Pinnacle Agriculture Holdings LLC reported on May 12 that it has successfully acquired the seed, fertilizer, and crop protection assets of United Agricultural Cooperative Inc., headquartered in El Camp, Texas. United Ag will operate as part of Pinnacle’s Sanders brand. Pinnacle said the acquisition will enhance its retail presence in the southeast Texas market.
The Pinnacle (Sanders) strategy is extremely exciting and will create new opportunities for our business to continue providing our customers with the highest level of service possible,” said Jimmy Roppolo, general manager of United Ag. “We are aligning with a team that is committed to innovation and capable of delivering new solutions for our farmers. Also, Sanders’ foundation of trust, loyalty, and integrity is very much like that of United Ag’s. The similarity of our company cultures creates potential for a synergistic union to exceed everyone’s expectations.”
United Ag has been serving agricultural communities along the Gulf Coast of Texas since 1982. The business began as Farmers Cooperative of El Campo (FCEC), and was formed by the consolidation of El Campo Farmers Cooperative and Modern Farmers Cooperative Society. FCEC merged with Danevang Farmers Cooperative in 2012, and the name was changed to United Agricultural Cooperative to better reflect the broad customer base and geographical area served by the co-op.
Jimmy Schulz, former United Ag fertilizer and crop production manager, will take over management of the following five locations: 911 South Wharton Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 (main office/warehouse); 100 South Meadow Lane, El Campo, Texas 77437 (terminal/blend plant); 11338 Texas 71 S, Danevang, Texas 77432; 116 South Wells Street, Edna, Texas 77432; 1898 FM 1432, Victoria, Texas 77905 (Port). The current employees of United Ag will retain their positions under the new ownership.
“It is a huge honor for United Ag to choose Sanders as a partner in servicing the grower community of the Texas Upper Gulf Coast,” said John Williams, Sanders area operations manager. “Like United Ag, Sanders is committed to the producers’ success first and foremost. The new ownership will provide our award-winning OptiGro® precision ag technology system to growers allowing them to maximize their production in the most efficient and economical ways possible. Growers will also have access to the latest in crop input technology. This partnership will provide huge benefits to Upper Gulf Coast growers.”