Big Horn Co-op’s Powell Farm Store is closing at the end of this month, along with a number of the cooperative’s other retail locations across the Big Horn Basin. The Powell Tire shop and unmanned gas/diesel pumps will remain open.
The Big Horn Co-operative Marketing Association announced the upcoming closures on Wednesday, saying that after struggles in recent years, it’s focusing on its profitable energy and agronomy divisions.
In addition to Powell, the Basin Farm Store, Buffalo Farm Store, Greybull Farm Store and Worland Farm Store will close at the end of the year. The Riverton Farm Store, Worland C-Store and Powell Tire will remain open.
Big Horn Co-op will also continue to offer all gas/diesel, bulk fuel, propane and agronomy services.
Big Horn Basin farmers formed the co-op in March 1923 to market their dry edible beans, yellow blossom clover, and turkeys. It’s original location was in Basin and a Powell location followed, along with several others over the decades. The organization is currently based in Greybull.
Big Horn Co-op is locally owned by members, who nominate and elect a board of directors.
According to Wednesday’s release, the board’s decision to close the five retail locations is an effort to preserve the company to see another 100 years.
“Please know that this painstaking decision did not come easily and that we truly wish the outcome was different, but this step must be made to preserve Big Horn Co-op for the future for its members and shareholders,” the Big Horn Co-operative Marketing Association Management said in the announcement. “We hope to have your support now and into our future.”
According to its website, the co-op currently employs approximately 160 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Co-op spokesperson Crystal Ozga said there are five or six employees at the Powell store who will be affected. She said some employees who work in the stores that are closing have been offered positions with the energy and agronomy departments.
