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This column is a dedication to Dennis Kelly, who passed away last week as he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Dennis was the author of this column for many years, contributing his vast experience and knowledge to The Land.
He considered it to be a privilege to share his Grain Angles with rural Minnesota. Dennis knew the land and the people who tilled the land. He knew what it took to bring a harvest to market and, to that end, he never forgot the value that it brought to the rural communities across Minnesota.
We could always count on Dennis to keep us focused on knowing what the basis bids were around the state and teaching us what an important angle it was to our marketing efforts. He was keenly aware of the importance of margin management and how it was a powerful management strategy. He always had an opinion and was not afraid to share it with his readers. Planning and proactive marketing was the angle that he drove home in his column, time and again. Dennis was truly a student of this business and was passionate about teaching others to be successful.
During my first week with AgStar, I spent a day riding with Dennis as he called on his clients. He would bring the families together around their kitchen tables and review their operations. Questions were asked by all and wisdom passed both ways. He always had great respect for his clients and took quiet delight in their success.
Always quick to smile and slow to frustrate, Dennis was client focused.
Dennis grew up near New Richland. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education and had a Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in Farm Business Management. He had been with AgStar since 1996 and worked as the Sales Team Leader in Mankato. He also was a Financial Services Officer in Le Sueur County and Scott County.
Our hearts go out to his wife, daughter and son as they grieve their loss. The AgStar family is also grieving the loss of a team member that "rode for the brand" and was the greatest example of the passion to serve. His courage was demonstrated as he stood tall on the stage of our "Stars Are Out" awards event. Dennis received the highest honor, for service to rural America from AgStar on that day.
While facing his journey with cancer straight on, he addressed the team with the grit of a true leader, as he shared his wisdom and encouragement. His faith, love of his family, friends, clients and co-workers were demonstrated every day as he walked on his journey through this life. His spirit will live on through the lives that he touched throughout rural Minnesota.
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Grain Angles is written by Tom Neher, AgStar Financial Services vice president of agribusiness and grain specialist from Rochester, Minn.
