By Deb Kroon
Review Staff Writer
Sixty years ago Carl’s Farm Store began in the MJ Larson Wool shed on a side street in Adrian. Carl Honermann sold Purina feed out of the shed for about one year before moving the business to it’s present location. In 1967, Delbert Honermann, Jerry Heitkamp and Lyle Wolf bought out Carl and expanded the business adding more grain storage to the warehouse and office. In 1981, Lyle left the business and Delbert and Jerry continued to run Carl’s as a partnership.
In 1996, Tim Voss, who was an employee at the time, began to buy into the business when Delbert and Jerry decided to gradually retire. In 2004, Jason Tweet joined Tim in the buyout. Today they continue to be owners, managers and are always an extra hand when help is needed anywhere within the business.
Forward fifteen years to today’s Carl’s Farm Store and you’ll find that the only major change in the service Carl’s continues to provide, is that they no longer erect grain bins and legs. They still sell, install and service the equipment involved, along with feed milling, swine management, livestock investments and grain storage handling and drying. They have added bins and commodity sheds over the years. This fall Carl’s Farm Store will once again be adding a corn dryer to the business’ footprint. “We got out of corn drying 26 years ago,” Jason explained. “With the difficulties this growing season, we felt it was the right time to make the move back into the total cycle. We want to be able to offer our customers full service. We feel it is necessary to be able to buy wet corn.”
Both Tim and Jason were adamant about their appreciation of the dedicated people they work with. “Without the dedication of these people, our job would be much harder,” Tim said. “These guys are willing to work to get the job done, whether it’s coming in early or staying late into the evening.” The two owners are proud that combined, they offer a total of 219 years of experience. Working alongside Tim (28 years) and Jason (20 years) are Dave Sieve (27 yrs), Jeff Runia (26 yrs), Jay Taylor (19 yrs), Keith Voss (12 years), Ray Bullerman (12 years), Mark Heitkamp (7 yrs), Kristie Wempen (16 yrs), Lance Becker (12 yrs), Jason Kellen (16 yrs), Aaron Konz (14 yrs), B.J. Naab (5 yrs), Jake Stamer (1 yr), Justin Elias (3 yrs), and Ryan Elias 1 (yr). “Carl’s Farm Store is lucky to have these dedicated employees to do what ever is asked of them on any day or in any situation.”
Jason and Tim were also very quick to focus on their great customer base. “Without our customers we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s terrific and an honor to say that we are working with first, second and third generations. It’s a fun transition,” said Tim.
Be sure to join Tim and Jason and all of the employees as they celebrate 60 years in business at the big tent behind Keith’s Grocery on Saturday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All are invited!
