Carson Farm Supply
Owners: Rick Carson (pictured) and David Partlow
Location: Alma, Ark.
History: The Teague and Wofford families began a feed store in 1948 as a sideline to their large-scale produce farm from which they shipped both fruits and vegetables. They sold what became a farm supply store in 1989 to David Partlow and Rick Carson, with Mary Teague remaining. “At the time, David was the manager at their downtown location while I was working for an oil company. We moved to our current, larger and more general public assessable location three years later and expanding again four years ago by adding both warehouse space and increasing the square footage of our show room. David’s son, John, now helps manage the store and our four employees,” Rick said.
Products and Services: Feed is an important part of sales profile, especially since a large part of the Carson Farm Supply customer base is smaller farmers with diverse needs. “We sell packaged livestock feed from ADM, Nutrena and Big V for cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits, as well as wildlife. The big lines in our dog and cat foods are Diamond, Taste of the Wild and Nutrena. Vet and pet supplies including vaccines, fly sprays, antibiotics, wound treatments and wormers are also available. We are one of the few remaining bulk vegetable garden seed retailers along with pasture seeds.” Weed control chemicals and fertilizers as well as spreaders, sprayers, water hoses and nozzles are available to round out support for the seed business. Carson Farm Supply carries Stafix and Patriot fence chargers and accessories, Big Smith overalls, Muck boots and Walls insulated clothing, in addition to a large selection of gloves with double palm fencing gloves being an important addition. “We are proud to be a Platinum Case Knife dealer with a wide selection including hunting and pocket knives,” Rick said.
Philosophy and future: Rick said they understand having personal relations with customers leads to trust. “We train our employees to be personable, knowledgeable and helpful. Trust is also gained by only offering products we believe perform exactly as advertised. Farm supply technology and products are constantly improving so we are always on the lookout for new products that will enhance every aspect of our business and our customers’ operations,” Rick said.
