50 Years of Community Service

On Saturday, October 13, 2018 Clifton Feed & Service Center will celebrate 50 years in business with an Open House celebration. There will be music, food, store specials, hourly drawings and lots of customer stories. Following is a brief history of the events that made it all possible.

In the Beginning…..

Clarence Conrad actually opened Clifton Feed in 1965 at the corner of Avenue D and East 5th Street in the downtown area of Clifton. It was established as a retail livestock feed outlet for Kimball Feed, a brand for Texas Milling Company located just down the street. Brother David Conrad hired on during the winter seasons to help with feed deliveries. In 1968 David and Dorothy Conrad bought out brother Clarence which began the 50-year journey that has had a huge impact on the Clifton community and the Conrad family!

The 60’s and 70’s………Servicing the Needs of a Growing Community

The business began to grow as the store serviced area hog and cattle customers. Producers needed not only feed, but animal health products, farm tools and fertilizer to grow crops. A popular hog feed was called K-99 and was known to get hogs ready for market sooner than any other feed. The store added Farm Bureau tires and batteries during the late 1960’s as a way to help members. The early tires were made of rubber and nylon and in later years changed to “steel belted radials”. Acco and Polka Dot feeds were added during this period to better serve the Clifton community. Trusted support from the community was so important during these early years. Loyal employees like Albert Lippe, Raymond Philipp, and Harry Willmann were so very important to the customer service that has been the cornerstone of Clifton Feed through the years.

The 80’s and 90’s……..Purina and a New Store

In late 1979, David Conrad accepted the challenge to become a Purina Dealer which really expanded the products, technology, and services that Clifton Feed could offer the community. He also made the decision to move the store to its present location (across the tracks) at 203 East 5th Street. A brand new modern building was constructed to provide better customer convenience and a wider inventory selection. Scott Conrad joined the growing team after graduating from Texas A&M and Sherry Schulze came on board to take over some of the accounting duties. A new bulk feed facility was also added to service the growing cattle and wildlife business.

2000 and Beyond……...Remodel and Other Changes

The Clifton Community had begun to change by Y2K time. A number of ranches began to be bought by new customers that demanded more inventory options, different service, and an expanded retail option. In 2006, the store was remodeled to accommodate this new opportunity. Computer technology was also added that was more accurate and efficient than past accounting systems.  David and Dorothy Conrad retired in 2009. They continue to provide vision and experience to help solve today’s challenges.  Steve Conrad joined the team in 2017 as Beef Cattle Consultant to assist local producers. 

Loyal Customers………..GREAT Community

In order for a business to survive for 50+ years, it has to be supported by a wonderful community. Loyal customers and Trust are the backbone of a successful business. Dedicated employees have invested many hours of hard work to provide the level of customer service and knowledge that is required for a business and its customers to be successful!

A huge “THANK YOU” to the whole Bosque County community for the wonderful partnership.

Please join us on October 13th to celebrate. It truly has been a “team effort”!