This series consists of partial sequences of the Farm Supply Division Manager's correspondence (1960-1961, M-S and 1984-1997, replies to delegates' questions); sales statistics and analysis (1959-1961 and 1995-1996); documents on marketing plan (1986) and five-year operating plan (1987); memoranda regarding personnel changes (2003).
Administrative History
In its early phase, the United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative managed grocery, hardware, and dry goods stores for local co-ops, but in 1952 this function was transferred to Alberta Co-operative Wholesale Association. UFA Co-op established a Farm Supplies Department for wholesaling farm supplies to local co-ops. Initially it distributed mainly bulk products such as coal, fence posts, twine, and agricultural chemicals, but it eventually expanded its range to include varied products such as building supplies, livestock medicines, and fertilizers. In 1954 its name was changed to Farm Supplies Division and in that year the first Farm Supply Centre, a combined warehousing and retail operation, was opened in Calgary. In 1966 restructuring of the provincial Co-op system encouraged expansion of the division's direct retail operations. Its Building Department, later known as the Farmstead Development Department and as UFA Building Solutions, began with an experimental prefabricated barn in 1957. It constructed complete buildings and materials moving sytems for farmers. The specialized Animal Health Department and Equipment Department were added in the 1970s. By 2006 the division was renamed Farm and Ranch Supply Division and it was operating 34 Farm and Ranch Supply Stores. In 2007 it was renamed Agricultural Operations (Ag-Ops). In 2010 it was renamed Agricultural Business (Agri-Business).