In agriculture, trust is earned slowly. Companies often spend years showing up to stand by producers and keep an ear to the ground, positioning themselves to rapidly adapt to the realities of an ever-changing industry. That commitment to long-term relationships is at the heart of a newly announced partnership that brings together two Midwest-rooted companies with shared values and a common purpose.

Sioux Nation Ag Center joined the Form-A-Feed family in December, marking a significant milestone for the company and the producers it serves. The move brought excitement about how the acquisition would impact customers in the short term and in the future of their farms and ranches.

A Partnership Built on Fit
For Joe Swenson, former president and current General Manager of Sioux Nation, the decision to join Form-A-Feed was never about chasing growth for its own sake. “For Sioux Nation, it wasn’t about the right time, but the right fit,” Swenson explains. “Sioux Nation has always been about helping our customers succeed, and we reached a point where partnering made sense to ensure we can do that for generations to come.” He emphasized that the partnership was driven by people, including both customers and employees. “When an opportunity comes to help our customers and employees, we always take a look.”

Form-A-Feed gained attention as a disruptor, but as a potentially aligned partner. “Form-A-Feed stood out because they share our values, Midwest roots, and customer-first mindset,” Swenson says. “This wasn’t about changing who we are—it was about strengthening what we already do well and making sure Sioux Nation stays strong long-term.”

From the Form-A-Feed perspective, President of FAF Mike Hodgens recognized the common values in the animal health entity. “Sioux Nation is very similar to Form-A-Feed,” he explains. “The company is family-owned, deeply trusted, and focused on real-world results. They bring incredible multi-species expertise and strong customer relationships.”

Hodgens notes that preserving Sioux Nation’s identity was central to the agreement. “Realizing the regional relationships they have developed meant pledging to keep their local identity intact.”

What “Business as Usual” Really Means
Acquisitions can raise concerns among both customers and employees alike. Yet both leaders share the message that customers should expect continuity, not disruption. “It truly means business as usual,” Swenson answered when asked what the transition would look like day to day.

He outlined what remains unchanged:
• The same Sioux Nation team of veterinarians, nutritionists, and production consultants will serve customers.
• The same feed formulations and animal health products are still available.
• Orders, deliveries, and relationships remain the same.
• The Sioux Nation name stays, and customers can continue those long-term relationships with the people they already know and trust.

Swenson tied the acquisition back to Sioux Nation’s roots. “My Grandfather, Marvin Swenson, started this business because he had a passion for helping livestock producers. He loved to adapt and try new things.” That spirit of evolution, he explained, has always defined the company. “For Sioux Nation, ‘usual’ has always meant adapting and evolving. This partnership is another evolution in the services and products we can provide.”

Added Strength Behind the Scenes
While customers may not notice immediate changes, Hodgens said the long term benefits will become clear. “What customers will notice over time are more opportunities, not disruptions,” he said. Through the partnership, Sioux Nation customers gain access to:
• A broader portfolio of nutrition products
• Deeper research and technical support
• A stronger, more resilient supply chain

“In a nutshell, this is really about adding strength behind the scenes so Sioux Nation can continue delivering dependable service on the front end,” Hodgens comments. He points out that the benefits also flow both ways. “Additionally, we now bring more benefit to Form-A-Feed customers through the added Sioux Nation veterinary experts and portfolio of products on of the animal health side of the industry.” Swenson describes the partnership as “the best of both worlds.” “Our local knowledge and on-farm relationships stay front and center, while Form-A-Feed brings expanded research, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities,” he remarks. “That means better tools, stronger data, and more solutions to help producers stay profitable and resilient—especially during challenging market cycles.”

At its core, the mission remains unchanged. “Our promise to the customer was to always o er our honest support,” Swenson declares. “Access to additional resources and products means we can honor that promise more consistently and thoroughly.”

A Positive Step for Employees and Communities
Beyond customers, the partnership carries important implications for employees and rural communities.

“This is a growth opportunity, not a downsizing move,” Hodgens expresses. “Employees gain expanded career path options and development opportunities, widened organizational support behind the scenes, and long-term stability as part of a larger, employee-owned company.” He adds, “We want to position employees to do what they do best. That could be spending more time serving customers while we empower them operationally to tackle the administrative functions.”

For Swenson, community impact remains a priority. “We pledge continued local presence and investment,” he said. “This partnership helps ensure Sioux Nation remains a strong employer and service provider in our rural communities. We’re better positioned to reinvest in facilities, people, and our communities.”

“We want to continue to grow with our customers,” he added.

Looking Ahead—Stronger Together
With a strong focus on the future, both leaders emphasize the importance of culture. “Culture matters,” Hodgens said. “When values align, decisions get easier, and trust stays intact.”

“Both Form-A-Feed and Sioux Nation believe in long-term relationships, doing what’s right for producers, and staying grounded in Midwest agriculture,” he said. “That alignment is what makes this partnership work.”

Swenson articulates a simple message for customers. “Simply know this: we’re still Sioux Nation—just stronger. We bring the same people, commitment, and emphasis on your success. Joining the Form-A-Feed family helps ensure we can keep showing up for our customers, season after season, for many years to come.”