In their efforts to create access for VitaFerm® and other products, Heather and Cary Bouse created a labor of love that now serves as a valued cornerstone of the community.
“He called me at work and said, ‘I bought you a feedstore,’” Heather recalls with a laugh. “It was supposed to be a small business to give us access to what we needed for our herd and show feeds for the local 4-H kids. The people in town have commented that they are glad to have the business back.”
Once a fairly large feed mill, located adjacent to the railroad tracks, Bouse Mercantile was purchased in 2023. It is home to a large warehouse, but it has already outgrown its retail space. However, Heather said they have plans for an expansion.
Giving Back, Building Leaders
Helping others comes naturally to the Bouse family. Heather’s mom is the long-time leader of a local 4-H club. Heather has been the swine leader and is now transitioning to the club’s beef leader. In addition to helping young people with their livestock projects, the feed store serves as an outlet to help young people in other ways. They know livestock projects are important; however, building leaders and developing youth are just as vital to the community.
The Royal 4-H club sets up a lemonade stand at Bouse Mercantile to raise awareness and funds during the “Take a Stand Against Child Abuse” campaign.
Recently, through some of their part-time student workers who have parents employed at the local school, the Bouse family discovered the need for basics like peanut butter and jelly. Nearly 90 backpacks are filled with weekend meals each Friday, and according to Heather, some of the costliest items are PB & J, so the store decided to turn a food drive into a fun, friendly competition.
“Fill a feed trough” benefited the local elementary school. People were incentivized with raffle tickets to bring peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and blankets to the feed trough. The St. James FFA Chapter won the drawing, still giving back to yet another group of students.
Thank you!
Heather, Cary and their daughter Brooklyn, take a proactive role in growing their business – they were the 2024 BioZyme Rookie Dealer of the Year. They also strive to fulfill the BioZyme motto. Although just entering their third full year of business, Bouse Mercantile is already thriving when it comes to showing care that comes full circle. From working with their local 4-H youth, orchestrating necessary food drives, and employing high school students to work part-time, we can feel good about the future of agriculture in St. James, Missouri.
“Heather and Cary do a wonderful job not only representing the BioZyme brands in-store and online, but working with people and customers of all ages,” said Kevin Glaubius, BioZyme ASM for Missouri. “They are the epitome of care that comes full circle.”