Fitzgerald Feed
Owners: Charles (pictured) and Tisha Fitzgerald
Location: Talihina, Okla.
History: “I have always had cattle, even when I worked in construction. However, I wanted to get back to agriculture and closer to family. My wife Tisha earned her teaching degree in 1993 so we moved here to open our own feed store, which was a rented facility in another location. Six years later, we decided we wanted to own our own facility because we needed more space. We also wanted better highway access for both town and farm folks. Then, after teaching for five years and doing bookwork, as well as helping at the store, Tisha came on full-time and has been here since.”
Products: “One of the first things we did when we moved to our current location was to add bulk feed to our feed inventory, which includes Big V Feeds, ADM, MoorMan’s, Nutrina and LNC as well as pet and MoorMan’s Show Tec. Basically, we have feed for all livestock and most small animals. We offer Right Now and MoorMan’s minerals in blocks and bags with differing ingredients to accommodate varying seasons and needs such as fly control. Another important section of our inventory is vet supplies including vaccines for dogs, cattle, sheep and goats, as well as flea and tick control and wormers in pour-on, injectable, pill and liquid formulations. Fly control products are mainly for horses and cattle. We carry a variety of poultry equipment brands with the inventory including heater bases, tank deicers and waterers. Equipment for small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs is available in addition to bird feeders. Farming supplies include both barbed and chicken wire, panels, large water tanks and feed troughs. Many of our smaller farmers purchase both round and square mixed prairie grass bales, as well as alfalfa square bales. Spring brings on bulk seed and bedding plants from Bonnie’s Plant Farms with potting soil and mulch available to support garden growth. We offer fertilizer for grass, garden and pastures as well as non-restricted weed control concentrate to be spread by hand, four-wheeler or tractor.”
Philosophy and future: “We try to carry a little of this and that so people can find what they need. If we don’t have it, we do our best to help our customers find whatever that may be. We also try to adjust our inventory not only according to season but also to current conditions, such as drought or freezing cold. We look to continuing to expand our customer base, and perhaps retire and become full-time ranchers, though my wife may return to teaching. We’ve got along while to make these decisions because we have to finish raising our family first, and look forward to grandchildren and providing an agricultural experience for them someday.”
