Formulated for the latest high-tech engines and hydraulic systems, Farm-Oyl® lubricants are as relevant for your new equipment as they were for your dad's. And your granddad's. And maybe even your great-granddad's. Just prior to the Great Depression Era, the Farm-Oyl Company was founded by Charles E. Ekstrom in St. Paul, MN in July 1929. Check out the comprehensive timeline for more Farm-Oyl history.
About us
A look back at our history
1930s
1930 - Farm-Oyl introduces first Heavy-Duty Tractor Oil
1936 - First profitable year for Farm-Oyl
1937 - Lube's approved for I-H farm equipment
1940s
1946 – Minneapolis Barber Co. warehouse and shipping point established
1947 – Chicago Barber Co. warehouse and shipping point established (Shipping now St. Paul, Mpls and Chicago)
1948 – Farm-Oyl introduces first merchandiser (Display stand) to support Re-Sale
1948 – Farm-Oyl introduces first Heavy-Duty Tractor Oil
1950s
1950 – Multi purpose Lithium Grease is introduced
1952 – Introduction of Hydra-trans (H-T fluid)
1953 – Industry’s first Grease cartridge introduced
1953 – Farm-Oyl launches Loopton Transportation Division
1954 – Golden Glo Grease (with sperm oil) introduced
1960s
1962 – Farm-Oyl adds Hydraulic Parts to its product line
1968 – Robert E. Larson is elected President
1970s
1970 – Slippery Goo is introduced - Industry’s first super grease with its awarded trademark protection
1970 – Farm-Oyl introduces industry’s first 2 1/2 jug (5 gallon twin pack)
1976 – 2 1/2 jug is introduced to the upper Midwest market
1979 – 50th Corporate Anniversary
1980s
1982 – AG-Master, the first truly all purpose tractor fluid, for all tractors
1983 – Plant Warehouse distribution center moves to South St. Paul
1983 – Total Treat diesel fuel improver added to product line
1983 – Farm-Oyl receives Quatrol License #17 from John Deere
1984 – Introduction of Fluid Gear Grease (NLGI 00)
1986 – Introduction of Premiere diesel engine oil, the first truly high performance diesel engine engine oil with Euro technology
1988 – Plant and Warehouse moved to Vandalia Ave location - St. Paul Nor-Lakes Services Inc Founded
1988 – Premiere diesel engine oil wins “AG Engineering Award” for outstanding field performance
1990s
1992 – Farm-Oyl introduces Premiere Straight Grade
1994 – Premiere 2000, a synthetic blend engine oil, is introduced
1994 – Introduction of Ultra Diesel Extended Life engine coolant
1995 – Farm-Oyl introduces Poly Supreme (NLGI #2), a polyurea based long life grease
1995 – Ultra Diesel Pre-mix, a 50/50 blended extended life engine coolant is introduced
1996 – Farm-Oyl introduces Ag-Master 2000, a synthetic blend of its top selling universal hydraulic/tractor fluid
2000s
2000 – New distribution and manufacturing plant in Hugo, MN. The first state of the art Farm-Oyl plant (terminaling, blending, packaging, warehousing)
2004 – 75th Anniversary Year of Farm-Oyl
2007 – Farm-Oyl acquired by CHS
2007 – Farm-Oyl products upgraded & approved for API’s new CJ-4 specifications
2008 – Farm-Oyl celebrated its 80th year anniversary & awarded a commemorative plaque to its Top 50 dealers
2009 – Introduced Power Perks Incentive Program to reward active customers
2010s
2013 – Farm-Oyl introduced branding refresh to align with overall objectives
2017 – Farm-Oyl products upgraded and approved for API’s new CK-4 specifications
2019 – Farm-Oyl celebrated its 90th anniversary and awarded a commemorative plaque to its top dealers
About CHS
CHS is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping its farmer-owners, customers and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, seed, crop protection products, grain marketing services, production and agricultural services, animal nutrition products, foods and food ingredients, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries and pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex®️ brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.