MFA Rolla Farmers' Exchange
Company History: MFA Rolla Farmers’ Exchange has been in business since 1922. This locally owned cooperative used to offer farmers a place to come and exchange their eggs or meat for feed and other supplies. Grocery delivery was also part of the original store’s offerings. The store’s manager today, Bob Miers, showed pictures of what used to be the store’s meat counter, as well as a photo of what he believes is the Farmers’ Exchange original board of directors, from 1922. “I remember coming here as a kid, the building was dark and cluttered, it looked like a farm store,” Bob said. “Today, a lot has changed.”
Products and Services: MFA Rolla today is geared toward farm and home. They offer boots, both western and rubber, clothing, toys, all kinds of livestock equipment and feed, livestock and animal health products, gates, fence posts. “Pretty much anything you need for livestock,” Bob added. “We also deliver grain, and offer custom mixing like most of the MFAs do.” Then there’s the propane business. “We basically manage three businesses here, feed and farm, the propane and the clothing/home goods, right here,” Bob said.
What are you telling producers right now?
“We're telling them to just hang in there. It’s going to get better because it always does.”
What sets you apart from competitors?
It’s the service we give. We have, between five employees, over 200 years experience. We’ve got guys who’ve been here 45 years. I’ve been here 16 years. The mill foreman, Gary Davis, has been here 45 years. There are seven on the board of directors, it’s like a big family. In an organization like this, you all get very close.”
By OFN Staff
