Kindersley Co-op Agro Centre opens near Flaxcombe
By Kate Winquist
The Kindersley & District Co-op officially opened its new Agro Centre on June 23, celebrating a major investment in agriculture and rural communities across west-central Saskatchewan.
Located five kilometres west of Flaxcombe on Highway 7, the new facility is designed to provide producers with improved access to crop inputs, fertilizer, agronomic expertise and customer service. Members, customers, suppliers, contractors, community partners and employees gathered for the grand opening, which included speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a barbecue and live entertainment.
(L-R): Laurie Kelly (Board of Directors Secretary), Lorne Janzen (Board of Directors Associate), Blair Ferner (General Manager), Tom Watt (Board of Directors President), Nathan Longmuir (Board of Directors Vice President) and Kim Gartner (Local MLA). PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Kindersley & District Co-op General Manager Blair Ferner said the project represents years of planning and investment aimed at supporting the future of agriculture in the region.
“Today marks the accumulation of years of planning, hard work and investment in the future of agriculture in western Saskatchewan,” Ferner said. “This facility represents our commitment to providing local producers with the products, services and expertise they need to succeed.”
Ferner noted that agriculture remains the foundation of the communities served by the Co-op and said the new facility was designed to meet the evolving demands of modern farming operations.
“Our new ag centre was strategically located between Flaxcombe and Marengo to better serve the customers of this trading area,” he said. “With expanded capabilities, improved efficiencies and room to grow, this facility positions us to continue delivering the exceptional service our customers have come to expect from the Co-op.”
He also thanked employees, contractors, suppliers and customers whose support helped make the project possible.
“As a locally owned co-operative, every decision we make is focused on creating value for our members and strengthening the communities we serve,” Ferner said.
Co-op board chair Tom Watt praised the efforts of everyone involved in bringing the project to completion.
“I just want to say thanks to the staff and management and everybody who worked so hard to make this facility function at its peak,” Watt said. “Thanks to all the contractors who worked and got everything done on time and on budget.”
He also thanked customers for their continued support of the organization.
Kindersley-Biggar MLA Kim Gartner offered congratulations on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and highlighted the importance of agriculture to the province’s economy and identity.
“Saskatchewan is grounded in agriculture,” Gartner said. “Whether it be ag inputs for growing crops or for the cattle industry, this area is certainly grounded in that.”
Gartner said the project reflects both the Co-op’s commitment to agriculture and the support of the surrounding communities.
“I congratulate the Co-op, but I also congratulate the community because it takes advocacy from everyone before a project like this can happen,” he said.
The new Agro Centre features seed and crop input services, fertilizer handling and storage capabilities, agronomic support and expanded capacity to serve producers throughout the Kindersley, Flaxcombe and Marengo area.
Following the speeches, representatives gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Kindersley & District Co-op’s agricultural operations.