MOSES LAKE — Two CHS agricultural co-ops in Quincy have decided to merge — CHS Connell Grain and CHS Sun Basin.

“CHS is comprised of a lot of retail co-ops, so we view this an an internal consolidation, two divisions coming together,” said Lisa Graham-Peterson, a spokesperson for the Minnesota-based CHS co-op.

“Our businesses are financially strong, but as the agricultural landscape continues to change with larger and larger operations, we need to keep up with the changing needs of our patrons with competitively priced products and services,” said Jed Pauley, board chairman, CHS Sun Basin, in a news release. “Together, we’ll be able to reach efficiencies and service levels that could not be achieved individually.”

Graham-Peterson told the Columbia Basin Herald that the merger will create more opportunities, especially in grain and fertilizer, and improve CHS’ position for marketing in the eight-county, Central Washington area CHS serves in Quincy.

“We’ve been talking about this for quite a while. Farmers are getting bigger, and this just helps us become more efficient,” she said.

The two operations expect to start operating as one business beginning in September, Graham-Peterson said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at [email protected]