The Alberta-based feed company announced that it was expanding its production capacity through its acquisition of Cowlick Minerals, Ltd.’s vitamin and mineral premix plant located in Innisfail, Alberta.
Country Junction Feeds is a division of Wetaskiwin Co-op and specializes in bulk and bagged feeds for livestock including beef and dairy cows, poultry and swine along with generating feeds for other species including horses, sheep and goats. It is also the only full-line feed mill in Alberta making organic feeds.
The acquisition brings additional processing and resources to the feed company, which are expected to expand product and service offerings, said Darrell Kimmel, manager with Country Junction Feeds. “The added facilities will further enhance our already strong market presence in the region,” he added.
“We believe it’s an important time of evolution and opportunity in the feed industry and for the broadening customer base we serve,” he told us. “We have a vision for the future based on helping our customers succeed in the new landscape [and] we are always interested in opportunities that align with this vision.”
The merger combines two of Alberta’s “long-standing” feed businesses, he said. “It adds to our capacity and options for beef producers,” he added.
Both companies already had a strong relationship and there was a “good culture fit,” he said. Adding, “The opportunity comes at a time when we are well-positioned to make this move.”
“Overall, capacity from both current and added facilities will allow Country Junction Feeds to deliver a wide range of feed and solutions to fit all major livestock and equine species and production approaches, including tailored solutions for different stages of life and both conventional and niche market opportunities,” Kimmel said of the tie-up. “We have a lot of bases covered.”
Tie-up highlights
Cowlick Minerals had focused primarily on products for cow-calf operators and had a complete line of products registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), including pressed blocks, molasses-based tub supplements and loose minerals, said Kimmel. The company was also registered to use medicated ingredients.
The focus on products for cow-calf producers will continue, he said. Adding, “Cowlick Minerals will continue to offer the main options of its existing portfolio, now with a broader team involved to enhance the foundation of the business and grow its capacity and offerings over time.”
There are also currently plans to upgrade the production facility, both to benefit customers and to address Country Junction Feeds’ “long-term business plans.”
The acquisition is set to close September 1.
“We expect the integration of the two companies to be relatively seamless,” said Kimmel. “Customers can expect the same quality and service provided by Cowlick Minerals to continue.”
As part of the transition process, outgoing owner Jim Gole is set to stay with the company in a senior sales and nutrition position to smooth the integration process, said Kimmel.
“Under the previous ownership of Jim and Susan Gole, Cowlick Minerals has enjoyed a long run of success supported a loyal customer base,” he said. “A big cornerstone of Cowlick’s success has been Jim’s extensive history, relationships and feed knowledge combined with Susan’s strong overall management and administrative support.”
