A long-standing agricultural retail presence in the Davidson region is set for a major transition as Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) hands over Blair’s Crop Solutions locations to four local Co-ops.
The move follows FCL’s purchase of the remaining shares in Blair’s Crop Solutions (2020) Inc., a joint venture created in 2021 when the Blair’s Family of Companies sold a majority stake in its six retail locations.
Prairie Co-op will take over the McLean store, Riverbend Co-op will assume operations in Nokomis and Lanigan, Moose Jaw Co-op will run the Liberty location, and Saskatoon Co-op will take over Rosthern and Watrous. Riverbend Co-op will also acquire an ammonia bullet in Davidson, while Lake Country Co-op will purchase one in Petrofka.
“Today is the culmination of more than 75 proud years of the Blair’s family in the Ag retail business,” said Kevin Blair, CEO of Blair’s Family of Companies. “With the sale to Co-op, we know we have found a partner who will be dedicated to service, share our passion for our customers and whose values are firmly rooted in community.”
FCL vice-president of energy and agriculture Ron Healey called the joint venture a “positive, mutually beneficial partnership” and said the company is “excited to see four local Co-ops take over operation of these sites.”
The transition will take effect Sept. 2. Customers can expect the same agronomic services along with expanded fuel offerings, and will be able to use their Co-op membership for purchases.