Press Release
BERWICK OIL AND AG PARTNERS ANNOUNCE SECOND MEMBERSHIP MERGER VOTE
February 19, 2026 – Berwick Oil Company and Ag Partners Cooperative have announced plans to conduct a second membership vote on their proposed merger following strong member interest and continued engagement since the initial vote in November 2025.
While a majority of Berwick Oil voting members in attendance at the November vote supported the merger, the vote did not meet the two-thirds majority required by Kansas law for cooperative merger approval.
Since that time, Berwick Oil leadership has heard from a significant number of patrons expressing interest in holding a second vote. Over the past several weeks, Berwick Oil and Ag Partners hosted joint Energy customer meetings, during which the possibility of a second vote was discussed. Feedback from meeting attendees and additional patrons was overwhelmingly supportive of moving forward with another vote.
As a result, both Boards of Directors have elected to proceed with a second merger vote.
Voting Details
The second merger vote will take place on March 11, 2026 at the Main Event in Sabetha, Kansas. Voting hours will be 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
In accordance with Kansas state law, only Berwick Oil voting members will participate in the vote due to the difference in overall member equity between the two cooperatives.
Both Boards of Directors and management teams believe the merger is in the best interest of both cooperatives. A comprehensive feasibility study and due diligence conducted over the last year demonstrated opportunities for operational efficiencies, expanded services, cost savings, and long-term stability for customers, while maintaining strong local service.
ABOUT BERWICK OIL
The Berwick Cooperative Oil Company was formed by a group of farmers who wanted to buy fuel at discounted prices. From these early pioneers, The Berwick Cooperative Oil Company was incorporated on March 10, 1928, and today is one of the oldest and longest operating businesses in Sabetha, KS. The original storage tanks were located in Berwick, a small town just northwest of Sabetha, KS
Website: https://www.berwickoil.com
CONTACT FOR BERWICK
Ashley Shupp, CEO
ashley.shupp@berwickoil.com
785-284-2227
ABOUT AG PARTNERS
Ag Partners Cooperative was established in 1936 and is a full-service, patron-owned cooperative, serving more than 30 communities in northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and western Missouri. We have worked alongside generations of patrons in the communities that we serve. Ag Partners is committed to serving their communities and dedicated to providing competitive prices and valuable services to their members.
Website: agpartnerscoop.com
CONTACT FOR AG PARTNERS
Wes Spohr, CEO
wesspohr@agpartnerscoop.com
785-336-6153
BERWICK OIL AND AG PARTNERS ANNOUNCE MERGER AGREEMENT
August 26, 2025 – Berwick Oil Company and Ag Partners Cooperative are pleased to announce that their respective Boards of Directors have signed a Definitive Agreement to merge the two cooperatives, pending final member approval.
Berwick Oil and Ag Partners Cooperatives are trusted local cooperatives with a strong legacy of service excellence spanning decades. Their commitment to fostering the prosperity of the members and community has been a cornerstone of their success.
This strategic merger reflects a shared commitment to long-term success, operational efficiency, and continued investment in the communities both organizations proudly serve. The agreement marks a significant step forward in securing the future strength and sustainability of the cooperative model amid an evolving agricultural landscape.
Ashley Shupp, CEO of Berwick Oil, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership: “This merger marks a significant milestone for our cooperatives and the communities we support. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Ag Partners, a cooperative that mirrors our commitment to local values, service excellence, and putting people first.”
Wes Spohr, CEO of Ag Partners Cooperative, emphasized the alignment of mission and vision: “This partnership is grounded in shared values and complementary strengths. Together, we will build on our strong community roots and become even more effective in how we serve our members. This merger is not just about growth, it’s about ensuring long-term viability and member value.”
Nick Aberle, Board Chair of Berwick Oil, added: “Our cooperatives serve similar geographies and often the same customers. With our strong financial positions and like-minded cultures, this is a natural fit that will deliver lasting value for our members.”
Both leadership teams have collaborated extensively to assess the opportunities and synergies made possible through this merger, leading to the signing of the merger agreement by both boards. A membership vote for Berwick Oil Company is scheduled for mid-November 2025. Prior to the vote, Berwick will host a member information meeting to share additional details about the merger and answer questions from the membership.
ABOUT BERWICK OIL
The Berwick Cooperative Oil Company was formed by a group of farmers who wanted to buy fuel at discounted prices. From these early pioneers, The Berwick Cooperative Oil Company was incorporated on March 10, 1928, and today is one of the oldest and longest operating businesses in Sabetha, KS. The original storage tanks were located in Berwick, a small town just northwest of Sabetha, KS
Website: https://www.berwickoil.com
CONTACT FOR BERWICK
Ashley Shupp, General Manager
785-284-2227
ABOUT AG PARTNERS
Ag Partners Cooperative was established in 1936 and is a full-service, patron-owned cooperative, serving more than 20 communities in northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and in northwest and southwest Missouri. We have worked alongside generations of patrons in the communities that we serve. Ag Partners is committed to serving their communities and dedicated to providing competitive prices and valuable services to their members.
Website: agpartnerscoop.com
CONTACT FOR AG PARTNERS
Wes Spohr, CEO
785-336-6153