Helping ag producers to become leaders in their field.

"The Rack" is an industry term used to describe where wholesale petroleum products are made available to retailers. But Rack Petroleum Ltd. ("Rack") offers more than bulk fuel to its clients.

Rack offers a complete suite of services to agricultural producers in Saskatchewan including retail sales of fuel, lubricants, crop protection products like herbicides, custom spraying and fertilizer applications. In addition, Rack provides agricultural consulting services to clients, providing innovative techniques to improve production.

Rack has become an industry leader in the provision of consulting services through its expertise in Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and variable rate technology, allowing for precision fertility planning by farmers. Rack is able to use soil samples to create precise maps of a field's nutrient needs. These maps are utilized to generate recommendations that correct nutrient imbalances and deficiencies. They act as a type of "medical exam" for the soil and make the science of feeding a crop far more accurate then competitor programs.

Rack also incorporates an extensive field trial program to prove and evaluate their programs. Field research has become a mainstay of the business, allowing their entire agronomy team to evaluate and test nutrient imbalance and deficiency concepts.

These services have become increasingly important as producers look for ways to improve profitability of their operations given the challenges that the agricultural sector has faced in recent years. Rack has tripled its sales and its market reach since it began more than four years ago, a testament to the company's ability to outperform the industry.

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Rack was launched in 2000 as an independent dealer by Dennis and Lynda Bulani. The operations were based on previous experience with a company known as Bulani Agro Inc. Headquartered in Biggar, Rack's market includes satellite locations in Rosetown, Perdue, Unity and most recently North Battleford with the addition of a cardlock access site. Rack has invested in substantial warehouse and loading facilities, which include a 40,000 square foot building in Biggar that was constructed in 2001.

The company's success can be attributed, in part, to the well-honed business strategy that Bulani and his team employ: a focus on customer service, development of strategic alliances within the industry, striving to offer new and innovative products and services, and employing a staff of dedicated and experienced professionals. In fact, Rack's management team has more than a century of experience in the agricultural industry. The company employs a full-time staff of 29 adding a number of seasonal positions during the spring and fall.

Bulani sees a bright future ahead of Rack. The company continues to expand its market and has become one of the largest agriculture input and service suppliers in Saskatchewan. Bulani appreciates the support of partners like Golden Opportunities Fund, Saskatchewan's largest provincial labour fund. "Golden Opportunities has been a valuable partner aiding in Rack's success. They understand our business philosophy and share our vision to find new ways to succeed."