Aroostook Milling Company has tried its best to adapt to changing trends and difficult economic times, as they try to bring in products that fit their customers’ needs.
Longtime employee, Doug Batchelder said, “We try new niches in the market because some things have fallen by the wayside.”
Aroostook Milling carries not only seeds, grain and other farm-related items, they have an excellent selection of pet food and supplies.
OLD WITH THE NEW — The Aroostook Milling Company has expanded over the years to meet customers’ changing needs. They still have the old grainery, along with an added greenhouse and stove shop.
One pet food that has been a best seller is Science Diet, but the store is seeing an increasing number of customers who want to go more natural and save a few dollars at the same time. Blue Seal markets an all natural, preservative free dog food that has really taken off.
“Even the local vet will send people here because the food is hypoallergenic and more and more dogs are allergic to certain grains,” said Batchelder.
Aroostook Milling also added a line of muck boots that have a more aggressive sole for winter use around the farm or out on the ice. Neoprene makes them warm, as well as waterproof, and the savings is considerable when compared to the name brand boot.
Different months call for different products. The winter is long and people are looking for ways to heat their homes.
When Mike Harris bought the business that had been family-owned for 60 years, he acquired the Harman Stove line, which has been very successful. Of course, when selling pellet stoves, furnaces and boilers, wood pellets are a necessity. The year when pellets were nearly impossible to get, Aroostook Milling Company “learned its lesson,” and now carries six different varieties and begins stocking up just after gardening season ends.
Coal sales have also been on the rise, helping customers avoid the high cost of oil. Aroostook Milling carries Blaschak nut, pea and rice coal.
In the spring, Aroostook Milling Company opens the greenhouse and it’s filled with flowers, seeds and everything for your gardening needs. Aroostook Milling also carries trees and shrubs.
There is a season for everything and Aroostook Milling is not just a feed mill anymore. The backyard farmer will always be an important aspect in sales, but that same farmer has a yard to beautify, pets to feed, gardens to grow and a home to keep warm.
Aroostook Milling Company is located at 15 Hillview Ave. in Houlton or call 532-6130. They are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
