MEDFORD, Ore. (Jun. 11, 2026) — Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have proposed merger that would unite the two member-owned agricultural cooperatives into a 13-location organization stretching from Southern Oregon to California’s Central Coast.
The agreement, announced Thursday, would combine two longstanding cooperatives with more than 160 years of collective history and approximately 460 employees. The merger remains subject to approval by Grange Co-op’s voting agricultural members and is expected to take effect Oct. 1 if approved.
Grange Co-op, founded in 1934, has previously expanded through mergers, including with Jackson County Co-op in 1966 and Josephine County Growers in 1996. The Medford-based cooperative’s board of directors unanimously recommended the latest proposal.
“Based on my experience, Farm Supply’s culture, people, and operations strongly align with Grange Co-op, and I’m excited for this opportunity,” Grange Co-op Board Chair Jerry May said in a statement.
Officials from both organizations said the merger would strengthen purchasing power, expand product offerings and increase operational resilience through greater geographic and market diversification. They said those benefits would directly support cooperative members.
“Farm Supply Company and Grange Co-op have earned trust for generations because of the way we care for our customers, employees, and communities. I see tremendous potential in what we can accomplish together,” Grange Co-op CEO Neil Itzen said.
Farm Supply Company CEO Michael Mendes said the combined organization would gain the advantages of growth without incurring additional debt.
“Both cooperatives will gain the scale advantages of growth without taking on new debt, and this transaction is expected to be cashflow positive from day one,” Mendes said. “We’re combining two organizations that share the same values, the same commitment to their communities, and the same belief in the cooperative model.”
If the merger is approved, Itzen will serve as chief executive officer of the combined organization. The new cooperative would operate under a unified governance structure with board representation from both organizations.
Grange Co-op said ballots and details regarding the proposed merger are being mailed Thursday to eligible voting agricultural members.
Founded in 1934, Grange Co-op serves Southern Oregon communities through retail locations, a feed mill and fertilizer plant, offering products ranging from livestock feed and farm supplies to pet care items, garden products and apparel.
Farm Supply Company, established in 1950, serves California’s Central Coast with locations in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria and Buellton. The company provides products and services for farm, home and ranch needs, including irrigation equipment, pet supplies, equine products and lawn and garden merchandise.
If approved by members, the merger would create one of the region’s larger agricultural cooperatives, extending its footprint across two states while maintaining its cooperative ownership structure.
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