Kent Mulder receives Elevator Manager of the Year award

Kent Mulder, manager of Eastern Farmers Cooperative of Canton, S.D. was named the Elevator Manager of the Year by the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council (SDCUC) during the South Dakota Grain and Feed Association’s Annual Convention held at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls.

Every year the SDCUC selects an outstanding elevator manager for the award based on the criteria of dedication to the grain and feed industry, customer service, community service and leadership.

This year’s recipient has a tremendous track record working in the grain and feed industry for the past 16 years. His passion for working one-on-one with producers to help them become successful has catapulted his career to manage one of the largest multi-location grain handling cooperatives in the region.

From the very beginning of his career, Mulder has devoted his efforts to increasing bottom lines, both for producers and the companies he has contributed to.

Following his graduation from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Extension, Mulder worked as a crop consultant for Servi-Tech, Inc., in Lexington, Neb. He then worked as an agronomy and sales manager for Huntting Elevator in Hartley, Iowa before being hired to manage five grain handling locations at his present position at Eastern Farmers Cooperative in Canton. He currently oversees the grain elevators in Canton, Davis, Hurley, Tea, and Worthing.

Just a few of his many accomplishments at his current location in Canton have been implementing a grain shuttle loading facility and since becoming manager, he has doubled the amount of grain storage capacity to exceed over 5 million bushels. He is also a Certified Crop Advisor and a member of the South Dakota Elevator Manager’s Association.

Yet another measure of our Mulder’s success and managerial leadership is his dedication to his customers. He works closely with customers to develop marketing plans that will allow them to meet their business goals.

But his contributions to the industry don’t stop there. In 2004, this leader was elected as an Industry Representative to the SDCGA Board. His participation has been a tremendous asset to that board, linking the industry and producers and bringing a perspective to the group, which has advanced the effectiveness of programs and efforts made by the SDCGA.

Not only has Mulder been a huge asset to the grain and feed industry, but he also provides outstanding support for his community. He is active in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, is a member of the Canton United Methodist church, serving as the chairman of the Care and Outreach Committee.

Mulder and his wife, Patty have three daughters: Megan, Kendra and Lindsey.