Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Many consumers, whether they live on a homestead or they grow produce in their backyard struggle with availability of the things they need. Do you know how to find a farm store near you?
When searching for the best farm supply store in your area, be sure to check the top ten listed on your search engine results. Just because a store has good products does not mean their service is up to par. Look for references and always look at their website.
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The reason to find their website is relatively simple. If the content is up to date and the site has useful information, it is legit instead of being a vacated site. If you see the website is a hot mess with no substance or comments for months, skip that one and keep searching.
*Helpful Tip*
If a site looks tacky and unorganized the odds are the owners will operate their business in the same fashion. Google the leading competitor’s website. Is it sharp with great content and graphics? While you do your research If you find that the site is impressive with excellent customer service, that company deserves your time.
Remember the good ole days when there was a feed-and-send store where you could find basically all you need there in that one store? Fast forward to today where you have the internet at your fingertips to find every single thing you need.
Some people refer to these types of businesses to names such as agricultural supply stores or an outlet. There are also stores where the consumers combine their resources to buy agricultural items. A few of these items are:
- Fertilizers
- Feed
- Pesticides
- Supplies for the Homestead
- Farming Necessities
Some farm supply stores carry food as well. That is especially true if the store is in a small village where mom-and-pop stores are the only place to buy all food, gas, and groceries.
What is a Farm Shop?
In the US, a “farm stand” or a “farm shop” is a retail outlet where you can buy produce straight from a farm. Some of these shops have other items they sell such as:
- Drinks
- Food
- Locally Produced Groceries
- Home Cooked Plate Lunches
- Electrical items such as batteries
- Deli foods
- Dessert Foods
In developed countries, farm shops are expanding due to farmers looking to diversify all their sources of income while dealing with financial pressures. Farmers rely on their farm shops where they make direct sells to consumers.
The money the farmers receive is a significantly larger amount of profit they will obtain by doing business with larger resellers or wholesalers. Numerous farm shops offer higher-margin goods that are premium, such as locally-grown organic produce. This income differentiates the offerings from what the supermarkets pay.
The larger farm shops often target the local leisure-type shopping markets where other businesses pull in traffic. Gift shops, rural and homestead lifestyle products, and small vendors offering food help generate sales.
Before we learn more about farm shops and farmers markets, let’s learn how to find the best farm shops around the globe.
How to Find the Best Farm Stores Near Me
We touched on a little at the beginning of the article of how difficult it often is for consumers to find farm stores near them. To start off, I am going to use Google Maps to find the ones close to me. By adding on the Google Maps search bar, I typed, “Farm Store near me.” Here are the results:
Tractor Supply is proud to hold the record for being the largest provider of rural lifestyle retail stores in the United States. The original store started in 1938 as a mail-order for small tractor parts business that presently is a leader in farm supplies. The corporation now owns and operates in 49 states with over 1,700 stores.
Tractor Supply, also known as TSC, supplies basic products for maintaining a home, animal and pet, and landowners.
TSC is based in Brentwood, Tenn, and currently has the winning edge over other rural supply companies throughout America. The business has an impressive annual report of revenues being around $7.26 billion.
Runnings:
5949 Rome-Taberg Rd
Rome, NY 13440
On December 5, 1947, A man by the name of Norman “Red” Running stepped out on faith and opened his first Runnings store. That store was in Marshall, Minnesota in the downtown section and rest is history.
Mr. Running had his feet planted firmly on the idea of selling fleet and farm supplies. However, sometime in the late 80’s various product lines began to fill the shelves. In 1988, the Dennis and Adele Reed bought Mr. Running out with the intention of making it into the business it is today.
Since then, Runnings has evolved into a retail destination selling high-quality merchandise such as:
- Animal and Pet Supplies
- Tools
- Housewares
- Toys
- Garden and Lawn
- Farm Supplies
- Sporting Goods
- Automotive
- Footwear
- Clothing
In addition to this list, there is 27 Runnings store that sells firearms. When you choose a Runnings store, you are shopping their wide selection of over 100,000 products.
