Rooted in Community
Local Farmers Cooperative Serves Everyone
Story by Jen Calhoun
In a world dominated by big-box hardware stores with limited customer service and even less expertise, the Macon-Trousdale Farmers Cooperative stands out. It’s a place where a farmer can order a load of feed for his cattle, a homeowner can find help for a wilting tomato plant, and a neighbor can buy new truck tires.
“We do a little bit of everything,” says General Manager Scottie Sadler. “We can custom-spray fields or help with soil samples. We have some way of helping out with pretty much anything that deals with agricultural and backyard planting. And you don’t have to be a farmer. Anyone can shop co-op, as we like to say.”
Co-op employees Sandy Goad, Turell Eller, Scottie Sadler, Bryan Carter, and Trent Cook are just a few of the knowledgeable staff members ready to serve the community.
More Than a Farm Store
The cooperative’s roots go back to the 1940s, when farmers in Macon County joined together to pool resources, increase their bargaining power, and share some of the risks involved in farming. Around the same time, Trousdale County farmers were doing the same. In 1971, the 2 groups combined to form the Macon-Trousdale Farmers Cooperative, while making sure each county maintained a farm center store.
Since then, the stores’ services and offerings continued to grow. The co-ops sell everything from cowboy boots to clothing, as well as seed, feed, and everything else most people would expect from a farm store.
“We get new customers every day,” says Turell Eller, the cooperative’s credit manager who’s been with the organization since 2003. “We’ve had a tire shop for years and still get people in here who never knew we sold tires.”
As more people move into the area from big cities, they’re surprised to learn how much the cooperative has to offer. “Our identity is not as well known, maybe, to someone who might not be from around here,” Turell says. “That’s why we want it to be known that we’re trying to serve everybody that we possibly can.”
Beyond The Aisles
With a comprehensive range of services, the Macon-Trousdale Farmers Co-op is a unique center offering much more than can be found on its rows of retail shelves. The co-op provides custom fertilizer spreading services for anyone who needs it, and it rents out equipment to those who’d rather do the job themselves.
The co-op’s staff also provides services like soil sampling, seed samples, and expert advice on everything from crop management to diagnosing plant problems.
Services extend beyond agriculture into the broader community. The repair shop works on tractors and other equipment, whether the machinery was purchased there or somewhere else. The co-op also sells several different brands of lawnmowers. “We also have a big tire shop that sells tires for cars, lawnmowers, equipment, and trucks,” Turell says.
A Different Way of Doing Business
The cooperative’s business model is a key to its success and commitment to the community. It’s made up of more than 900 local farmers and residents, who all share ownership. “It’s in our best interest to take care of our farmers and keep them coming back,” Turell says. “That’s why we always want to make sure we offer the best service and get them the best products we can at the best prices.”
The member-ownership structure offers other advantages, as well. The collective buying power of all co-ops in the region allows the Macon-Trousdale cooperative to secure better pricing on products and services, which it then passes on to customers. This kind of stability also benefits its employees, who can receive benefits like insurance and 401(k) plans.
While the cooperative works hard to offer competitive pricing, its primary focus is on superior service and expertise. “That’s what we’re best at,” Scottie says. “We’ve got good employees who are knowledgeable and able to help our customers solve problems and get answers to their questions.”