (Future Farmers of America) educates the younger generation, whether part of a farm family or not, about the importance of farming and the agriculture industry. Our children have been participated in FFA and we’ve seen the benefits first-hand. The future of K & S depends on the ongoing support of agriculture. It is exciting to see our local FFA program thrive.

Thank you to our local community and supporters for all you do for us.

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Tariffs Impact Grain Prices

You’re probably aware of the grain tariff happening over the last few months. Grain storage is on the top of our mind always, so we follow this related news just as closely. While it is an ever-changing situation we try stay informed.

As we were doing some reading and review of the latest news we thought we’d share some of the information. It is always interesting to see the different perspectives on the tariff and the impact that it has on the grain supply and pricing.

Grain Tariff Articles

Here are a few articles that we came across that you might find interesting about the grain tariff.

USDA Agriculture Bulletingrain tariff soybeans

Iowa Soybean Association Statement

FarmLead – Grain Prices Fall Article

Bloomberg Farm Imports Article

AgFax – Tariff Two-Step Article

We’ll be watching this progress while we prepare for fall harvest.

If you’re looking to expand or upgrade your grain storage facility contact K & S today. We’ll help you get ready for fall harvest.

Happy Fourth of July From K & S

Happy Fourth of July to K & S Millwright’s family, friends and customers!

We hope you get a chance to celebrate and honor the importance of Independence Day. K & S Millwrights will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th to allow all employees to relax and enjoy the day. We’ll be open regular hours again starting on Thursday, July 5th at 8am. 

Fourth of July

As always, if you have an emergency service need call Brad at 320-979-9221. 

Grain Bin Safe Entry Tips

Grain Bin Safe EntryEvery year we hear about tragedies and injuries in grain bins. Grain storage continues to get larger and large bins are used regularly on farms and commercial agriculture businesses. They are a necessary piece of equipment, but safety needs to be top of mind whenever entering a grain bin. Make safe entry a priority.

Some bins can hold billions of bushels of grain. There are moving parts, entrapment and fall possibilities. There are best practices and safety guidelines in place for proper entry of grain bins. Always be cautious and aware of the situation. AgriNews recently shared an informative article featuring five steps to be safe with grain bin entry.

Read this article from AgriNews for 5 Steps for Safe Grain Bin Entry.

 

Safety Training, Safe EntrySafety First

At K & S Millwrights safety is very important. All our staff are thoroughly trained on appropriate grain storage entry procedures. We also hold annual safety trainings to keep everyone updated on the latest advancements and to keep things fresh in their minds.

Learn about the K & S approach to safety.

Celebrating 24 Years of K & S Millwrights Success

May 2018 marks 24 years of business for K & S Millwrights!

Time has gone fast and things have changed over the years. We couldn’t be more thankful for our amazing customers and dedicated employees. You are what make K & S Millwrights a success. We love our K & S Millwrights family and can’t wait to see what the next 24 years bring. 

24 Years of K & S Millwrights

Thank You,
Brad & Susan Krumrey

Full Service Grain Storage Setup Starting with Excavation

Excavation at Zebadee ProjectWhen a grain bin setup or complete site design is needed, excavation services are normally the first step in the process. For that reason, K & S Millwrights offers excavation services in addition to grain handling, storage and drying equipment setup.

Providing excavation service allows K & S to keep projects moving forward on customer’s timelines, so we have more control and flexibility to meeting deadlines. This was an important factor in a project at the Zebadee Grain Storage location in Estherville, IA.

Zebadee Grain Storage Project

Before the Zebadee Grain Storage location existed, the property was a hay field. To get the ground ready for a grain storage site ground preparation was necessary. We knew the project had to be up and running for fall harvest, so excavation to prepare the site started promptly. Then the equipment was brought in for installation and all the final groundwork was completed after installation.

“We had a very large project that needed to be finished for use in the fall. K & S started early, and I was able to fully utilize the entire facility by fall! We’ve worked with K & S before with excellent results. Brad and the crew are all top-notch people. I wouldn’t have trusted my project to anyone else. There are many other millwrights out there who over promise and under deliver – not K & S! I truly enjoyed the guys on the crew. Excellent job! Thanks!”
-Bruce Zebedee 

Zebadee Project Finishing ExcavationThe Zebadee project included installation of numerous Sioux Bins, a tower, legs, conveyors, bin unloads, dryer and dump pits, but the project started with excavation services that allowed us to start the project on the right track. Attention to detail and timely response is very important when excavation work is done.

K & S Millwrights can also be hired strictly for excavation needs, which is often popular in the spring as the ground thaws and people start tackling projects. Contact K & S if you have an excavation project you need completed.

Learn more about the Zebadee Project.

Sioux Steel Celebrates 100th Anniversary

2018 marks 100 years in business for Sioux Steel, one of the product lines that we offer at K & S Millwrights. To share their appreciation with their top contributing dealers, Sioux Steel awarded a trip to Maui! K & S had the exciting opportunity to be a part of this experience.

K & S Millwright Employees Attend Sioux Steel Celebration 

In January, owners Brad and Susan Krumrey and son Mitchell, along with employees Ahron Krumrey, Jenn Suess and son Brennen were able to travel to Maui, Hawaii for a week-long excursion. Most of the trip was a fun, relaxing thank you from Sioux Steel. We are always able to network and learn some new things as well.

