Location: Red Bud, Ark.
Owner: Frank Santos
History: Frank Santos retired as a clinical psychologist in 1999. While he was enjoying his retirement, Frank said his children convinced him to buy a farm store in Rosebud, Ark., eight years ago. The purchase marked the beginning of Diamond S Farm & Ranch.
“I have horses, other animals and dogs, so it’s not like I was bored,” Frank said with a chuckle. “I have plenty of things to do at the house.”
Products and Services: Franks revamped products offered at the store after taking over, working to provide items farmers and ranchers in the Rose Bud area would find useful and affordable.
“We have researched feeds, hardware and what people really need in the spring, fall and winter,” Frank said, adding he donated thousands of dollar’s worth of unsold merchandise to a local fundraiser after purchasing the store. “I would rather do that than try to sell you a $900 cooler when you need to purchase fuel and feed. We wanted to make room for things people can afford and actually use.”
Produces of all species of livestock or other animals can find quality feed products at the Rose Bud store. Diamond S Farm & Ranch offers feeds from Hirsch, Big V, and ADM, as well as pet food from Diamond. A specially-formulated bulk-bagged mix, the Diamond S Mix, can be fed to all livestock species except sheep.
“The cooper in it is too high for sheep, but it is a good feed, and the price is good,” Frank said, adding that feed is mixed exclusively for Diamond S.
For hunting enthusiasts, there are also food plot supplies and other wildlife items.
Fencing supplies, including fence posts, wire, and gates, were added as well.
“We also have concrete,” Frank said. “If you are going sell posts that people have to dig into the ground, you have to have concrete.”
Customers can also find portable panels, working chutes, ropes and other livestock-related items, including vaccinations and animal health products, in addition to straw and shavings for bedding, and quality hay.
Diamond S Farm & Ranch has an extensive hardware line, including plumbing and electrical items, nuts, bolts, and other products producers will find useful on the farm and at home. If an item isn’t in stock, Frank said it can be ordered.
“If we order it by Thursday, we can get it on the truck Monday,” Frank said. “If you want a $900 cooler, I can still get it in.”
Frank said they offer propane and electric heaters to keep things warm. Diamond S also offers propane bottle exchanges.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Frank said they offer discounts to veterans and first responders.