Herb Phillipsons:
1899 Black River Blvd.
Rome, NY 13440
315-336-1300
Herb Phillipson’s is a locally owned and operated store that has something for everyone. Since 1951, the pillar of Rome, NY has been in business. Fast forward to today, and you too can find a Herb Phillipsons store in one of the nine Central NY locations.
When you walk into the creative store, you will be in awe of their over 300,000 square feet of items such as these:
- Camping
- Marine
- Military Surplus
- Hunting and Fishing apparel and gear
- A massive collection of Baseball items and equipment
Herb’s also have work/fashion apparel and casual/athletic footwear, equipment, and more sporting good items. You can always find great deals on clothing and items related to the local schools.
Amazon.com
The largest e-commerce shopping network in the world always has great deals with superb customer service. Amazon started on a whim, and today employs over 550,000 employees globally.
From Robotic experts to Amazon Go Chefs and experts in packaging, Amazon is one of the largest employers worldwide. There are 220,000+ employees in the US alone. Be sure to check the portal before buying from other more expensive avenues.
Pick Your Own
If you are like all other consumers, you too love fresh food that is healthy and grown in your area. Today, you have the internet that can help guide you. There are a few different venues that offer the fruits of their labor, these are:
- Farm Stands
- Farm-Houses
- Roadside Stands
- Farmers Markets
If you are not familiar with farmer’s offering produce whether it be a stand or a farmhouse, be sure to ask for references. This time of the year is when you can find farmers’ markets in every city and village. These vendors grow locally and organically. You can always find this type of veggies and fruits or other products you want at low prices.
The listings found on these sites come from many sources such as:
- Consumers
- State Agriculture Departments
- Farm Stands
- Farmers
Most keep them updated with new information added daily. One website that is active and current is pickyourown.com. This site offers crop calendars for every local area to inform consumers of what is available to Pick Your Own.
The calendars help you find what is available at that time to pick as well as throughout the year. Clear, simple instructions are available to ensure you will not get lost. Also, there are many recipes on this site that teaches how to make the following:
- Apple Butter
- Applesauce
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Pickles
- Salsa
- Jam
- Jelly
There are also an estimated 150 other recipes that are simple to follow and with step-by-step directions for you to preserve the harvest, dry, or freeze on the site.
*Helpful Tip*
No matter what you call it, PYO, U-Pick Up, or Pick Your Own, finding a stand or farm for buying fresh fruits and veggies is easier than you think. No matter where you live, there is one close to you. All you need to do is click on this link. From there, once you find the landing page choose your country and state and get busy canning and harvesting.
Necessary Items You Need for Canning and Harvesting
Now that you know how to find a farm store and have a trunk full of fruits and veggies, what is next? As with any cooking project, you need specific tools and gadgets to accomplish the task, right? Canning and harvesting are the same.
There are some items on this list you will only use once a year, take a look.
Canning your fresh fruits and veggies is a fantastic ordeal when winter settles in. You do not have to fret over having enough food if the roads are slick and icy because you canned all summer long. There is definitely something about canned homemade jelly in the winter that wins every time against those in stores.
The same goes with biting into a slice of warm homemade bread or a crisp pickle. Alternately, fresh green beans and tomatoes just cannot be a second runner-up to store bought. However, to achieve all this, you need the right canning equipment and some trusting knowledge.
Nothing beats tasting many flavors of any season throughout the entire year.
What Tools Will I Need?
Canning veggies and fruits are each an excellent skill to know. However, do you know what tools you will need to start? The following is a list of home canning supplies you need on deck.
Canning Lids and Jars:
Canning jars come in many shapes and sizes. Choose jars that are proper for the foods you are canning. If you plan is to store your goods in your pantry, choose jars that are functional, economical, and durable.
