Lucknow Co-op demonstrates fertilizer blending at its best

70 years strong!

Big advancements in fertilizer blending was the hot topic of conversation at LucknowDistrict Co-operative’s open house event featuring its new Layco declining-weight blend  fertilizer facility.  

The new blending system is a big improvement for farmers in the area bringing greater efficiencies in everything from more storage capacity, faster loading and receiving times, and superior customized blending abilities.

Lucknow Co-op's new Layco declining-weight blend fertilizer facility.

Allan Scott, Lucknow District Co-operative general manager says this type of facility is quite new to Ontario. “The blender operation is level to the ground making for a more efficient and economical operational flow, that will ultimately provide added value for our members,” says Scott.

The blending system is housed in a new 90’ x 140’ facility that can handle up to 11 products incorporated into one blend compared to only three products in a mix with the co-operative’s previous system. 

“Speed is a huge advantage,” says the co-operative’s agronomy manager Blair Morrison. “With our old system, we would blend about 350T a day, whereas with this facility, we are able to produce 120T per hour, giving us more time to be face-to-face with our customers.”

The site now has additional unloading points, and a new 90 ft. weigh platform making inbound and outbound flow more fluid, reducing wait times for trucks entering the yard.

Capturing the full expansion of Lucknow District Co-operative's growing operation.

Scott says he knew the co-op was on to bigger and better things when it bought 40 more acres of land two years ago, allowing for expansion and growth.

“And now that Lucknow Co-op is in its 70^th year of business, we are keen on honouring our past, but even more so, we are embracing the future for our farmer-owners,” says Scott.

Over 200 burgers served at open house event.