Bakersville business marks 25 years

BAKERSVILLE, Ohio – Several hundred guests gathered March 1 at TMK Farm Service in Bakersville for the store’s 25th anniversary celebration and customer appreciation day.
The day-long event included educational sessions with area industry representatives and a live broadcast from ABN Radio’s Dale Minyo, all culminating to a buffet dinner and entertainment by humorist Jay Hendren that evening.
History. Thirty years ago, Larry Tietje, Whitey Mullet and Tim Klink formed TMK Farm Service, with locations at Sugarcreek and Berlin. These stores provided full feed service – including feed grinding – and fertilizer, seed and crop protection supplies for field crops.
Five years later, the owners saw another opportunity develop as the Bakersville Feed Mill was purchased at an auction.
With some basic remodeling, the old mill was re-opened March 1, l981, first under the management of Tom Lahmers. Mike Myers assumed the manager position five years after that.
Focus. The Bakersville location concentrates on crop production needs, including fertilizer, seed and pesticides for crop production, as well as farm supplies. The business also offers agronomy specialists to meet the specific needs of crop producers in the area.
The service area has grown from the local community to several area counties in which farmers receive custom fertilizer and lime spreading and custom application of pesticides to crops.
Expansion. As the business grew, the need to expand facilities became apparent. Constant remodeling was required during the 25 years and a shop and storage area was added five years ago.
This was followed with the purchase of additional land a year ago and the construction of a seed storage building and liquid fertilizer and pesticide storage.