Blue Ribbon Feeds has new owner
Dick Gillis, rural New Richmond, has purchased Blue Ribbon Feeds from Steve and Mary Ann Campbell.
The grand opening for Gillis’ business is Saturday, Jan. 28. The public is invited to stop in and meet Gillis and his staff, learn about Blue Ribbon’s many products and services and register for door prizes.
Blue Ribbon Feeds, established in 1951 by E.H. Sather and his son, Irv, has a long history of selling agricultural supplies while providing service.
In the early years, the business focused on production agriculture while more recently it has shifted to meeting the specialized needs of small to medium sized poultry, beef, horse and commercial vegetable farms.
Additionally, Blue Ribbon Feeds has always been the place to go for pet, song bird, lawn and garden supplies. The staff, knowledgeable about animal and plant nutrition as well as pest management, can aid the customer in the selection of the right product along with providing proper feeding, dosage or timing advice.
In response to increasing interest in locally grown, organic produce, Blue Ribbon Feeds is also expanding “organic friendly” solutions for animal nutrition, soil fertilization and pest management. Additionally, Blue Ribbon Feeds is working with local artisans to provide an outlet for products ranging from honey to bird houses and ornamental art.
Coming up in March is the “Annual Chick Days,” an opportunity to order small quantities of day old chicks, goslings and ducklings.
Gillis has been a part of Blue Ribbon Feeds since 2000. He has many years of experience in production agriculture that includes dairy, beef and crops. Gillis is also active in the community both as an FFA Alumnus and as secretary of the Friends of the St. Croix County Fairplex.
Gillis said he welcomes the opportunity to help customers find successful solutions to their animal husbandry and horticultural needs and invites new and old customers alike to stop in for a friendly visit.