United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Limited completed its acquisition of Ponoka Fertilizer Ltd., an Alberta agricultural inputs business operating as Ponoka Fertilizer and Bashaw Crop Services, in a transaction announced Aug. 4, 2026. Ponoka Fertilizer, with more than 25 years of operating history, provides fertilizer products, crop protection solutions, and agronomy services to producers in Ponoka and Bashaw in central Alberta. The acquisition fills what UFA described as gaps in its crop-inputs network, particularly in fertilizer blending, and adds scale to its existing network of fertilizer plants across the province. Following the transaction, Ponoka Fertilizer and Bashaw Crop Services will continue to operate with the same local team and focus, with customers gaining access to additional products, services, and resources through UFA's larger network. UFA, a member-owned co-operative that operates cardlock fuelling stations, sells bulk fuel and crop inputs, and runs farm and ranch stores, has been expanding across the Prairies in 2026, including new locations in Saskatchewan and its first site in Manitoba. Fred Thun, president and chief executive officer of UFA, characterized the deal as a strong strategic fit and a meaningful step forward for the co-operative. Dan Lea, owner and founder of Ponoka Fertilizer, said joining UFA ensures business continuity while creating new opportunities to build on what has been established. The acquisition forms part of UFA's broader investment strategy following a record financial year for the co-operative.