2018's top stories: Grain mergers

The consolidation trend for grain companies continued in 2018 with Lamont Grain Growers and Whitgro merging with larger companies.

Lamont Grain Growers officially became part of Ritzville Warehouse Co. July 1. Lamont used to have 30 producers, but is now down to 18. Members voted 93 percent in favor of the merger Feb. 1.

The move to merge had been discussed among the managers for about five years prior to the vote.

Intake for Lamont is approximately one million bushels per year.

Ritzville Warehouse Co., formed in 1893, is one of the oldest farmer-owned grain cooperatives in Washington. Its ope...