Sanders County Feed opens in Thompson Falls

A new farm and feed store has opened in Thompson Falls, promising quality products and hospitality right at home. Owners Wayne and JP Ducote opened Sanders County Feed, in the former Montana Fancy Indoor Outfitters building, with the notion of keeping the wants and needs of the local residents as their number one priority. After listening and learning from local ranchers, contractors and veterinarians, as well as bringing in a skillset from their own ranching experience, the owners felt that they had the knowledge to stock their store with what those in Sanders County are looking for.

"We are extremely excited about Sanders County Feeds and all it will bring," JP said. "We feel that a feed, seed, fertilizer, fencing, farm and ranch style store will be well received by the community."

After moving from Texas to Trout Creek, the owners started an Airbnb on their own Bucket List Ranch. In the last year, JP has received her pest control license, private farm applicator license, Montana public notary license and has become an ordained minister. She has also joined Sanders County Search and Rescue.

Though Wayne had plans to retire this year, when the opportunity presented itself to purchase Montana Fancy Indoor Outfitters, the new owners jumped in feet first and didn't look back. The purchase of the business closed on October 1 of this year. "For those that are witnessing the transition, we appreciate the patience and kindness we've been shown by all in the community as we transform the store," JP said.

Sanders County Feed hosted its grand opening party on Sunday and the owners say it was a successful launch. "It was a blast," JP said. "We had a huge turnout and people had a great time. We cooked four briskets and eight racks of ribs. It was all gone by 2:30 p.m. We had a ton of giveaways and prizes; it was amazing to see everybody there."

JP noted that by adding additional inventory to Sanders County Feed, they will be able to help people eliminate countless hours of driving back and forth to Missoula, Kalispell or Sandpoint, Idaho for similar items. "We are still continuing to grow and expand," JP said. "We have a big vision for what is yet to come."

The owners say that business has been booming since opening. "I think the word is getting out that we are here," JP stated. Even in a rural setting, the owners are conscious of their prices. "We are trying to keep it affordable for everybody," JP stated. "We want to keep our prices reasonable without hurting anyone and we want to be able to support the whole community."

JP says they plan on adding a doggy daycare, a pet pharmacy and a pet grooming station in the near future.

Wayne and JP thanked Tom and Karen Norris and Joel Riter, investors in the feed store. "We'd also like to thank Travis Shelor, he's been a true asset to our team," JP said. "Travis brings knowledge and spirit to the store environment and we are beyond grateful."

Sanders County Feed located at 1817 Main Street East in Thompson Falls and is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (406) 499-8215 or visit sanderscountyfeed.com.