advertisement

Agriculture equipment giant tells family firm it no longer fits profile

Charles F. Oliver & Son has had a contract to sell John Deere tractors since 1945.

As of Oct. 9, that contract will no longer exist.

Customers of the business learned about this in a letter sent out last week. The word in Canaseraga, N.Y., and beyond spread quickly, and many have said they are disappointed and upset.

"It is with deep regret that we must inform you that John Deere company measures each dealer's performance by sales volume," according to the letter from owner Charles Oliver. "Unfortunately, our sales volume was unacceptable to John Deere Company. Their quest for large, multiple-store dealerships is slowly becoming reality, making it difficult for single-store dealerships to compete."

Oliver expressed anger and resentment over the contract termination. He says that he runs a debt-free business that services between 2,000 to 3,000 farmers.

"We've been in business since 1944, but that doesn't matter to them," he said.

Oliver is not surprised by the company's action. According to him they were told that they were in trouble since 1987 when a Syracuse store closed.

"You are seeing the family business gradually disappearing," Oliver said. "We have had a thriving business, and a very profitable business, to have that pulled on you is a very bad thing.

"It's a cheap way out for Deere."

Oliver is not sure whether it means they will close, but knows that it's not good for business. His store could continue selling another brand, but that has not been decided at this time. Oliver expects to remain in operation for at least another year, even if the decision to close is made.

Canaseraga would lose 10 or 11 jobs, he said, and six buildings would become vacant if the business closes.

Oliver also recently sold his oil supply business, which supplied around 450 people with heating oil.

One nearby John Deere location is in Avon, according to Oliver. The Avon location might not be able to offer all the services that Oliver & Son does, according to several local farmers. Another Deere dealer, Genesee Equipment, is located in?Dansville and primarily offers lawn and garden tractors.

"We've done business with them (Oliver & Son) for 30 years and they have always done us right, now I don't know where I'll get my supplies from," said farmer Jerry Anderson, who was at Oliver's Monday. "I have talked to other farmers and they are in the same boat that I am in."

Jess Pauckey's family has been involved with farming for three generations and he is upset because he has seen about 20 small stores close in his lifetime and likes the treatment he gets from the smaller businesses.

"Big dealers don't care about little farmers," said Pauckey." "You just don't get the personal service from them and things won't be available."

"If they close it will hurt the community a lot, everybody gets their tractors fixed by them," said resident Melinda Swain.

The John Deere Company did not return a call for a comment by press time.

The Evening Tribune