Now, Lucerne Foods will start another chapter of agricultural business for the region’s current generation of producers.

West Wylong based company McClintock and Co Group has taken over the reins of the Mill St operation.

McClintock General Manager Matt Goodwin said he and the company were looking forward to working with the surrounding farming community.

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Lucerne Foods, which will now be known as Lucerne Foods Farm Machinery Centre,” Mr Goodwin said.

“Lucerne Foods Farm Machinery will operate in conjunction with the McClintock Group’s existing West Wylong, Forbes and Grenfell outlets.”

Canowindra’s proximity to both the Belubula and Lachlan Rivers, Mr Goodwin said, made Lucerne Foods a logical and natural acquisition for the company.

“Our locations now place us in a great situation up and down the [Lachlan] river, especially for hay producers, in terms of sales and service.”

Current staff member Richard Oliver will move to the position of branch manager.

Richard Oliver needs no introduction to the majority of the district’s producers given his many years of involvement in machinery service and sales, both at his own enterprise based at Cowra and most lately, with Lucerne Foods at Canowindra.

Joining Richard Oliver will be new Sales representative for Canowindra and Grenfell, Richard McLeish, also well known for his previous experience with machinery sales at Cowra.

Richard Oliver said although Lucerne Foods was planning a new future, he hoped the past would provide inspiration for the new operation.

“We are very much looking to continue the strong tradition of service and sales of hay making equipment, begun with Tom Davidson,” Mr Oliver said.

The company will retain its flagship brands Kubota and Krone, specialising in mowers, tractors, RTVs, hay mowers, rakes and balers.

Mr Goodwin said the company was “actively improving the resources and infrastructure of the dealership.”

Plans include new computer systems, offices and other improvements to the site.

The company is also advertising for new staff.

Mr Goodwin stressed the benefits of the acquisition were for all - especially the local farming community.