Owner: Buck George (right)
Manager: Lacy Lockwood (left)
Location: Tahlequah, Okla.
History: “This business started out with my father Andy when he opened Spring Hollow Feed Mill in Hulbert,” owner Buck George said. “When I was in junior high and high school, my father owned the Tahlequah Mill and Elevator. My mom and I became partners in a dairy when I graduated from high school. In order to save overhead costs, my dad and I decided to open his own small mill in 1987. Other dairy producers were the lion’s share of our clientele and discovered that the mill was more profitable than dairy. We milked for 10 years before switching to beef cows. In 1998, I bought dad out. Then in 2014, I closed the old mill after building the Tahlequah 10,000 square-foot facility on land I already owned. It is a good spot because it is right on the highway. My plan was to expand our retail side. Lacy Lockwood has been with me for 20 years, the last seven as manager which allows me to focus on my beef operation.”
Products and Services: “The feed side of our business is diverse. We are a certified Purina dealer for large animal feed and carry show feeds such as Mormons and Show Tec, as well as being an ADM dealer. We carry several types of dog food, such as Victor and Value Pac. We have health aids from West Plains Vet Supply in Springfield, Mo., which includes vaccinations and wormers. Chicken feed and pellets are supplied by Purina and ADM. Other feeds include rabbits, small ruminants and pelletized horse feed as well as ADM textured feed. On the retail side, we carry both broadcast and spot spray weed control in addition to fertilizers in 50-pound bags for lawns and gardens. Horse tack is available along with Muck Boots, Bad Boy Mowers, and a small but entertaining section for children, featuring Melissa and Dave toys.
Philosophy and future: “Our business motto is, ‘Where Satisfied Customers Send Their Friends.’ We strive to be the most friendly feed store around while providing the exact products that meet our customers’ needs. We are still growing and diversifying our stock, but this is a challenging industry because not as many young people stay in agriculture. Consequently, we support 4-H and FFA as a way of encouraging young ones to follow our footsteps on pavers not yet formed.”
