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Some Farmers Worry About Competition In Planned Co-op Merger

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Some South Dakota farmers say they’re concerned about what an upcoming agriculture cooperative merger could mean for competition in the state.

The South Dakota Wheat Growers and North Central Farmers Elevator announced plans this week to join and create a newly named co-op. They’ll have a combined membership of nearly 8,000 when they merge this summer.

Britton resident DuWayne Bosse tells the American News ( ) that the merger doesn’t leave a lot of competition in the state. He says pressure from other companies helps farmers get a good price for their crops.

Ross Ulmer, of Frederick, says there’s concern that one company could have too much control of the grain markets in the state. Ulmer says it’s free enterprise but notes that it’s also hard to see so much consolidation.

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Information from: Aberdeen American News,