Eden Shale Update- January

There is an unsung hero in the agriculture world. A hero that we all rely on, but that does not get the credit they deserve. That hero is the farm store. 

They come in many different shapes and sizes and most every small farming community has one. As an oasis of commerce, they serve as a vital hub of booth supplies and knowledge for local producers.

Owen County is blessed to have an excellent Southern States Coop.  Located on 7 acres at the north end of Owenton sits “our” farm store.  This Southern States location was established in 1949 and has been continually serving its customers for the past 75 years. For half of its existence it has been managed by John Layton, who after 39 years of service retired at the end of January.  John has been a wonderful person to do business with.  Besides being attentive to our ever changing needs, he has always been helpful, always kind, and always smiling.  I know that his leadership and service to the agriculture community will continue to have impacts for years to come.

John is leaving the reins to a very capable team.  Waiting to greet you at the “back counter” is Jeff Satchwell, Assistant Manager, and Ken Gainnes, Department Manager. These gentlemen assist the 4,000+ producers the store serves in getting products and services to your farm in a timely manner. These men provide the knowledge that ensure that producers are using the correct products and rates on everything from row crop inputs, livestock nutrition, or fertilizer recommendations for either.
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Without the Owenton Southern States we would not be able to efficiently run the Eden Shale Farm.  They have been serving the Eden Shale Farm since our inception in the mid 1950’s, and still today they are pivotal in our daily operations. When asked what the most rewarding part of his job has been, John replied without hesitation through his always present smile, “The people. I have always enjoyed serving our customers.” 

Jeff, John, Ken