Wilco Purchases Bartels Show Feeds of Powell Butte, OR
Wilco, a farmer-owned agricultural cooperative from Mt. Angel, Oregon, has agreed to purchase Bartels Show Feeds of Powell Butte, Oregon and will relocate the business to their Redmond, Bend, and Prineville stores.
REDMOND, OREGON – Timing was perfect for both Bartels Show Feeds and Wilco. As the business’ only employees, Owners Rich and Cathy Bartels have been considering a lifestyle change at the same time Wilco was looking to expand its Central Oregon market share on livestock and show feeds. The timing was an excellent opportunity for both parties; and comes on the heels of Wilco’s recent new store opening in Redmond.
TJ Colson, Wilco Director of Store Operations, characterized the agreement by saying, “This is a great opportunity for Wilco to meet the needs of rural living youth and serve new customers in key market while opening up options for the Bartels family to check other items off their list they have been wanting to do.”
The plan has Wilco acquiring Bartels retail feed business on October 1st, 2018. The sale of Bartels Show Feeds will not affect any of the other family-owned businesses.
Owner Rich Bartels has agreed to an Ambassador role for Wilco and Wilco will continue to sell many of the niche feed products Bartels customers are accustom to purchasing.
Rich Bartels said, “Our feed business has served the Central Oregon area for nearly 10 years and we are very grateful to our customers and the community for their support. I will continue raising 4-H/FFA project cattle each year but the timing of selling the feed business coincides perfectly with my desire to spend more quality time with my family and raising cattle. Cathy and I are confident that Wilco will carry-on the wonderful customer service that this community deserves.”
