CHS acquires West Central Ag Services

By Scout Nelson

CHS Inc. finalized a significant acquisition on January 2, 2025, by purchasing West Central Ag Services, based in Ulen, Minnesota. The deal, valued at $225 million, was confirmed after several other companies also showed interest in acquiring West Central. CHS announced that all employees of the newly formed CHS West Central would retain their positions.

The acquisition also included the full ownership of a joint venture, Central Plains Ag Services, located in Hannaford, North Dakota. Previously a 50-50 partnership, it is now fully owned by CHS and incorporated into the company's ag retail business unit, based in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

"This is an exciting time for our owners and our cooperative as we join CHS and become part of the global supply chain through CHS," said Jesse McCollum, the former CEO of West Central Ag Services. "We are thrilled to be part of the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative to serve farmers in west-central Minnesota for generations to come. Joining CHS was the right fit for us. West Central Ag Services and CHS have had a strong relationship for many years based on aligned visions to advance the cooperative system, serve our owners better and create more value for owners. Now we will do that as one cooperative."

West Central Ag Services, which serves over 3,000 members and operates 14 locations, will continue to offer grain and agronomy services under CHS's umbrella. CHS, a major player in the global agribusiness industry, is the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States. The company serves customers in 65 countries and employs around 10,000 people worldwide. CHS recorded a revenue of approximately $39 billion in the last fiscal year.

This acquisition is just one of several strategic moves CHS made in 2024. Earlier in the year, the company announced plans to acquire eight Cargill grain facilities across five states. Despite these acquisitions, CHS and Growmark decided not to pursue any new opportunities after their talks concluded in April.

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