Livestock, pet and horse owners have a new local option for all their feed and supplies. Tanner and Autumn Lyman have opened Sonoita Feeds in Sonoita at 3113 Hwy 83, across from the Copper Brothel.
When the opportunity to buy the property that houses their store came up, it seemed a perfect fit for the young couple with strong local ties. Both Autumn, who grew up in Tucson, and Tanner, who grew up in Elgin, have a passion for agriculture, and this was a good avenue to help the local agriculture community. Both Lymans went to the U of A in Tucson and received a BS each in Agricultural Technology and Management. Autumn went on to get a Masters in Agricultural Education.
Besides, Autumn said, “I long wanted my own feed store,” and this was it. “We wanted to help the community,” Tanner said, “provide what’s needed, and keep it affordable.”
After buying the property they spent about three months rehabbing the building prior to their July opening. Walk into Sonoita Feeds today and you will find a bright, airy space. Ceiling and floors were repaired and new lighting added. The interior was completely reworked. As you enter the store, straight ahead at the back is the sales counter. The Lymans want every customer to be greeted with a smiling face and helpful attitude.
Pet foods and other pet products line the sides of the store. The Lymans also carry hay, grains, feed, and treats for large animals.
Customers are invited to “tell us what you need.” If a customer wants something they don’t carry, they will do their best to get it. They strive to have what each customer needs no matter how large or small their animals may be.
Along with animal feed and supplies, they have introduced a number of gift items. Turned wood products produced by a local man, jewelry made by a sister-in-law, and tack items by another local are featured toward the front of the store. Consignment tack, including some beautiful saddles, run down the middle.
Both Autumn and Tanner have full time jobs in addition to the feed store, making for a very busy life. Autumn works mostly remotely for a beef company, procuring cattle from feed lots, arranging transport, and marketing. Tanner is a helicopter pilot. In the summer he pilots for the federal government, mostly for firefighting. Winter sees him building power lines.
Because he is gone a lot, Autumn is most often the one on hand at the store. She handles ordering and does the books in addition to working in the store itself. They agree that logistics is the hardest part of the business. From managing schedules to keeping everything stocked, it’s a challenge. In addition to six young part-time employees, family members help out a lot.
Meeting people in the store and hearing what is going on in the community are important to both the Lymans. Throughout our talk they kept circling back to being a part of the community. They look forward to helping the 4H kids and junior rodeo. They want people to feel free to come in for a cup of coffee and a chat along with some great homemade cookies.