GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A Grand Forks-based John Deere dealer that has grown in recent years throughout North Dakota and Minnesota is likely to be acquired by RDO Equipment, a family-owned agribusiness with headquarters in Fargo.
RDO announced on Tuesday, July 7, that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire True North Equipment's John Deere agriculture locations in North Dakota and Minnesota. The deal is subject to final approval from the John Deere company. If approved, it will be official on Aug. 3.
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“We’re pleased to welcome the True North Equipment employees and customers into the RDO family,” RDO Equipment Co. President Chris Cooper said in a statement. “Both organizations are built on strong family ownership, a commitment to customers and values that guide our business. Those shared foundations will help bring the best of both teams together.”
True North Equipment started in 1897 by selling plows in Grafton, North Dakota, according to past Grand Forks Herald reporting. It grew over the next century, becoming a force in the ag equipment industry by selling John Deere equipment and machinery as well as providing parts, maintenance and even training opportunities for producers .
As reported in the past by the Grand Forks Herald, True North was busy expanding in recent years, too. In 2014, it moved into its new headquarters in Grand Forks, along Interstate 29. In 2019, it acquired Evergreen Implement Co. , marking a significant move into Minnesota. In 2021 came the True North IMPACT Center , used to assemble, receive and refurbish farm equipment.
True North Equipment's current owners are Dan Gorder, John Oncken and Scott Gorder. The release said the decision to transition the company to RDO was easy and based on shared values, a commitment to family ownership and an appreciation for employees and customers.
“Dan, Scott and I have worked hard to keep the culture of a family-owned business as we have grown, and RDO has done the same,” Oncken said in announcement. “As a family business, we see this transition as an opportunity to make that family even bigger and serve our valued customers even better.”
True North's staff of approximately 200 will transition to RDO Equipment Co. They work at eight store locations and two facilities in Grand Forks, Grafton, and Northwood, North Dakota, as well as Thief River Falls, Warren, Kennedy, Mahnomen and Baudette, Minnesota.
"True North Equipment has had a tremendous impact on the region. John Oncken and Dan and Scott Gorder's leadership has really taken root in Grand Forks and throughout the entire region," Keith Lund, president and CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp., told the Herald Wednesday morning. "They have demonstrated that you can be successful in Grand Forks, and their success has proven invaluable."
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RDO Equipment Co. was founded by Ron Offutt in 1964. It started as a potato farming operation that led to the 1968 purchase of a John Deere dealership in Casselton, North Dakota. Today, RDO is a nationwide company, with worldwide partners.
“We believe RDO Equipment Co. is the right partner to carry the organization forward,” Oncken said. “RDO understands this business and, importantly, understands this region. That gives me confidence this is the right next chapter for our team and our customers.”
RDO Equipment Co. Executive Vice President Daryl Shelton commended True North for building "strong, trusted relationships" with customers.
"We have a responsibility to build on that legacy — supporting their team, investing in technology and strengthening resources and relationships so customers can continue to succeed," Shelton said.
True North's impact on the community grew beyond sales and offerings. It was a top business proponent for the Grand Forks Career Impact Academy, which opened in 2025 with a goal of providing education that helps fill needed jobs in the region. Oncken was a notable booster, helping lead an $11 million fundraising effort.
Earlier this year, Oncken was the Henry Havig Award winner at the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber meeting and dinner. It's the top honor given by the Chamber.
True North's leaders have "given back substantially to Grand Forks and have played real leadership roles in the community," Lund said.
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He noted Oncken's work to support the Career Impact Academy as a highlight.
"That, in addition to the employment and the value that Oncken and the Gorders drove through their business, we are eternally thankful for," Lund said. "We're also pleased that RDO has made the commitment to maintain operations. We look forward to the company's future growth in Grand Forks."