Who we are

Forage Capital Ag & Food Business Solutions Fund is a $150MM growth equity fund that invests along the entire agriculture and food industry value chain. The fund focuses on companies that have suffered a significant disruption to their business model.

Forage’s experienced investors have spent the last 20 years investing in:

  • Crop inputs
  • Primary food production and processing
  • Equipment manufacturing
  • Branded food companies

The Forage team can work with management to stabilize their business and set new growth priorities that capitalize on the innovative opportunities that will emerge as the Canadian economy recovers and prospers.

Areas targeted by the fund

Food processing and manufacturing

Crop inputs and fertilizer businesses

Manufacturers of farm equipment or food processing/monitoring equipment

Distribution, merchandising, and logistics companies

Latest News Releases

S3 Group Ltd. Acquires Power Pin Inc.

S3 Group Ltd. has officially announced today, their acquisition of Power Pin Inc.

November 8, 2023, SWIFT CURRENT, SK — S3 Group Ltd. has officially announced today, their acquisition of Power Pin Inc.

Created by industry innovator Brian Olson in 1989, Power Pin will continue to operate in the beautiful community of Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. With many patented products to their credit, Power Pin has specialized in a range of products that provide a standardized hitch system for both heavy equipment and on-road applications. This system provides superior ease of use, security and operator safety. This is achieved in part, by allowing for equipment attachment without the operator leaving their seat. Many of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world include Power Pin products such as the “Drop-pin Hammer Strap Hitch” as standard factory safety and usability features.

S3 Group CEO, Richelle Andreas states, “I have tremendous respect for the innovation and vision that Brian Olson incorporated in Power Pin. They have demonstrated a corporate culture of innovation, customer responsiveness, and the development of world-class products that improve efficiency — and most importantly, save lives. This acquisition makes S3 and Power Pin stronger and I am excited about what it means for our future.”

Headquartered in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and approaching its 58th year in agricultural manufacturing, S3 Group now operates seven facilities in five locations in Canada and the US. With a focus on products and innovation that contribute to responsible and sustainable farming practices, S3 Group provides engineering and manufacturing solutions to some of the world’s most recognized brands in agricultural equipment. In addition, S3 Group has also developed a growing portfolio of patented S3-branded products across several product categories such as grain aeration fans, pneumatic systems for airseeders, combine airbars, tynes, complex wire forming, and harrows.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Engel
Director of Marketing
daniel.engel@S3GroupLtd.com

S3 Group Announces Alberta Investment and Funding

Government of Alberta announces its investment into S3's expansion in Alberta.

October 18, 2023

MEDICINE HAT, ALBERTA — At an event held today at S3 Group's newest location, the Government of Alberta announced its investment into S3's expansion into Alberta. The event was attended by esteemed leaders and dignitaries, including Alberta Premier and MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, Premier Danielle Smith; Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Honourable Minister Matt Jones; CEO of Invest Alberta, Rick Christiaanse; and Mayor of Medicine Hat, Her Worship Linnsie Clark.

S3 Group's decision to expand and invest $7 Million into developing its Medicine Hat facility is supported by the Government of Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund (IGF) through a $1.3 Million targeted investment. Over the next five years, S3 Group plans to generate over 100 full-time jobs with careers in assembly, fabrication, welding, painting, accounting, administration, product design, and engineering.

The newly acquired facility, comprising over 22,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, will also become home to the Company's engineering centre of excellence, with its metallurgical lab and various testing equipment supporting new product development.

Richelle Andreas, CEO of S3 Group, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative support they received: "The Government of Alberta's investment in the IGF program demonstrates a commitment to economic growth, diversification, and job creation. Working with the teams at Invest Alberta, the City of Medicine Hat, and other regional stakeholders, it was clear how much they genuinely wanted to help our project succeed. For that, I am grateful. It reassures me that expanding into Southeast Alberta was the right decision."