One unique idea is one many do, and that is gifting canned items for special occasions and holidays. If this is your plan, be sure to choose canning jars that are the most decorative. Some canning jars have two-piece lids with bands while others are simple one-piece lids.
Also, there are canning lids that are reusable. Make sure you match the right size lid to the right jar. The following are Amazon’s best sellers in books covering the topic of canning. Each book is a necessity if you are new to canning or just want to try something new.
The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning
Buy from Amazon
Harvesting and Canning For Beginners
Buy from Amazon
DIY Pickling: Step-By-Step Recipes for Fermented, Fresh, and Quick Pickles
Buy from Amazon
Canning Tools and Utensils
You have probably heard the old saying, “Your job is only as good as your tools,” the same goes for cooking and canning your fruits and veggies. To be successful with cooking and canning, you will need a few utensils, and these are:
Magnetic Lid Lifter and Bubble Remover
Buy from Amazon
This product on Amazon is a Victorio Kitchen Products two-in-one canning tool. You will need a tool just like this one for lifting extremely hot, sterilized lids with the magnet end. You can avoid spoilage while saving your fingers from the scalding water. The following are the runner-ups of the best Magnetic Lid Lifter and Bubble Remover on Amazon.
Norpro Magnetic Lid Wand
Buy from Amazon
This gadget also helps to release problematic bubbles by using the flat end. It is 10 inches long and 0.75 inches in width and comes with a one-year warranty.
A stainless steel ladle
Buy from Amazon
Every kitchen needs ladles of all types and sizes. This product from Newness Good Grips is a sturdy stainless steel ladle. The ladle has an oversized non-slip–dry or wet–deep well perfect for removing liquid.
*Helpful Tip*
When it comes down to your kitchen tools, you do not want to buy the lowest priced on the market. A low price does not always mean it is the best item.
The reason for needing a sturdy ladle is because you do not want it to break in the middle of you scooping scalding water. The Oxo Good Grip is highly reliable and durable for every use. For runners-up, please click on each link.
Internet’s Best Stainless Steel Soup Ladle with Rubber Grip | Large Kitchen Utensil
Buy from Amazon
Stainless Steel Canning Funnel
*Helpful Tip*
Many people would argue why they need stainless steel over plastic. Plastic is not going to stand the test on time with scalding hot water. You can never go wrong with stainless steel. Your safety should come first, and a plastic funnel is sure not recommended.
When the time comes to package your jars, you can with ease when you use a canning funnel such as the one above. This product on Amazon is a best seller. The wide-mouth funnel comes from the manufacturer, RSVP Endurance line.
It is 18/8 stainless steel which is steady and durable. You need a wide mouth funnel for canning, and this one is the leader. Food passes through with ease thanks to its 2 ¾ inch diameter and 3 ¼ inches in height. To see the leaders, click on the link below.
RSVP Wide Mouth Funnel
Buy from Amazon
Sturdy and Reliable Kitchen Tongs
ChefStir Kitchen Tongs with Non-Stick Silicone Tips – Stainless Steel, Heavy Duty, Multipurpose Set of 3 is the cream of the crop. Every kitchen should have a reliable pair of tongs as well as a backup pair. However, for canning, having a reliable pair is a must. Once you place your jars in the container to boil, tongs will be your best friend.
These tongs are for every kitchen whether you are someone who just likes to cook or a professional chef. Not only are they durable, but they are sharp in style and color. To see the leaders, click on the links below.
Sturdy and Reliable Kitchen Tongs
Buy from Amazon
Canner Jar Lifter with Rubber
Many of these items would come in canning utensil kits, however, if you bought a kit check to ensure you have a canning jar lifter with rubber grips. This vital canning tool should be in every farmer’s kitchen because it will keep you from getting severely burned.
You place the glass jars onto the lifter so that when they are ready to come out, all you will need to go is lift the jars straight from the canning pot. Be sure you use a lifter every time you are canning as a safety precaution.
