Competition Bureau forces sale of Sask. grain elevator in $150 million acquisition

GrainsConnect owns the grain elevator in Reford, Sask. (Canadian Press)

The Competition Bureau has reached an agreement with grain company Parrish and Heimbecker (P and H) in a move aimed at protecting the interests of regional farmers.

The bureau is requiring the Manitoba-based business to sell the grain elevator in Reford, Sask. to an approved buyer as part of its acquisition of GrainsConnect Canada – one of P and H’s rivals.

The competition watchdog found that P and H’s acquisition of Alberta-based GrainsConnect would reduce competition for the purchase of wheat from farmers around the Reford area.

The stipulation to sell the elevator (owned by GrainsConnect) is meant to maintain competition between grain elevators and ensure buyers compete for farmers’ grains.

“Competition at the local level matters for Canadian farmers. Competition helps ensure that farmers receive better prices and have more choice when selling their grain,” said Jeanne Pratt, interim commissioner of competition in a Friday news release.

The bureau explained that grain elevators are critical infrastructure for farmers to sell their crops.

P and H is required to keep the Reford elevator operating normally until the sale is completed.

The company’s $150 million acquisition of GrainsConnect was announced in December 2025.