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Posted: April 11, 2018

Premier 1 Supplies Acquires Small Ruminant Business From Pipestone Veterinary Services

Washington, IA — Premier 1 Supplies, LLC announced that it has acquired the Sheep Business Unit from Pipestone Veterinary Services, PLC, a Minnesota-based company. The Sheep Business Unit was responsible for providing practical healthcare and nutrition knowledge to sheep producers throughout the United States, including a wide array of small ruminant feeds and supplements. The purchase will better serve the needs of Premier’s sheep and goat customers across the United States and Canada.

The asset purchase of Pipestone’s Sheep Business Unit fits into Premier’s strategy to advance the sheep industry through an education-first approach. Premier will provide its customers with access to Pipestone’s small ruminant veterinarians as well as other on-staff experts including Dr. Dan Morrical, the just-retired sheep specialist from Iowa State University. Dr. Morrical was responsible for ISU’s educational programs in all areas of sheep production, ranging from nutrition, genetics, marketing and management.

“The acquisition of Pipestone’s Sheep Business Unit complements our existing sheep and goat supply business. We can now provide a wider range of services—from sheep care to nutrition to field-tested products. This investment represents a win-win for customers,” said Ben Rothe, chief executive officer of Premier 1 Supplies. “The acquisition will allow us to provide programs, knowledge, and assistance to sheep producers at a time when many university sheep extension programs are downsizing.”

“Pipestone is thrilled to team with a company that shares the same passion for helping sheep producers as we have had for the past 75 years.” said Hannah Walkes, President of Pipestone. “We view this as a tremendous opportunity to bring an even greater level of service and commitment to producers via an expansion of the Shepherd’s Club combined with Premier’s reach in the industry.”

About Premier 1 Supplies
Premier 1 Supplies, LLC, based in Washington, Iowa is the leading catalog retailer of electric netting, sheep and goat supplies, clippers and shears, ear tags, and unique poultry products in North America. For 40 years, Premier has been known for providing expert advice to sheep producers both large and small. Today, Premier’s specialists operate multiple farms upon which sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, meat goats and horses are raised. To learn more about Premier 1 Supplies visit premier1supplies.com.