Executives Say Proposed Ag Merger Would Save $44 Million

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Executives with two large agricultural cooperatives in the Dakotas say merging them would save about $44 million over the next four years.

North Central Farmers Elevator and South Dakota Wheat Growers are proposing to become CentraGro Cooperative. Members of both co-ops will vote this summer on whether to approve the merger.

The American News reports that executives held an informational meeting in Aberdeen on Tuesday. North Central General Manager Mike Nickolas says CentraGro could save millions through lower fertilizer, seed and chemical wholesale prices and trimmed logistical costs.

The Aberdeen-based Wheat Growers has more than 5,400 members in the eastern Dakotas. Ipswich-based North Central serves 2,500 members in north central South Dakota and south central North Dakota. Some farmers worry about what a merger could mean for competition.

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