by Mari Radtke
Ag State came to be due to a merger between First Cooperative Association (FCA) and Ag Partners in 2022. Prior to that the agribusiness operated in Marcus as FCA. For six years, according to Marty Lau, Energy Vice President, FCA was planning changes to its fuel operations. The downtown location for fuel and vehicle service has been in place for 60 years. As truck traffic has increased, in part because of the ethanol plant, the access to cooperative fuels has become less attractive. It’s located off the main road and limited in space. Lau said, “We take care of our customers and our communities,” as he referenced the safety concerns of crossing Highway 3 to reach another fuel provider. Assistant Energy Manager Paul Wilkens echoed the sentiment.
The new fuel center under construction by Ag State is located on Highway 140 and Railroad Avenue on the north side of the tracks. The covered pumps are Cardtrol operated. The pumps will accept house cards or any major credit or debit cards. In addition to diesel fuel, a full line of flex fuels will be offered. Blender mixes will be from E10 to E85.
Northwest Iowa saw most construction projects delayed this spring due to rain. Once the weather settled down construction moved forward. The completion date is expected for around the end of October. “It’s a wonderful thing, investing back into our communities,” said Lau.