GRAFTON, NORTH DAKOTA, US — Columbia Grain International (CGI), a global supplier of grains, beans and pulses, announced Sept. 13 that it has acquired the grain handling assets of Grafton Farmers Co-op Grain Co., a local cooperative grain originator and merchandiser with locations in Grafton, North Dakota, US. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CGI, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, US, took operational control of the facilities last month and has maintained a steady flow of business during harvest. The acquisition adds to CGI’s presence in the Northern Red River Valley and expands its ability to handle grain between its Crystal and Minto facilities in North Dakota. The elevator will handle a wide range of commodities in a competitive market, including wheat, corn, soybeans, dry beans, yellow peas, sunflowers and canola.

“Bringing Grafton into the Columbia Grain family further connects our operations in Crystal, Minto and Arvilla,” said Kurt Haarman, senior vice president, grain and oilseeds, for CGI. “The commitment of the board of directors of Grafton to provide seamless services to the elevators’ patrons was a big part of our decision to move forward with this transaction. We look forward to continuing the high level of service that Grafton farmers have come to expect and to offering additional product line and merchandising opportunities for the growers in the Grafton area.”

CGI will continue to load some grain by rail at the Grafton facility depending on the markets. The two elevators in Grafton are on the BNSF and Dakota Northern rain lines. CGI also will offer agronomy services through its Arvilla facility into the Grafton area. Larry McCollum, manager of the Crystal and Grafton elevators for CGI, will oversee the elevator’s management.

“I look forward to working with customers and cultivating growth in the Grafton community,” McCollum said.

Grafton Farmers Co-op Grain Co. was first incorporated in 1916. A 30,000-bushel annex was built in 1938 with a 60,000-bushel annex added in 1954 and an 80,000-bushel annex in 1969. Much of the conveyance equipment has been upgraded or replaced in the past three years.