Alberta’s UFA opens its first Saskatchewan retail store

REGINA — United Farmers of Alberta has opened its first farm and ranch store in Saskatchewan, adding to its petroleum operations and recent purchase of AgraCity assets in the province.

The location just east of Regina in Emerald Park officially opened May 7.

Fred Thun, UFA’s president and chief executive officer, said demand led the farmer co-operative to establish the retail operation. More are likely to follow.

“We do analytics, a lot of work to make sure we’re doing the right thing at the right time and the right place, but what’s neat about what’s happening in Saskatchewan is that the community has pulled us into where we are,” he said at a ribbon-cutting.

UFA has 12 fuel locations in Saskatchewan.

It acquired the assets of AgraCity Group on April 1 for $48.2 million after a court process. Those assets include a Saskatoon packaging and labelling facility and the Genesis Grain and Fertilizer blending and distribution centre at Belle Plaine, as well as generic crop protection registrations and vehicles.

Jim Mann, president of Farmers of North America, tried to appeal the court sale process but the application was dismissed April 26.

Thun said the attempted appeal didn’t delay the acquisition, which he called “one of the highlights of my career.”

He said it was unique because the company committed to make whole all the farmers who were waiting for about $20 million worth of chemicals.

“As we’ve begun to deliver product that farmers have been waiting for for a year the reaction has just been astounding,” he said.

Investing on principle

Through its Agricultural Community Foundation, UFA celebrated the opening with a $5,000 contribution to Regina Education and Action on Community Hunger.

Kevin Hoppins, former UFA board chair, said he had purchased a hat about 30 years ago from Saskatchewan Wheat Pool when it was located not far from where UFA is now.

“It’s so good to see a farmer-owned co-operative back in this community. It warms my heart,” he said.

The donation to REACH demonstrates the co-operative principle of investing in the community, he added.

UFA has about 125,000 members and a 117-year history. Thun said Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers are eligible to join the co-op if they choose.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit welcomed the UFA investment in the community, saying it was another choice for agricultural producers.

Many producers felt the impact of Peavey Mart closures last year. Thun said that exacerbated the need for farm supply stores like UFA’s.

“I’m actually quite proud that we have some former Peavey employees that have joined us,” he said.

“We’re benefiting from their expertise and I’m thrilled that we’re able to offer employment to people who want to work in this area.”