TABER, Alta. — The tough prairie sod was turned with industrial equipment, but farm equipment is the focus of a new 40,000 sq. foot John Deere facility for Western Tractor.
The new farm equipment company selected the corner formed by Highways 3 and 36 on the west side of Taber, Alta., for its first major facility.
Western Tractor comprises a group of shareholders with the combined assets of Green Power, which had dealerships in Taber, Burdett and Medicine Hat, and the former McKay Brothers of Lethbridge. All are now under the Western Tractor banner.
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Shareholders include McKay Brothers owners Cor Van Raay and Alan Fabro of Lethbridge, Deermart owners Jack and John Donald of Red Deer and Western Sales owner Grant Magrath of Rosetown, Sask.
The new facility, scheduled for completion by this time next year, will include new equipment sales, a shop, centralized parts stocking and a 40 seat training facility for staff and customers, said corporate parts and marketing manager Doug Pilsner.
Steven Dyck, president and general manager of Western Tractor, said the two-year-old company targeted this south-central area for its flagship outlet.
“Taber quite simply has some of the most progressive producers in all of Canada,” he said.
“Truly, southern Alberta is one of the most important agricultural markets in Canada, if not North America. You cannot find a more diverse part of this world.”
Crops grown in the region include cereals, pulses, oilseeds, hay and forage, corn, sugar beets, potatoes and other vegetables. In addition, a major cattle feeding industry also has equipment needs.
Dyck said he expects Western Tractor to grow through further acquisitions in the next few years, but it will remain privately held rather than publicly traded.
A similar trend in combined farm equipment dealership strength has appeared in other parts of the Prairies in recent years.
Van Raay, well known for his feedlot interests in southern Alberta, said he welcomed the start of a new facility and further evidence of a commitment by John Deere to service the region.
He acknowledged the farm equipment business is competitive in the region, “but tell me what business isn’t competitive.”
Dave Chipak, manager of John Deere Canada’s agriculture and turf business, spoke about the ever-increasing sophistication of farm equipment, which makes training facilities an asset. This location will allow video conferencing and 3-D instruction for employees and farmers.
With developments in GPS, telematics, field mapping and agronomic support, the company is positioning itself to serve, said Pilsner.
“It’s not about the iron anymore, it’s about the solutions,” he said.
“And John Deere is on the cutting edge of technology and as they move forward, it’s about the technology providing results for the farmers.”
