By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent DUNLAP, Ill. — No matter what happens with the economy, animals – pets, 4-H projects and livestock – have to eat. That’s the primary reason Justin and Rosalee Weber opened Bernez Farms Feed & Supplies in Dunlap.
But, they carry so much more than ADM MoorMan, Consolidated Nutrition, Supersweet, Mast Mix and Tindle feeds. The large, clean, well-lighted store on Illinois Route 91 also sells farm supplies, lawnmowers, apparel, saddles and tack, hardware and trailer supplies, wild bird food, jewelry and gift items.
“My friends joke that I bought myself a job,” said Justin, who had been laid off from a 10-year position with Caterpillar Tractor Co.
“People have asked why we did this now. It’s actually a good time to open a new business. Interest rates are low and local banks have money to loan,” Rosalee said.
The business name is a combination of their last names: “Ber” from Weber and “nez” from Martinez, Rosalee’s maiden name.
The former ownership encountered financial difficulties and just closed the doors. The Webers purchased the building and the stock that was left inside. Not only do they hope to serve the local community, keeping an eye on what patrons request and purchase, but they are in business with local Princeville State Bank.
“We’re a little higher (priced) on some things, but people have told us if it saves them a drive into Peoria or Morton, it’s worth paying a dollar a bag more for rabbit food,” Justin said.
What sets them apart from other stores that sell the same products? “Quality and customer service at a reasonable price,” said Don Martindale.
Another local, Martindale works with the Webers, providing deliveries and on-farm sales calls. He pointed out the only competition that offers the same service is nearly an hour away in Goodfield.
Customer service is evident in Justin hauling bags of feed out to several customers’ cars. They also offer bulk feed delivered from ADM, which “gives us the ability to offer feed from one 50-pound bag to tonnage to meet the needs for small and larger customers alike,” he said.
“Our goal is to serve this community by being one of the leading providers of feed and farm products and providing great customer service,” the Webers wrote in a letter to their new customers.
Justin and Martindale believe that growing up in Dunlap, knowing many of their customers, can only help the business. They also plan to offer seminars and clinics on a wide variety of topics.
The first is “Are You Feeding Your Horse Like a Horse?” from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 24. It will be presented by Judy Reynolds, a nationally known speaker on equine health and nutrition. Lunch will be served and Reynolds will be available for one-on-one sessions to customize a feed and forage program for individual horses.
Bernez Farms Feed & Supplies is open seven days a week. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday; and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. They may be reached at 309-360-2838 or via e-mail at bernez_farms@yahoo.com |
