We were very sorry to learn that IFCA member Dennis Bates, who worked at United Prairie and just recently retired, passed away suddenly at the age of 64.  He worked in the ag industry since 1975, serving farmers in east-central Illinois.  He was a key member of the United Prairie team.  Dennis was a strong family man and an avid fisherman; he passed away on October 14 while working at his cabin in Minnesota.  We send sincere condolences to his wife and family, and his many friends and customers of the United Prairie organization.  Click here to view more on Dennis' life and where to send expressions of sympathy.