It could be said that, beside farmers themselves, no agriculture industry player feels the repercussions of a challenging year in crop production more than independent farm dealers.
Independent agricultural retailers are often family-run operations, small to large in size, and they work directly with farmers, explains Patty Martin of the Independent Dealers Entrepreneurial Association (IDEA).
“Independent dealers are an important part of the rural economy," she says. "We play a major role in providing farmers with their supplies, including fertilizers, chemicals and fuel. If the rising cost of farm inputs and environmental issues affects producers, it also affects our members.”
This is why IDEA was formed eight years ago, as a way for independent dealers to tackle the challenges faced by the industry.
“Our members are spread across Alberta and Saskatchewan, with a few in Manitoba and one in British Columbia. Because these are independent businesses, they sometimes don’t have access to the same kind of capital as the large companies and it can be a struggle to compete on the same scale,” Martin explains.
IDEA will hold its annual general meeting and conference on February 13, 2006, inSaskatoon.
“Our membership is relatively small but highly influential within the marketplace," she says.
The annual meeting and conference features William D. Goodbar, Jr., Managing Director of AgriCapital Corporation of New York, who will talk about the state of the agricultural industry and the changes that can be expected in the future. With the ongoing consolidation of the big players in the agricultural chemical world, and biotechnology increasingly displacing other crop inputs, many questions arise as to the impact this will have on independent ag-retailers.
“It is always everyone’s best guess to determine where markets are going,” Martin points out. “Mr. Goodbar represents a firm actively involved in specialized investment banking in a rapidly changing agribusiness sector. He’ll be able to provide some insight into the state of our industry.
“The meeting is well attended, not only by the independent dealers, but also by large suppliers. So, if you are interested in what the influential people in the industry are up to, this is a good place to be. Farmers are welcome to attend.”
The event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel. To download the agenda and registration form, visit: www.independentdealers.com.
For more information, contact:
Patty MartinOffice Manager
Independent Dealers Entrepreneurial Association
(306) 933-4904
www.independentdealers.com
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