Grange Co-op, Farm Supply Announce Proposed Merger
Proposed deal would unite two long-standing agricultural cooperatives serving Oregon and California.
MEDFORD, Ore. — Grange Co-op, a familiar name for generations of Southern Oregon and Northern California growers, ranchers and rural families, could soon become part of a larger two-state agricultural cooperative through a proposed merger with Farm Supply Company of California’s Central Coast.
Farm Supply Company and Grange Cooperative Supply Association announced Wednesday that their boards have approved a proposed Agreement and Plan of Merger. If approved by Farm Supply shareholders, the combined cooperative would include 13 retail stores across California and Oregon, along with Grange Co-op’s Oregon feed mill and central distribution operation.
For local growers, the proposed merger could bring practical impacts at the farm, ranch and garden level. The companies say combining procurement volumes is expected to increase purchasing power, improve product availability, strengthen supplier relationships and expand product lines. For producers who rely on steady access to feed, fertilizer, irrigation supplies, livestock products, fencing, animal health items and seasonal farm inputs, those efficiencies could matter during high-demand periods and difficult growing seasons.
Farm Supply Company operates five retail stores along California’s Central Coast, including its San Luis Obispo location. The company and Grange Co-op have announced a proposed merger that would create a 13-store agricultural cooperative serving growers, ranchers and rural communities across Oregon and California. Photo courtesy of Farm Supply Company.
Grange Co-op currently includes eight retail stores, with six in Oregon and two in Northern California, and employs more than 330 associates. Farm Supply Company, founded in 1950, operates five stores in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria and Buellton, serving California’s Central Coast farm, home and ranch communities. The new combined company would have approximately 450 employees.
The companies say Farm Supply stores would continue operating under the Farm Supply Company banner, preserving the brand identity built over 76 years. The merged cooperative would operate under a unified governance structure while maintaining the cooperative, member-owned model.
“With the benefit of added scale and stability, this will be a bold new chapter for Farm Supply which will ensure longevity and sustainability,” said Michael Mendes, CEO of Farm Supply Company, in the announcement. “It will also be a financially positive transaction from day one.”
For Grange Co-op customers in Southern Oregon and Northern California, the proposal points to growth beyond the Rogue Valley while keeping the cooperative structure in place. Grange Co-op’s feed operations and manufacturing capabilities are expected to strengthen Farm Supply’s feed category, while Farm Supply’s Central Coast footprint would give the combined cooperative more geographic diversity across agricultural regions that face different market and weather pressures.
Farm Supply Company is providing shareholders with detailed information and ballots. Pending member approval, the merger is targeted to become effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Cover image: Grange Co-op’s White City store is one of eight retail locations operated by the Southern Oregon-based agricultural cooperative. Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have announced a proposed merger that would create a 13-store cooperative serving growers, ranchers and rural communities across Oregon and California. Photo courtesy of Grange Co-op.
