West Central Ag Services Members Vote To Merge With CHS

ULEN, Minn. (KVRR) — West Central Ag Services members have voted to approve an acquisition by CHS.

The Ulen, Minnesota based cooperative is joining the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative which is based in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

In a release to members, West Central says more than 1,100 active patrons voted with over 70% of members voting in favor of the merger, exceeding the two-thirds approval required.

West Central will become an ag retail business unit called CHS West Central, based in Ulen.

Rick Dusek, executive vice president at CHS, says it will operate as part of the cooperative’s global grain and agronomy supply chains.

The retail network serves around 450 communities in 16 states.

The merger is expected to close in the coming weeks.

“The West Central Ag Services board is pleased that our members agreed that CHS is the best fit for our cooperative. Joining CHS connects our farmer-members in northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota to the global marketplace efficiently,” says Duane Brendemuhl, West Central Ag Services Board president and chair.

“By becoming part of the CHS supply chain, we’re providing strength and long-term value for owners and the cooperative system.”

The Arthur Companies of Arthur, North Dakota had also made a bid for West Central.