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Dakota Prairie Supply sells out inventory to Farmers Union Oil Co.

By Staff | Apr 3, 2009

For nearly two decades Dakota Prairie Supply has been a source of farm, ranch and home products for customers in the Rugby area.

It will continue to be that, but with some changes.

Long-time owners Rich and Jane Brossart recently sold the business’s inventory to Rugby Farmers Union Oil Company, which will operate the business at the present location.

The Brossarts have been seeking a buyer for their business for two years, contacting other farm supply operations as well others. Unfortunately, their exhaustive search didn’t yield much interest.

Earlier this year, the Brossarts made the difficult decision to close the business this spring, but after approaching Farmers Union Oil Company officials, an arrangement was eventually worked out for Farmers Union Oil to buy DP’s inventory and make a commitment to provide expanded farm supply products to customers in the future.

“We look at it as a win-win situation,” said Tony Bernhardt, manager of Farmers Union Oil Company. “It keeps an important farm and home supply store in the community, and it blends quite well into what we are trying to do: diversify ourselves in terms of ag-related services.”

Brossart said the decision to close was not made because the business was struggling, but rather his tax and accounting service firm simply required more of his attention.

“We’re happy that we could work something out with Farmers Union Oil, and customers will continue to have a place in town to purchase their farm and ranch products,” Brossart said. “It’s been a very good business, it’s had its ups and downs, but it has had a loyal customer base and has been profitable.”

Bernhardt said the objective is to make the transition from Dakota Prairie Supply to Farmers Union Oil Co. as seamless as possible, adding that Jane Brossart will continue to be on staff.

“Customers will still be able to purchase goods and services at the current location,” Bernhardt said.

Expansion comes with challenges, Bernhardt admits, but it affirms the company’s commitment to offering a wide range of services.

Brossart said the current Dakota Prairie building will be put up for sale later this year.

Brossart said many customers he’s visited with about the transition are happy they will be able to continue to buy products in town. Anyone with questions about the arrangement between DP and Farmers Union Oil can contact either Brossart or Bernhardt.

Dakota Prairie Supply started in June of 1990 at its location along Third Ave. S.W. in the building that formerly housed Pamida.

Brossart and Don Jelsing partnered to open the business after TBA Supply (Tires, Batteries and Accessories) announced it was closing its Rugby store.

The two bought much of TBA’s inventory. The late Marvin Jelsing, who worked for TBA, came over to serve as Dakota Prairie’s manager.

At the time, Don Jelsing also was operating Cow Country Supply. Eventually, Don sold out his interest in Dakota Prairie Supply.