New Company Takes On Poultry Business

LINCOLN — Preferred Poultry Supply in Lincoln opened for business after purchasing inventory and assets, in February, owned by Latco Poultry Supply, and leasing a building owned by Latco, Inc.

Preferred Poultry is an agriculture contractor specializing in poultry housing and equipment, according to Leslie Reed, office manager and accountant.

Reed and her husband Pete Reed, chief operating officer, work at the Cassville, Mo., corporate office. Lincoln division manager is Brad Bowen and Kenny Reed is operations manager. Bowen also handles new housing sales.

“We’re a smaller company but offer the same service as Latco did,” said Jim Smith, inside salesman.

Smith was referring to Latco’s operations being located not only in Lincoln but Rison, Mississippi and Missouri.

“We build and equip poultry houses and offer 24-hour service and replacement parts,” Reed said. “We offer the most experience in the poultry housing and equipment industry in the area.”

Smith said Preferred Poultry doesn’t just do business in this region and Missouri.

“We’re not just limited to this region, we’ve gone to Nebraska and wherever we get business,” Smith said.

Reed said Latco already had an existing poultry facility, and Preferred Poultry filled a need in the area.

A ribbon cutting was held for Preferred Poultry on June 28 at its location, 2285 E. Pridemore. The event was attended by the Reeds, local residents and Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce members.

“The Chamber is proud to welcome the business,” said Kenneth Reeves, chamber president. “The Reeds are nice and friendly people and the business will definitely be an asset to Lincoln.”

In addition to Bowen, Kenny Reed and Smith, Shaan Glenn is equipment manager and equipment salesperson, Roger Stephenson is construction manager and handles building sales, Sherman Workman and Curt Roberts are service technicians.

Preferred Poultry store is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The phone number is 479-824-4301.

Latco Wood Truss is still in operation next door to Preferred Poultry. Latco manufactures wood and light gauge metal trusses for residential, commercial and agricultural construction needs.