SALEM, Ohio – In the past few weeks, customers of at least one of Agland Co-op’s branches have been ordering Purina Mills feeds.
Thing is, Agland does not offer the branded feeds at any of its five branches. But it will – beginning July 1.
The farm cooperative has purchased the distribution rights for Purina Mills feeds from Unkefer Feed and Supply in Washingtonville, Ohio. Unkefer’s will close its doors June 30.
When Farm and Dairy checked Purina Mills’ Web site June 20, the company listed Agland Co-op as a dealer of the company’s line of feeds.
Changes. Lee Unkefer, manager of Unkefer Feed and Supply, was approached by Agland officials who wanted the cooperative to sell the Purina Mills line of farm feeds, he said.
“Business has been good in the last few years, but we decided the timing was right to get out right now,” Unkefer said.
This year, Unkefer Feed and Supply celebrated its 30th year of service.
The mill in Washingtonville, Ohio, on the Mahoning-Columbiana county line, is “well over 100 years old, and has been a feed mill that whole time,” Unkefer said.
The acquisition did not include the building, which will be auctioned later this summer, he said.
Agland also purchased the store’s inventory of farm supplies, which will be divided among the co-op’s branches, according to Fred Winters, general manager.
The acquisition takes effect June 30, and customers will be able to purchase their Purina Mills feeds from any of Agland’s five locations starting July 1, Winters said.
Staff addition. “We’re basically forming a partnership to add another line of feeds to the mix,” Winters said.
“It’s hard for a small mom-and-pop business to maintain the inventory. The Unkefer name is well thought of and rather than get into a sales contest, they were willing to sell,” Winters said.
“We’re very proud of the quality of service and products for the past 30 years, and greatly enjoyed all the loyal customers. I hope to take [those relationships] with me to Agland,” Unkefer said.
Unkefer will start with Agland in outside feed sales and in-store sales beginning July 1.
Purina Mills was purchased by Land O’ Lakes Farmland Feed in October 2001. Agland is a Land O’ Lakes cooperative.
(You can contact Andrea Myers at 1-800-837-3419, ext. 22, or by e-mail at amyers@farmanddairy.com.)
