News
Durham co-op acquires Wright’s Feeds ‘N Needs

Durham Farmers’ County Co-operative (DFCC) recently acquired Wright’s Feeds ‘N Needs on November 1.

Wright’s Feeds ‘N Needs owner-operators Harold and Melanie Wright saw this as an opportunity to sell and enhance their long-standing family-run business; realign in a changing market to keep the operation current and competitive; and provide a larger support system and sales force.

“We had been looking for a way to slow down our direct involvement and put plans in place to eventually retire. This opportunity to amalgamate with DFCC was a good fit for us and will benefit all parties, including the agricultural community of Blackstock and surrounding areas that we have been proud to serve for more than 34 years,” says Harold Wright.

The Wrights operation is located just 30 kilometres north of Durham Farmers’ Orono location. Equipped with an eight tonne Krauss fertilizer blender system, the well-established farm, garden and home retail business provides local customers with many of the same products already offered to Durham Farmers’ Co-operative customers in Orono and Grafton. Murray Lobb, general manager of the co-operative, sees it as a natural extension of the business. “I am confident the transition will be a ‘move-in friendly’ experience for both of our businesses and our customers,” says Lobb.

Wright’s Feeds ‘N Needs will continue to operate under the same name and brand that customers have come to associate with this location, maintaining its existing employees as well as the Shur-Gain livestock feed, farm, home and garden supplies that customers are accustomed to. Harold and Melanie Wright plan to stay involved as managers of the business throughout the transition period.

With over 4,500 active members in and around the Durham region, Durham Farmers’ County Co- provides agronomy, feed products and services, and consumer farm and home products from its two ACE Country and Garden stores.