Ferguson Fertilizer
Owners: Tommy Ferguson and Kevin Parker, (pictured) co-owners
Location: Harrison, Ark.
History: Tommy Ferguson founded Ferguson Fertilizer in 1982. Kevin Parker, Tommy’s brother-in-law, bought into the business in 1993. Born and raised in Harrison, Kevin has an agricultural background. He said, “Besides this, I run cattle – cow/calf and feeders.”
What services do you provide?
“We sell fertilizer, seed and agricultural chemicals. We custom spread seed, fertilizer and chemicals.” Ferguson’s serves customers from miles around including Jasper, Green Forest and Lead Hill, reaching to the Missouri stateline. Kevin said, “We are strategically located, and that’s a real asset.”
Why is your business unique?
Fergusons Fertilizer is the only seed buyer for Pennington Seed in the State of Arkansas. Kevin said, “I’m a commission fescue seed buyer, I buy fescue out of the field and then test and transport it for Pennington Seed in Greenfield, Mo. They custom process it and send it all over.”
What is your biggest challenge?
Kevin said, “No question about it, it’s farmland turning into houses. Farmland is disappearing and it seems like in this area, we see a lot more small farmers than what we used to. Fortunately, a lot of the small farmers in this area do have a job (in town), so when fertilizer gets high, they’re not relying solely on their farm income to pay for it.”
Story and Photo by Jack and Pam Fortner
