CHS acquires 25% of crop input distributor West Central

CHS Inc., US's leading farmer-owned cooperative, announced that it has purchased a 25% share of West Central, a full-service wholesale distributor with headquarters in Willmar, Minn. US.

"Investing in West Central is one more way CHS is demonstrating its commitment to help its farmer-owners grow, by providing greater access to products and services across the supply chain," said Rick Dusek, CHS Agronomy vice president. "CHS is the nation's third-largest agronomic retailer and the largest domestic wholesale fertilizer distributor; by investing in West Central, we're gaining access and market share within the crop protection products business segment."

CHS Country Operations' service centers currently offer producers crop protection products, crop nutrients, seed, seed treatments and agronomic services, backed by local agronomists and the CHS YieldPoint precision agriculture program.

Dusek said by partnering with West Central, CHS will broaden both the scope and availability of those crop inputs and will look to further expand its crop protection platform.

The agreement will provide CHS Country Operations service centers with both private-label products marketed under the CHS brand and West Central's current branded products.

West Central president Dale Engan said the agreement with CHS is a good fit for the company, which has a 40-year history of helping farm retailers grow their businesses. He said West Central will continue to focus on its retail customer base, providing a full range of crop protection products and agronomic services.

"This opportunity with CHS supports our strategic plans, which include expanding our distribution and service network to support customers, launching new West Central branded products and investing in our people," Engan said.