I -now- love this farm store .. we moved from the burbs of Farragut to Loudon County in 2016. we have needed many items one needs when living on and managing 12 acres with a huge pond that must have treatment and food for the fish. Then corn & sweet grain for the 16-20 over crowded deer competing for food, that feed at our 3 100lb feeders daily. We adopted 3 Bernedoodles & have bought so many supplies necessary to fees and treat them from pups to adults . We also needed clothing for ourselves as we had no "work clothing" . Next was the yard- being accustomed to having a manicured yard in burbs I still wanted to have that here. Well that takes lots of work first to make sure land is seeded with quality seeds and fertilized. This is where I fell in love with the compact and shrink wrapped bales of straw ... wow what an improvement from my childhood days in rural Hamblen County where we cut raked and baled it in rectangular cubes. These compact bales have handles on sides and top AND reasonably priced. Last year we added water fowl to pond. Started with 4 ducks now have 14 & probably 20-30 fertile eggs the hens tend to daily. the ducks need 3 types of feed for proper nutrition when fertile. I currently purchase 160 lbs of grain mix and cracked corn monthly. The 10-15 pounds of meal bugs freeze dried at $6 a pound.
The store had management issues the first two years we traded there. Lots of problems with staffing and having quality or knowledgeable staff. finally, Aaron and Ed arrived . They are a great team and work diligently to meet the needs of their regular customers and those drop in 2-3 times a year customers. we are all treated with same courtesy and respect. I had turn my shoulder last Spring, Ed loaded my weekly haul of supplies for me each week and has refused any gratuity. His female staff lends a hand and is always happy to do anything extra for customers. With the larger competitor opeNing in Maryville and Sweetwater they work even harder to keep the Clientele they have grown. Yes we tried the bug store but found similar pricing on what we buy weekly and there was little to no help with getting large 40 lb feed bag items in SUV. It's just easier and it's self satisfying to shop local and build community relationships . .
I urge you to visit my Tractor Supply in Lenoir City TN. Tell them the crazy lady with 3 big dogs in a bright green SUV who has been known (when they had staffing shortage) to be upset if the chicks don't have access to water food or heat when day old, and has been found getting them water and food or adjusting those so chicks can get to them. They make my life easier, thus, irregardless of price, I will not shop anywhere else.
Signed,
Hopelessly Devoted Customer
because of
Hopelessly Devoted Customer Service read more