Greener Pastures Enterprises (GPE)
Owners: Roger and Jake Collins
Location: Westville, Okla.
Company History: Twelve years ago, the Collins family moved from the city and purchased a family farm consisting of broilers, beef cattle and hay. They eventually began decaking and cleaning out their own broiler houses and that of neighboring farms, and spreading the litter for fellow ranchers and farmers. Although their broiler houses closed a few years ago, they continued the business. “I want to provide a quality service for the agricultural industry. I treat each barn as though it were my own place," Jake said. Realizing that quality bedding was a key element in the poultry industry, they soon expanded to provide a reliable source for rice hull bedding and recently added a 12,000 sq. ft. enclosed storage building for bedding.
Products and Services: Poultry growers are provided a full-service turnkey option by GPE. Utilizing up to eight semi-trailers, litter is hauled out of the houses using conveyers to help eliminate litter spillage. New rice-hull bedding is provided promptly and spread so that the grower can be back in business as soon as possible. Farmers and ranchers are provided licensed spreading of organic fertilizer product. Manure Nutrient Analysis Reports are provided as well as third-party weigh tickets. Other products offered are agriculture quality lime and kiln-dried pine bedding for horse stables.
“When litter prices were high, newcomers flocked to the business to make a quick buck,” commented Roger. “But they did a poor job and hurt the industry. I have insight to the needs of fellow growers, farmers and ranchers. And I am here to stay – to provide a quality service to the industry.”
Business Philosophy:
“Our goal is to increase profitability for everyone involved. We want the agricultural industry to survive and be strong for future generations,” stated Roger, eyeing Jake, his son and partner.
By Sarah Hale
