United Prairie LLC, a full-service agronomic retailer serving farmers in central Illinois, and Danvers Farmers Elevator, agronomy and grain business also in central Illinois, announced today plans to merge their agronomy operations. After several months of study and evaluation by both parties, the Danvers Board of Directors unanimously voted to become the fourth member of United Prairie, joining three ag cooperatives who are the current owners.
Following completion of the usual due diligence, the companies expect to finalize the agreement on September 1, 2017. At that time, two members of the Danvers current board of directors will join the United Prairie board. The agreement covers the agronomy business only; Danvers Farmers Elevator grain operations are not affected.
“The board and management of Danvers feel very strongly that this merger will significantly benefit our agronomy patrons,” said Wade Irwin, board president, Danvers Farmers Elevator. “Our two boards and management have worked diligently to assure this action is in the best interest of all our customers.”
“We expect this move will provide improved leverage and access to resources for the supply of inputs, cutting edge technology, enhanced market knowledge and expertise in the ever-changing marketplace for farm input resources,” said Roger Miller, United Prairie board chairman.
“We believe this merger will provide additional benefits and services over a broader geography to all of our patrons,” said Steve Feeney, general manager, Danvers Farmers Elevator. “Coming together allows us to combine resources to help our growers optimize their yields season after season.”
“Both companies have similar approaches to meeting our customers’ needs and we agree that doing what’s best for them is our first priority,” said Tim Hughes, general manager, United Prairie.
Customers should anticipate a smooth transition, continuing to work with the same staff they’ve come to know and with no interruption in services.
