The Ag Plus Cooperative convenience store on Highway 59 in Slayton will close at the end of the year, according to information released by Justin Kunkel, Marketing Manager of Ag Plus Cooperative.
“With four convenience stores already located in Slayton, the opportunity for meaningful growth at this site has become increasingly limited,” Kunkel said in a written statement. “Because of this, we have made the decision to sell the Slayton shop and c-store.”
Ownership of the Slayton cstore will transition on December 31, Kunkel said, but several key services will remain. Ag Plus will continue to operate the cardtrol fuel pumps at the site, which will allow for 24/7 fuel access. Ag Plus Rewards card 3 cents per gallon savings will continue to be honored at the pumps. Customers will not lose any reward points, Kunkel stated, but they will have to be redeemed at one of the other cstore locations or at the Slayton store through the end of the year.
Ag Plus has also adjusted bulk fuel routes to ensure ongoing service in the Slayton area for farms, homes and businesses.
“The c-store portion of the operation will close at the end of December, and we will begin winding down inventory in the coming weeks. On the last day of December, the location will close briefly so inventory can be counted and system updates can be made as part of the transition,” Kunkel wrote.
All current employees of the Slayton shop location have been asked to stay on with the new owner, Slayton Tire LLC. Kunkel said Ag Plus is also supporting any employees affected by the c-store closure through references, communication with local employers, and transition assistance.
“Although this was not an easy decision, it is one that supports the cooperative’s long-term financial stability and ensures our ability to focus on our core divisions,” Kunkel stated. “This transition allows us to reinvest in the areas where Ag Plus is strongest, while still maintaining an important fuel and service presence in the Slayton community.”
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, Slayton Tire LLC filed as an LLC on October 16, 2025.
Andy Goertzen is the owner of Slayton Tire LLC. He grew up in the Windom area on a beef cattle farm and graduated from WyoTech in 2003. According to his biography, he has spent the last 2 decades gaining knowledge in the automotive industry from multiple shops in multiple states.
“Using this insight he has built a code of ethics and enthusiasm to ensure safe vehicles and happy customers,” the bio states.
In late October, Meadowland Farmers Coop announced the Board of Directors from Ag Plus Cooperative and Meadowland Farmers Coop had agreed to enter a unification study to explore the benefits of a combined cooperative, adding that no decision had been made at the time.
In late November, it was announced that Farmward Cooperative and Ag Plus Cooperative were merging under the Farmward name. Headquartered in Morgan, Farmward has offices, grain elevators, and other sites in communities in Redwood, Yellow Medicine, Renville and Kandiyohi Counties.
