Auction mart consolidation

[grassfarmer]

Anyone else hearing rumours of a major auction mart consolidation in Alberta?
The Morsan Farms Holstein guys that bought out VJV at Ponoka and Dawson Creek last year are rumoured to have now bought out Rimbey, Westlock, Stettler and possibly Innisfail auctions with the intention of closing all these centres and building a new "super" auction mart at Ponoka.
I hope it isn't true as this will provide ranchers with less competition and higher transport costs.

[perfecho]

Have heard rumors....
at least I live close!
It does suck though, dislike seeing little competition!

[grassfarmer]

Not so lucky for the ranchers out by Rocky Mountain House or Drayton Valley whose markets were already closed and they were hauling to Rimbey.
If this is for real I wonder if the competition bureau would have to approve it?

[SCS]

NBI did it to us and no intervention seen, so don't hold your breath!

[perfecho]

If I was selling an auction, I would be ticked the competition bureau could stop it....some how I doubt they will worry about a few farmers..not much back lash.(But I do get it)
Likely end up with 2 players.....

[smcgrath76]

In some ways you could see this coming as market volumes continue to decline, and sellers pursue other marketing options. Just look to the pork industry if you want to know the direction it is going. Not too many of those guys being sold at auction!

[wilagro]

SCS: NBI are EVIL IMHO. I can't think of an Auction Mart operation detested as much as they are in our area.

They will buy out viable operations and then CLOSE them to enrich themselves and not a peep out of anyone in government, Federal, Provincial or Municipal.

Nobody gives a s**t what they do or have done and the politicians are entirely mute.
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[SCS]

Think Ritz does?