Johnson County Farmers Association
Manager: Gary Smith
Location: Clarksville, Ark.
History: “We opened in 1947 and are still a one-county co-op, one of the few that has not had to merge with larger stores. Back then several peach farmers, as well as, dairy, row crop, hog and cattle farmers had to go all the way to Fort Smith, or Little Rock, Ark., for supplies which is why they decided to get together to form a co-op. We could then buy from Southern Farmers Association in North Little Rock, Ark., and Missouri Farmers Association in Springfield, Mo. They could buy direct from the manufacturers, then distribute to each county store. We started with bag feed, bag fertilizer, chemicals and some farm supplies, then expanded a little each year. In the mid-70s we moved to the outskirts of town so we could have more room. We built a bulk fertilizer system and a tire shop.”
Products and Services: “Like most co-ops, we have a little bit of everything. We have bag and bulk feed, bag and bulk fertilizer, field seeds, garden seeds, chemicals for the field and garden in addition to livestock vaccines and sprays and a tire shop. We also have some horse tack, pet supplies, a complete line of farm supplies such as wire, gates, livestock handling equipment, and also bush hogs, rock rakes and more.”
Philosohpy: “We run this a little differently from larger chain stores. The main thing is to be knowledgeable enough to help customers with whatever they need. We also like to treat all customers the same whether they’re buying garden seed or a trailer load of fertilizer.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
