The Mill

Agriculture

Agriculture is more than just a vital industry to Maryland, it’s a deep-seeded dream for many farmers and The Mill has helped keep those dreams alive for half a century.

Owned by Henry and Brenda Holloway, The Mill has a rich history dating before 1957 when Henry’s grandfather, H. Smith Walter purchased the Reckord Mill, a 71-year-old flourmill. Adding a warehouse and other improvements, The Mill of Bel Air soon catered to generations of Maryland farmers.

When Henry took over the business in 1986, the ancient structure still milled feed until 2003, but was demolished in 2009 after becoming obsolete. In an increasingly specialized and regulated industry, many feed businesses have also terminated, but thanks to a knowledgeable staff and an ability to acclimate with changing times, The Mill has grown from one farm supply store to six, serving customers from Hagerstown to Upper Marlboro to Seaford, Delaware.

“It’s all about people – there is no question about it,” Henry says. “We have a terrific team that works one-on-one with customers to obtain optimum results.”

In 2003, the Holloways acquired two existing farm stores, re-opening as The Mill of Black Horse and The Mill of Whiteford. They expanded again in 2007 and 2010 forming The Mill of Hereford, The Mill of Upperco, and The Mill of Red Lion. These stores provide a vast assortment of products and services spanning farm, garden and pet supplies.

While The Mill still owns an operational feed mill in Pennsylvania, the focus is now about supporting agriculture from many standpoints. “The keys to our business are feed, seed and fertilizer,” says Henry. “If you have any kind of animal, we can provide feed for it. If you have any kind of plant, we either have the seed, or the plant or the fertilizer to care for that plant.”

No simple task considering inventory, warehousing and trucking costs. The barriers for maintaining feed businesses are huge. As smaller stores succumbed, and farmers faced a growing dilemma of obtaining quality feed and supplies, The Mill answered the call. Henry also recognized that his clients needed high-quality nutritional services and provides those as well.

For instance, if a customer decides to breed a mare, a representative will make nutritional recommendations to meet that mare’s changing needs, then offer dietary suggestions for the foal to develop to its genetic potential. The Mill even collects soil samples and evaluates pastures to provide recommendations to maximize feed value. In fact, The Mill’s proficient staff provides expert advice for all aspects of farm maintenance.

Henry attributes The Mill’s success to a team of agriculture professionals. “You‘ve got to get the right people in the right spot,” he says.

Although Brenda has a master’s degree in Dairy Science and was an agricultural extension agent for Harford County before joining the business, the Holloways needed more expertise to meet the multifaceted needs of the agricultural community. The Mill currently has several specialized sales representatives on board including Equine Nutritionist Michelle Jennings, crop specialists Ben Hushon, Dennis Berger and David Boniface and livestock specialist Karen Holloway.

“It’s all about people – there is no question about it,” Henry says. “We have a terrific team that works one-on-one with customers to obtain optimum results.”

The Mill
424 N. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-6111

www.themillofbelair.com

Pictured left to right: Brenda Holloway and Henry Holloway
Photography: Coyle Studios