Although she hasn’t owned the store for very long, Carolyn Theresa Lilly Willis, or “Peasie” as her family and friends have always known her, has already made big plans for Cale’s Farm Supply in Picayune.
Willis and her family moved to Pearl River County from St. Bernard Parish after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since then, they acquired a variety of animals on their property – cows, chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs, horses, cats, dogs, fish and even peacocks – which inspired Willis to invest in a farm supply store.
After purchasing the store on Sept. 25 of this year, Willis made it a priority to broaden her stock to meet every possible feed and farm need her customers might have. Cale’s offers fencing and hay, and is also in the process of buying feed in bulk for local farmers.
“We’re going to have three grain silos where we sell bulk feed,” said Willis, adding that the first one was already put together, and that the footings should be poured very soon.
Willis is also planning to add an additional storage warehouse for her increasingly large inventory. She said that ordering items in bulk allows her to reduce prices, which saves the customers more money. Not only that, but having a broadened stock will ensure she doesn’t run out of the essential items local farmers need. Cale’s also sells all the supplies, feed and supplements necessary for breeding animals.
“My goal is to make Cale’s a one-stop, affordable and competitive feed and farm supply store for my customers,” said Willis who also stressed her desire to open a garden center. She said that she is having fun with her new store, and while she loves animals, Willis enjoys her customers even more.
“The cows are great to talk to everyday but they’re just not answering back,” joked Willis, “I love dealing with the public.”
Cale’s Farm Supply is located at 211 Seal St. in Picayune. The business is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about what Cale’s has to offer, call 601-798-4271.