Our Story

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Established

W. Murray Clark Ltd. was founded in 1950 by W. Murray Clark, whose name the company proudly carries to this day. Murray was the son of Fred Clark, who began the family’s involvement in the poultry industry back in 1925, when he opened a chick hatchery in the basement of his home just west of Caledonia, Ontario.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Expands Operations with Larger Facility

In 1953, the company relocated to a larger facility, and in 1961, it moved again to a warehouse on Orkney Street in Caledonia, where it remained for nearly three decades. In 1988, operations transitioned to a newly constructed facility on the outskirts of town to accommodate continued growth.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Expands Through National Ideal Acquisition

During the 1970s, the company bought National Ideal, marking a significant step forward in the companies growth and manufacturing capabilities. With this acquisition, production of the well-known Premier cages began in Caledonia—bringing design and quality control in-house and allowing the company to respond more quickly to the needs of the poultry industry.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Becomes Canadian Distributor for Favorite Equipment

In 1981, W. Murray Clark Ltd. signed a distribution agreement to represent the Favorite line of poultry equipment in Canada. This partnership introduced a new generation of cage systems to Clark customers, aligning with evolving industry standards and producer needs. With this transition, production of the in-house Premier cages was phased out, allowing the company to focus on delivering innovative, internationally recognized solutions through the Favorite brand.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Begins Selling Ziggity Drinkers

By 1985, the poultry industry had begun to shift toward European-style nipple drinkers. Recognizing the potential, W. Murray Clark Ltd. aligned with Ziggity Systems and quickly grew to become one of their major Canadian distributors, bringing advanced watering technology to barns across the country.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Begins Offering Farmer Automatic Cages

In 1989, the company partnered with Farmer Automatic to supply their classic layer cages, which featured integrated manure belts—enhancing barn cleanliness and solidifying the company’s ties with leading global suppliers.

W. Murray Clark Ltd. Purchases Farmer Automatic Canada

W. Murray Clark Ltd. acquired Farmer Automatic Canada, expanding their role from distributor to national supplier and strengthening their presence in the Canadian poultry equipment market.

W. Murray Clark Ltd Becomes Exclusive Distributor of Butterfly Feeders

W. Murray Clark Ltd becomes the exclusive Canadian distributor of the innovative Butterfly feeders, further expanding its portfolio of advanced poultry equipment solutions.

Clark AG Systems Ltd. is Established

In 2009, W. Murray Clark Ltd. and Farmer Automatic Canada Inc. merged to form Clark Ag Systems Ltd.—a unified national distribution company, streamlining operations and strengthening the company’s position as a leader in poultry equipment across Canada.

The Clark Companies Partner with Farmer Automatic in Germany

In 2010, The Clark Companies partnered with Farmer Automatic in Germany to form Farmer Automatic GmbH & Co. KG. This marked the company’s entry into global manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of poultry housing equipment—with a focus on advancing alternative housing systems.

First Farmer Automatic Aviary System Installed in Canada

That same year, the first Farmer Automatic aviary system in Canada was installed in Alberta. It featured the Portal pullet rearing system and Step layer aviary, followed by additional installations of the Loggia aviary and Combi pullet systems nationwide.

Clark Ag Systems Partners with the University of Guelph on Aviary Research

As demand for alternative housing grew in Canada, Clark Ag Systems and Farmer Automatic partnered with the University of Guelph to study layer behaviour in emerging housing systems. Small-scale installations were provided to the Arkell Research Facility, where Dr. Tina Widowski led the research—advancing industry understanding of bird welfare in aviary environments.

First Fully Enriched Farmer Automatic ECO System Installed in Canada

The first fully enriched Farmer Automatic ECO system was installed in Quebec, marking a significant step forward in offering Canadian producers modern, welfare-focused housing solutions.

AGCO Acquires Farmer Automatic from The Clark Companies

AGCO Corporation acquired Farmer Automatic GmbH & Co. KG from The Clark Companies, marking a new chapter for the global brand. Clark Ag Systems remained the exclusive Canadian distributor and, in the same year, expanded its national reach with the addition of a parts warehouse in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Clark Ag Systems Becomes a Distributor of Tecno Poultry Equipment

Offering enriched, aviary and pullet rearing housing options. Tecno has been around for over 40 years and is one of the most widely known firms at global level in the sector of poultry equipment.

In the same year Clark Ag Systems expanded its operations with the addition of a parts warehouse in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Clark AG Systems Expands

Clark AG Systems expanded its operations with the opening of a second location in Palmerston, Ontario. This milestone allowed us to better serve farmers across the province, providing increased support and a more convenient pickup point for supplies in the region.