This first jar lifter on the list is the five-star lifter from Weck Canning Jar Lifter. The jar lifter makes canning a lot easier to remove the items from the scalding water in the canner itself. Also, the lifter will not catch on the clips as jars that work on Ball Jar Cans.
Here you get well-shaped chrome-plated handles and metal parts that will give you years of durability and sturdiness. This brand and style work well on other jars as well.
The following are the two runners-up on the leading e-commerce platform around the globe.
Canning Jar Lifter by VICTORIO VKP1002
Buy from Amazon
Ball Secure-Grip Jar Lifter (by Jarden Home Brands) This product has a five-star rating and is Amazon’s Choice for all products ranking in the category.
A Cooker or Canning Pot with Lid:
So far everything we have talked about is gadgets and utensils for safe canning. However, the main item is a cooker or canning pot with a lid. Not just any pot will do if you have much produce to can and put away.
Picking the right canner or cooker can be tricky. Therefore, knowledge about which product does what will help you in the long run.
The first item on this list is the All American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner. When you begin shopping for the perfect pot to do all your canning with, this product will pull you in. The pressure cooker has clamping locks that will align the cover straight with the base. That then forms a steam seal that is amazingly strong.
You can read more as well as buy this product today; please click here.
The two runners-up found on Amazon are below.
Granite Ware Steel/Porcelain Water-Bath Canner with Rack, 21.5-Quart, Black
Buy from Amazon
Granite Ware 15.5″H Straight Side Water Bath Canner
Buy from Amazon
All three of these items rank high on Amazon. Be sure to check them each out before buying elsewhere.
Benefits of Shopping at Local Farm Stores
Everyone can agree that shopping at the local farm store or farmers’ market is much more appealing than big chain grocery stores. Besides the fresh air, fresh food, and lower prices, the following are some additional reasons to give your money to the local farmers.
Buying Locally:
When you buy from your local farm store or farmer you are supporting local agriculture as well. That means the food you eat comes from a farmer close to you and does not come from a frozen lot that came from all over the globe.
When you buy and consume food in your own environment, you know it will deliver the perfect nutrients from your region and climate. Shop locally to keep your mom and Pop farming stores alive.
Cheaper Organic Veggies and Fruits:
You can always find a vast variety of organic produce that you know is fresh and priced affordably. Some farmers carry healthy produce that does not fall technically under the “organic.” criteria but has many foods that are herbicide and pesticide-free. Ask to speak to the farmer to get a firm answer on what is organic and what is not.
Eat Seasonally:
By shopping with your local farmers, you can eat fresh, ripe, and seasonal. That is always a fantastic way to better your overall health. Supermarkets pick the food usually before it ripens which decreases its vitality.
These are the top three reasons to shop locally with your farmers as they pour their blood, sweat, and tears during the farming season. Be sure to take your business to them. Here are a few more reasons:
- It is Healthy
- Nothing beats the taste of home-grown fruits and veggies
- Never Ending Variety
- Fresher Variety of Fruits and Veggies
- Safer Foods
- Supporting Your Local Farmer’s Economy and Farmers
FAQs:
Q: How do I start if I am interested in farming?
A: Most people that have an interest in farming typically grew up around relatives or friends that have a farm. However, education institutions such as community colleges and Vocational AG programs offer formal settings.
Q: Do I need to start by having farm animals or just fruits and veggies?
A: If you have no training with farm animals, you need to start with fruits and veggies until you learn a bit more. The best way to incorporate the two together is by adding one animal at a time.
Conclusion
Having a farm with many animals and harvesting massive amounts of fruits and veggies is a life that not everyone can handle. It takes most of your time, your energy, and many invest their life savings.
Those are just a few reasons why you should find a local farm store or farmers near you and give them your business. Farm stores offer fresh produce and usually at the best prices. Now that you know how to find a farm store near you and how to properly scan your goods, you can start while the season is ripe.
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