Andreas further emphasized the Company's dedication and energy: "S3’s commitment to giving back to our communities, providing high-touch customer service, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement is a good fit with the people of Medicine Hat. This community has a legacy of innovation, ingenuity, and hard work — and we are proud to be a part of it.”

About S3 Group Ltd.

Headquartered in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and approaching its 58th year in agricultural manufacturing, S3 Group operates five facilities in three communities across North America. With a focus on products and innovation that contribute to sustainable farming practices, S3 Group provides engineering and manufacturing solutions to some of the world’s most recognized brands in agricultural equipment. In addition, S3 has also developed a growing portfolio of patented S3-branded products across several product categories such as grain aeration fans, pneumatic systems for air seeders, and combine airbars.

S3's corporate values of Integrity, Character, Honour, and Joy are at the heart of its engagements with all the communities in which it operates. The Company sponsors numerous regional events, bursaries, scholarships, and sponsorships, focusing on long-term, positive, family-oriented community building.

Media Contact:
Daniel Engel, Director of Marketing
daniel.engel@S3GroupLtd.com

Vytelle Closes $20MM in Series B Funding to Accelerate Genetic Progress in Cattle

Forage leads the $20MM Series B Investment

April 4, 2023 – Vytelle, a precision livestock company, has raised $20MM in Series B funding to accelerate genetic progress in cattle. With this new investment, Vytelle will continue to expand its global operations, while delivering the most accessible, reliable, and predictable reproductive technology available to customers today.

The investment was led by Forage Capital Partners, a Calgary based growth equity fund that invests across the entire food and agriculture value chain. New investor, Mountain Group Partners, joins current investors, Grosvenor Food and Ag Tech, Open Prairie, Fulcrum Global Capital, Serra Ventures, and KC Rise to complete the round.

Forage Capital Partner, Jim Taylor said, "Vytelle has proven their ability to scale and deliver consistent results for the benefit of cattle producers aiming to accelerate genetic progress around the world. We are impressed with Vytelle’s track record of growth and delivery and are excited about what the future will bring."

Vytelle's integrated technology platform combines Vytelle ADVANCE, a breakthrough in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an artificial intelligence based genetic analytics engine.

As the fastest growing advanced reproduction company, Vytelle is easily accessible to more than 50% of the US cow herd. Combining this footprint, with Vytelle’s curation of the world’s largest multibreed efficiency database, provides the infrastructure to impact bovine genetic progress rapidly. Progressive cattle producers can use the technology to multiply the impact of elite livestock productivity and profitability, sustainably delivering more protein with fewer inputs.

"We are delighted to have secured this new investment; this is indicative of strong market interest in our products and services. Our mission is clear, and we are grateful for the support of our investors who join us on our journey to ensure meat and milk are viable food choices for future generations." said Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle.

About Vytelle
Vytelle is a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelle’s integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations. For more information about Vytelle, please visit www.vytelle.com.

About Forage Capital Partners
Forage Capital Partners is Canada’s most experienced team of Ag & Food investors, having managed over $500 million in commitments to the industry over the last 18 years. Forage Capital Ag & Food Business Solutions Fund works to provide its portfolio companies with the stability and flexibility they need to expand and adapt their business models during these challenging times. The fund will invest with creative business owners that are looking to capitalize on new and innovative opportunities. For more information on Forage Capital Partners, visit https://foragecapitalpartners.com.

About Mountain Group Partners
Mountain Group Partners is a Nashville-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies predominantly in the life sciences, animal health and disruptive technology sectors. The firm has invested in companies across animal health primarily in companion animals and technologies centered on improving protein production. Mountain Group takes a hands-on approach to investing based upon its deep operational experience and currently has over $300 million in assets under management. For more information on Mountain Group Partners, visit www.mtngp.com.

Media Contact
Lisa Rumsfeld
Lisa.rumsfeld@vytelle.com
Vytelle.com

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