BRANDT Acquires Retail Agronomy Company
Farmers Exchange Fertilizer, Inc. to be integrated into BRANDT Retail Agronomy division
Springfield, Illinois (August 1, 2019) – BRANDT, a leading retailer of professional agronomic services, has acquired a retail agronomy company in Farmersville, IL. Farmers Exchange Fertilizer, Inc. will become part of the BRANDT organization, strengthening the company’s commitment to Central Illinois.
“We welcome Farmers Exchange to the BRANDT family,” said Rick Brandt, CEO & President of BRANDT. “We are deeply committed to the growers of Central Illinois and this additional location will help insure that we continue to provide support to them where and when they need it.”
The acquisition of Farmers Exchange fits BRANDT’s aggressive corporate strategy of providing superior agronomic advice and services to Illinois growers. The combined company has 26 retail locations throughout central Illinois, serving over one million acres of production farmland. BRANDT offers a broad range of products and services, including plant nutrients, crop protection products, precision Ag, seeds and custom application.
Farmers Exchange will be integrated into BRANDT’s Retail Agronomy division, under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President Tim McArdle. “This is a terrific opportunity for us and more importantly for our customers,” said McArdle. “Farmers Exchange gives us another location from which to provide world class services and trusted advice.”
Larry Lucas, owner of Farmers Exchange, will remain with BRANDT as a consultant, providing strategic operations management and key account leadership. Kenny Tate, BRANDT Raymond plant manager, will oversee the plant.
“I’m excited for the future,” said Lucas, “I am proud of what we accomplished as an independent company. But aligning ourselves with BRANDT will provide an even higher level of customer commitment.”
“This is an important move for BRANDT,” said Rick Brandt. “I want to thank Larry for having faith in our vision to take his business forward. Our combined company will thrive and grow into the future.”
About BRANDT
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT serves growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.