Location: Clinton, Ark.
Owner: Brock Roberts
History: After working in a feed store during college, Brock Roberts thought it would be a business he would enjoy, but he didn’t want to start one from scratch. On Feb. 1, 2023, Brock got his opportunity to become a business owner by purchasing French Feed in Clinton, Ark.
“When I got out of college, it was a little too territorial to start one, and it takes a lot of capital,” Brock said. “When the owners of this established business wanted to retire, I saw my opportunity. We have now put our spin on an old business.”
Products and Services: “We can feed everything from a cat to rabbits, dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs; pretty much anything,” Brock said of the inventory of Roberts Feed LLC. “We also carry a lot of garden seed, protein tubs, hay and alfalfa.”
Roberts Feed offers products from Hirsch Feed, Powell Feeds and ADM. Brock said they are also now offering products from Blue Bonnet Feed.
“That is kind of big for the area,” Brock said. “We have several customers who will drive a ways to get that.”
All feed is bagged, and 1,500-pound bulk bags are available from Oakley Feeds. Brock said Roberts Feed keeps a “handful” of the bulk-bagged feed in stock, and special orders can be made.
Bagged seed, lime and fertilizer are available, as are fencing supplies, feed troughs, water tanks, animal vaccinations, dewormers, small poultry flock supplies, and other items.
“We are the definition of the mom-and-pop shop: a little of everything,” Brock said, adding that special orders are also available for products such as small implements, portable corrals and working chutes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Roberts Feed also offers wildlife mixes for the spring and fall, as well as turnips and radishes.
“We have just about anything to feed deer year-round,” Brock said.
Roberts Feed also works with Arkansas Pond Stockers, who bring live fish to the store every four to six weeks in the summer months.
“I’d imagine over the years that the store has stocked just about every pond in the county,” Brock said.
Brock said many of the products offered by French Feed are still available, but he has added to the inventory.
Future Plans: After being in business for a year, Brock said he is pleased with how things have gone with the name change and the adjustments.
“We look forward to continue serving our customers,” Brock said.
The owner of French Feed, John French, helps out a couple of days a week, and Brock is thankful for his experience.
“He was here for 35 years, and if I can make it for 35 years, I will be pretty tickled,” Brock said.
