Beck Joins Feed Store
Whitehead Farm Supply, a feed store in Anderson, has a new manager, Jeff Beck of Diamond.
He started at his new position on Oct. 22. Before becoming manager of Whitehead Farm Supply, Beck was a full-time cattleman with 1,200 head of commercial cattle in cow-calf pairs.
He grew up in Oklahoma and went to Eastern Oklahoma State College, where he studied animal science and agricultural education. He said he bought feed from the owners of Whitehead Farm Supply and that is how he found out about the job. He said it was a good business opportunity.
Chris and April Chapman are the owners of Whitehead Farm Supply. They have three locations — one in Anderson, one in Seneca and one in LaRussell. They have owned the LaRussell store for four years and the other two locations for one year.
April said they are planning a
customer appreciation day at the Anderson store. She said they will serve food and meet and greet the customers. Beck added they will have some free giveaways.
“We appreciate people’s business and we’re open to suggestions about product lines that would help local farmers out,” Chris said. “We’re down here and we’re making some changes. We have a passion for agriculture. The cattle business is what we love. We just enjoy what we do. We feed cattle and raise cattle ourselves, so I feel like we should be in this business.”
“I feel like it’s one of the most important industries to be in, the most rewarding,” said April.
“You see the fruit of your labor every day,” Chris said.
In addition to all types of feed, Beck said, the store carries vet products such as wormers and vaccines, horse products, pesticides and fencing supplies.
Asked about his impression of Beck, Chris said, “I think he’s great. He’s ambitious and he’s willing to do what we need to do. When I spoke with Jeff about coming here, I told him we needed to be the best at what we do. I think he’s got that same mentality.”
In the feed business, Chris said, the price is basically the same everywhere. Stores have to be competitive with their knowledge and customer service.
The owners plan on starting a mill in Anderson in the spring, Chris added.
In the meantime, they will carry custom feed from their mill in LaRussell, April said.