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WEST UNION, Iowa - For the folks at Unionland Feed and Supply, the events of Tuesday, Nov. 5 are forever etched into their minds, as well as the community support they have received since then.
The corner feed store and the neighboring bar were destroyed by fire. A bar patron called in the fire about 3:45 p.m. Jessica Sadler who operated the bar with her husband Bob actually told Justin Steinlage that their building's roof was on fire. Justin had been working in the front retail space, unaware of the fire taking hold in the back of the building.
Justin operates the stores with his dad, Gary, who opened up the feed store in 2005. The younger Steinlage said was able to move the delivery truck from the rear of the building, and with the assistance of another was able to save their business computer.
Gary said they had just gotten in 160 lick-tubs weighing about 250 pounds each; that 20 tons helped to fuel the fire. Fortunately there was not any fertilizer or dangerous materials in their warehouse. Fire fighters from five departments were on scene for 20 hours.
Tom Poe of Crystal Distributing in West Union offered Steinlages use of a warehouse/ office at the former H&H building on S. Vine Street in West Union. After take just one day to regroup, they were back to making deliveries on Thursday, including getting what was needed to their approximately 20 dairy farm accounts. The store was fully stocked the following Monday.
Unionland carries the usual line of feed for dairy and beef and general farm supplies such as baler twine, but they have also been developing a good market for local foods. Their usual inventory included dairy products from WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon, yogurt from County View Dairy in Hawkeye and milk and butter from Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy from Hudson (all three are dairy farmers in Northeast Iowa who are processing their own products).
In addition to the businesses already mentioned, other lines carried at Unionland Feed and Supply include Fagle View Farms of Fayette (local beef products from a Fayette County family that also dairy farms), Off the Land of Elgin (beef, pork and jellies), Greens' Sugar Bush of Castalia (maple syrup), Reicks View Farms in Lawler (brats, bacon and hams )Yellow River Apiaries in rural Monona (local honey) and local produce in season from numerous sources.
Justin said about 30 percent of their total business sales is from the sale of local foods.
Gary said they are still working with their insurance company, but they hope to be able to rebuild at their former location, on the corner of Walnut and Elm Streets.
They are maintaining their usual business hours of from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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