According to Hulbert, customer relationships are central to the business. His employees are well-versed in ag-related services and resources, and many customers drop by just to say hi or ask for advice. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – For more than four decades, Higby’s Country Feed has supplied hay, grain and ranch essentials to customers across Solano and Yolo counties, building its business on customer service and long-standing agricultural ties.

Located at 8470 Currey Road, the family-owned and operated store has been in business since 1984. Founded by Roland and Denise Higby, the store began as a livestock-focused operation serving the surrounding agricultural community.

Scott Hulbert, president of Higby’s Country Feed, said his involvement with the business began while he was attending school at the University of California, Davis.

“I went to school at Davis. I was looking for a job and got it,” said Hulbert. “Roland had just fallen off a hay truck and busted his heels, so he needed someone to load for him.”

Hulbert left the business for several years after college before returning.

“He asked me to come back. We talked about what I would do, and one of the requests was that I’d buy the store,” said Hulbert.

According to Hulbert, operating in Dixon has shaped the store’s direction, noting the city’s agricultural roots.

“It’s an ag-related community,” said Hulbert. “We started with livestock. Dixon has more livestock than horses, but our business has grown to a wider area. That’s what our store has come to focus on.”

According to Hulbert, the business started primarily servicing livestock but has evolved to focus more on small-scale projects and pet owners. The business’s equine resources are what mostly sustain it. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Higby’s relies on more than 25 years of experience and relationships with growers throughout the region to source hay. The store evaluates hay for moisture content, damage, weeds and other undesirable materials before purchasing, with a focus on quality hay for horses.

“Our equine side is what sustains us,” said Hulbert.

The store offers delivery service throughout the region, using a fleet of trucks and a professional crew to transport hay, shavings, grain, fencing and panels. Orders can be custom stacked at a customer’s request. Delivery fees vary depending on distance and order size.

“We work hard to deliver quickly and coordinate with customers to ensure satisfaction and timely delivery,” said Hulbert.

From March through May, Higby’s also stocks baby chicks, along with feed and supplies for raising poultry. The store carries a variety of breeds and equipment needed for backyard flocks.

While the business works with larger producers, Hulbert said its core customer base consists of smaller operations.

“We focus mostly on the backyard guys,” he said. “That’s the core of our business. We also deal with big producers, but most of our business is backyard, five-acre kind of guys.”

Higby’s offers discounts to local 4-H and FFA members who raise livestock and regularly purchase youth auction animals at area fairs, including the Dixon May Fair, Yolo County and Solano County fairs, and the Yolo County Spring Show. The store also supports local organizations and youth sports programs.

“We support all kinds of things in Dixon. Little League, softball, high school stuff,” said Hulbert. “We’re not active in the chamber of commerce, but we support virtually everyone that asks us.”

According to Hulbert, customer relationships remain central to the business.

“My opinion is customers can find most of what we have in other places, so they have to choose to come here,” he said. “We have strong customer service. We do special orders if we don’t have something in stock.”

Higby’s operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. The business also offers a Loyalty Rewards program, allowing customers to earn and redeem points on purchases, and shares updates on sales and promotions through social media and its newsletter.

“It’s super important,” said Hulbert of being a family-owned business. “Even though Roland and I aren’t related, he’s like a dad to me. My wife works in the office, and I have my two sons here, so it’s very special.”

For more than four decades, Higby’s Country Feed has supplied hay, grain and ranch essentials to customers across Solano and Yolo counties. According to Higby’s President Scott Hulbert (pictured), it’s all about customer service. Photo by Nicolas Brown

For more information, visit higbyfeed.com or call 707-678-9007.