Goshen-Troy Merger

BY COREY ESPY

Goshen Farmers Cooperative and Pike Farmers Cooperative will merge in March 2021 to form Pike County Cooperative. This merger came about because of the proximity of the two stores, about 15 miles, and the close working relationship that the stores have shared over the years. Goshen Farmers Cooperative Manager Danny Dewrell and Pike Farmers Cooperative Manager Wayne Ward with their respective boards of directors have been working hard to make the transition a success.

This merger will help put the stores in a better position economically to hopefully outcompete other companies in the area. The ability to buy in larger bulk quantities, share equipment and share employees will help to better serve the customers by means of better prices and speedy service for on-farm products such as fertilizer and chemicals. Danny said he believes that these combined benefits will also allow the business at both locations to grow in the future.

The Goshen location is in a pocket of row crop country; therefore most of their business comprises agronomic products such as fertilizer and ag chemicals, while the Troy location deals mainly in cattle products and walk-in retail. One benefit that Danny is excited about for the locations is the ability to crossover their business. Goshen can carry more cattle products and Troy can carry more agronomic products which would make it easier for customers to pop in and get what they need without traveling from Goshen to Troy or vice versa.

Once merged, Danny Dewrell will become the general manager and oversee daily operations at Goshen while current Troy Location Manager Wayne Ward plans to retire and let 27-year Pike County Cooperative employee Jeff Baron take the reins. Both managers expressed their excitement for the future of the Co-op and the new opportunities that this merger will afford them. The managers also noted how helpful it has been to see the success of other member Co-ops merging, as well as the support from people like Alabama Farmers Cooperative District Manager Mitchell Cooper. Danny said, “There is no way that we could have done this without AFC and Mitchell’s help. We can’t thank them enough.”

AFC wishes Pike County Cooperative the best of luck in their new endeavor and are excited to see what the future holds.

Goshen Farmers Cooperative

Pike Farmers Cooperative

(L to R) Pike Farmers Cooperative Manager Wayne Ward and Jeff Baron

Goshen Farmers Cooperative Manager Danny Dewrell