Chester Feed and Country Store brings local products, farm supplies under on roof

CHESTER—A new business in Chester is aiming to do more than provide feed and hay for local farmers and ranchers.

Chester Feed and Country Store, located at 3960 E. 14000 North along Highway 117, which held its grand opening Saturday, Aug. 22, offers agricultural supplies alongside locally made food, crafts, health and beauty products, among other goods.

Robert Brothersen, co-owner of the store, said the goal is to create a place where customers can find quality agricultural products while also connecting with the people who make and grow other products.

“Chester Feed and Country Store is a place to feel welcome, to come get not only quality feed and hay, but also … artisan-made goods, handmade and baked goods from local vendors,” Brothersen said.

The store is co-owned by Brothersen and his wife, Jennifer, along with Chad and Maria Harwood, also Chester residents. The Harwoods raise beef and pork and produce hay.

Brothersen said the business was created in part to showcase local producers and encourage residents to keep their spending within the community.

“Our goal is to showcase just the local talent and quality of the people of Sanpete,” he said.

Agricultural products found in the store include Timothy hay, alfalfa, wheat hay and straw in large and small bales. The store also offers chicken feed and other animal-feed mixes for customers with smaller backyard operations.

While the store sources some products from outside Sanpete County, Brothersen said the owners make an effort to keep their supply chain as local as possible. Products that cannot be sourced in the county are obtained from other Utah producers, including suppliers in Millard County.

Ann example is Spring City Sourdough, which provides artisan bread, including an organic country sourdough, with two rotating flavors each week. Handcrafted soaps, lotions, candles, jewelry, baked goods, vegetables and other products are also available.

Brothersen said the store’s “Meet the Maker” program is designed to introduce customers to the people behind their products. Each participating maker has a biography and photograph displayed with their products.

The program also gives young Sanpete County residents an opportunity to sell their work. Brothersen said the makers range in age from 4 to 14, including youth who make handmade bracelets and earrings.

Among the store’s health and beauty offerings are products made with beef tallow. Brothersen said tallow can be used as a base for lip balms and burn creams.

“We’re adding new products, Redmond health and beauty products, along with the farm and agricultural side of things,” he said.

For customers interested in locally grown food, the store also carries vegetables that are expected to remain available through the winter. Brothersen said the vegetables are grown using compost, not synthetic fertilizers.

“When you spend dollars locally, it’s better than spending it with like a store like a Walmart or something,” he said.

The store’s Facebook page provides updates on products and offerings. Customers can also reach the store at (435) 820-4442.