Sioux Steel MauiWhile in Maui they were able to go on an educational whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation. They were able to spend time on the beach, enjoyed a luau, snorkeled, even watched some football and were served delicious food and drinks. Sioux Steel also organized a welcome reception and awards banquet. The days were full, and the time went fast.

The trip provided an opportunity get away and relax for the employees that were able to attend. Now we are refreshed and ready for spring projects to get started! Are you looking at adding a new Sioux Steel grain bin to your operation?

Contact K & S Millwrights today to get your project started!

Company-Wide Annual Safety Training

Each year K & S Millwrights conducts an annual safety training day. The 2018 Safety Day was Friday, February 23. While we meet every month for a tool box talk, which is often about safety measures, our annual safety day is a valuable opportunity to get all K & S employees together to focus on safety, offering reminders and learning opportunities.

2018 Safety Day

At the 2018 safety day we had a presenter join us from our insurance company, and Mary Beth Schaufler from Total Compliance Solutions-Waconia Manufacturing also joined the training day. Brad, Susan and Jon from K & S provided the rest of the training for staff.

Sampling of Safety Topics Covered

  • Employee Right to Know/Hazard Communication Standard
  • First Reports of Injury
  • Accident/Injury Investigation Analysis Forms
  • Near Misses – Job Hazard Analysis
  • 2018 AWAIR Program
  • Review of 2017 OSHA 300 log
  • Ladder Safety
  • Fall Protection
  • Forklift Safety
  • Lock Out/Tag Out
  • Confined Space
  • Hot Works
  • Equipment Service Request Forms
  • Driver’s Health Tips
  • DOT Part 40 Summary of Changes
  • Adjustment of Conveyor Chains
  • Two-way installation and cabling

In addition to classroom training we also do practical testing on forklifts and we take time for DOT Health Card Physical Appointments. Plus, there are a few specialized trainings that we do throughout the year including CPR/First Aid/AED and Flatbed Cargo Securement and Pulling with a Pickup.

Annual Safety TrainingWhile the annual training day is for all employees we also have Certified Crane Operators and Certified Signaling and Rigging men. An outside company is hired for the classroom and practical testing at a different time for these applications that can provide national certification for safety compliance.

Safety is extremely important to K & S Millwrights. The safety of our employees and customers is a top priority. We keep it top of mind with ongoing training and high expectations. There are always challenges that we need to work through at job sites and everyone needs to make smart decisions and use proper precautions.

When you’re looking for grain bin installation, excavation or one of the main other services we offer contact us. Be assured safety is top priority.

Contact K & S today! 

 

K & S Annual Celebration and Awards

Each year K & S Millwrights plans an employee party to celebrate the previous year’s accomplishments. After working long, busy days through the fall harvest, it is nice to relax and have a fun night out!

K & S Celebration

The celebration this year was held in the beginning of February at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. All employees are invited to attend the event with their families, so a venue that is appealing to adults as well as children is important. The casino, the lagoon waterpark, a bowling alley, and arcade were perfect for all ages. Social hour, a delicious meal, and fun games and activities made for a great company-wide, family gathering.

Employee Awards

Each year at our annual event a few employees receive awards to acknowledge special accomplishments. The award-winners are determined by employee vote.

  • Most Improved Employee = Dustin Kindt
  • Cleanest Truck & Trailer = Ahron Krumrey & Crew
  • Most Organized Employee = Martin Holter
  • Most Organized Foreman = Ahron Krumrey

A little more about the award winners! Dustin Kindt started with K & S in June 2017. He has a great work ethic and takes initiative to learn and ask questions.

“He truly is an asset to our company; he is always on time, works hard, and goes the extra mile when needed. We are extremely happy to have him as part of our work family!“ – Susan Krumrey

The cleanest truck and trailer is a contest between a couple of the K & S crews every year! The award is presented to the foreman, but is really a crew effort. Congratulations Ahron and crew! Martin earned most organized employee. He’s worked with us at K & S for 10 years and is always willing to step in and get things done. Most organized foreman was awarded to Ahron again this year. He has received this award for several years and we are very proud of his abilities within the company. Ahron takes great pride in his work and putting the new construction project together.

Dedicated Years of Service Awards

Each year we also honor employees reaching 5-year milestone marks at K & S, and they receive a plaque thanking them for their years of work with our company.

5-Years of Service

  • Curt Wieweck

10-Years of Service

  • Martin Holter
  • Pat Fischer

2017 was a great year. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the year and our amazing employees that we are so grateful to work with. We have a great crew of dedicated individuals and we couldn’t be more thankful!

Would you like to see the K & S crew in action? Contact K & S today and we’ll help you get your grain handling project started!

Find K&S at Multiple 2018 Industry Trade Shows

The first 2018 trade show for K&S Millwrights is right around the corner. On January 14-15 you’ll find K&S in Fargo, ND at the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association show. Shows are a great time to see the newest Tradeshowproducts and to take the time to talk with us about your business and ours. In a relaxed setting, get ideas and see what we have to offer you for products, services, and solutions for your individual set ups. If you’re looking at making a change to your grain storage system you might enjoy visiting us at one of these shows.

We have five different shows planned for the year across Minnesota, and our first show is in North Dakota.

Visit K&S at one of the 2018 farm industry shows:

You’ll find more information on our trade show page. Check it out for details!

Add these shows to your calendar and visit the K & S Millwrights booth. We’d be happy to see you! If you can’t make it to a show but have questions, send us a message at [email protected] or give us a call at 320-833-2228.