There isn't a single segment of our industry that isn't consolidating. Machinery, seed, chemicals, meat processing, grain marketing . Even my hometown co-op in Hampton, Nebraska, has been caught up in merger mania. Sure, they've been combining with neighboring co-ops over the last decade, slowly expanding their service area. But this summer they upped the ante by merging with two other combined co-ops to form a super cooperative.
Little concern regarding merger mania Big-time takeovers are now the norm.
What worries me is the lack of concern regarding this trend among farmers and ranchers. I've certainly grown accustomed to the seemingly endless parade of consolidation announcements. Oh, I anguish over the possibility that yet another acquisition might result in more local machinery dealers losing their franchises and closing their doors. And fewer dealers means farmers will have to drive even farther from home to get machinery repairs and service. But I'm not sure any action should be taken to stem this tidal wave of consolidation and downsizing.