Successful Leadership: What Happens When Local Businesses Support Local Businesses
By: Emma Alexander -
“This business just gets in your blood,” says Kenny Twillman, owner of Twillman Feed Service (TFS) in Calwood, in newly #Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County. Kenny, wife Lori, and son Bryan proudly invest in their community through their business, leadership, and support of the next generation. TFS is a valuable partner to local grain and livestock producers. This local business reflects the spirit of #Agri-Ready County Designation by striving to keep local agriculture dollars local.
Starting Out as an Entrepreneur
Kenny went to work at Wright Brothers Feed Mill while still attending North Callaway high school. Kenny knew college wasn’t for him, so he opened Twillman Feed Service when he purchased Wright Brothers Feed Mill to be his own on April 1, 1979. TFS operates a grain elevator and makes livestock feeds to deliver across multiple counties. The business carries ADM and Purina feeds, minerals, seed, and offers custom hauling services.
The #Agri-Ready Spirit
TFS reflects the spirit of #Agri-Ready County Designation by striving to keep local agriculture dollars local. Grain purchased from local growers is made into feed that meets the needs of local livestock producers. The Twillmans support the community by providing 22 full-time jobs. They utilize local contractors, regional craftsmanship, and expertise. They are loyal patrons of community banks and supply feed to the local livestock center (sale barn). Today, with 45 years of experience in the feed business, TFS is proud and excited to serve generational customers.
Newly Designated #Agri-Ready Callaway County. In #Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County, agriculture, food and forestry contributes $121.1 million in total value-added products, supports more than 2,700 jobs, and adds $90.2 million annually to household incomes according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
Right Where They Need to Be
“We prefer to purchase all of our commodity ingredients as close to home as possible,” shares Bryan Twillman, Kenny’s son, who has worked in the family business since he was young. Livestock production leads Callaway County’s agricultural economy, but surrounding areas boast grain production. A reasonable drive to river ports gives TFS access to grain byproducts they need to make custom feed.
“While we contract with some growers out of season, we purchase a lot of grain straight from the fields in the fall when local supply is high and quality is best,” Kenny says. Two TFS semi-trucks keep the roads hot, bringing in raw ingredients and five bulk delivery trucks stay booked distributing feed to a multi-county radius.
Mysteries of Entrepreneurship Revealed
“We spend a lot of time on the phone,” Bryan says, (as Kenny’s phone rings). Bryan talks with customers about their goals and negotiates prices for grain. Kenny’s wife, Lori, joined the business as an administrative assistant nine years ago. Like any entrepreneur, Kenny does a lot that is unknown and unseen, including but not limited to mixing, loading, and offloading commodity ingredients and feed.
More Than Just a Feed Processor
A Valuable Link in the Community Chain. Twillman Feed Service purchases local grain commodities that they make into livestock feed for local producers. Half of the feed they produce is for hog production, 25 percent for beef cattle, and the balance for a variety of species. Callaway County is Missouri’s 4th ranked county for hog production and a top 10 county for horses and other equine, according to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture. Livestock and poultry production make up more than half of Callaway county’s agriculture sales.
“We don’t pretend to be veterinarians,” Kenny says. “But we are glad to answer any questions our customers may have about the feeds they need.” Some customers have a custom feed recipe, and others are new to agriculture on small acreages. All can count on the Twillmans. Through partnerships with ADM and Purina, TFS expanded their product lines and increased their customer service, connecting customers to specialists for answers about complex nutritional issues.
Besides TFS in Calwood, Kenny and Lori expanded to a second location, Twillman Feed and Seed, in Mexico. Each location also offers a clean, welcoming general store.
Supporting the Future of Agriculture
TFS is an annual supporter of local 4-H and FFA chapters and projects, making purchases at multiple county fairs and sales. Local high school students are welcomed to the TFS team through student work programs or good, old fashioned motivation to walk in the doors and apply. The next generation of Twillmans are learning the family business, too; Kenny & Lori’s grandkids fill a variety of roles at TFS.
A Family Serving as Local Leaders
Kenny is a board member of the Callaway Bank. Bryan serves on the board of Farmers Mutual Insurance. Lori is president of the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the boards of Callaway Electric Cooperative Foundation and Faith Maternity. Kenny and Lori are members of the Callaway County Farm Bureau board. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
