Growing Roots in the Community with 56 North Ranch Supply

56 North Ranch Supply | MD of Peace

What started as an idea among close friends has become a blossoming business in the MD of Peace No. 135.

Kim and Angela Bentt—whose children are Shelby and Kolby—along with Kevin and Melody Hilman—whose children are Jake, Ethan and William—were interested in starting a livestock feed and ranch store, but they needed a little encouragement first.

“After talking with Peifer Feeds and hearing they were looking for a retailer, we knew we had to make this a reality,” said Melody Hilman co-owner of 56 North Ranch Supply. “We officially opened in the spring of 2024 and hit the ground running.”

Located on Roma Road (west of Peace River), this family-owned-and-operated store provides local farmers and ranchers the opportunity to purchase high quality feed and supplies closer to home without the hassle of ordering or travelling far distances for essential products.

“We run our own cattle and farm, and we felt there was a gap in the market for items that had a personal touch and family feel to them,” said Melody Hilman. “Living up north means a lot of cool products aren’t always accessible, and we wanted to change that.”

In addition to catering to local farmers, the Hilmans and the Bentts sought to start a business their children could be involved in.

“We started this so our kids could learn how to run a business in the agricultural industry,” said co-owner Kim Bentt. “We wanted to show them that local people can successfully run businesses with local products because we hoped they might want to do it themselves one day.”

The team at 56 North Ranch Supply started with a focus on getting great animal feed. Next, they talked to local farmers to get feedback, and now they offer supplies, sheds, stock waterers and more.

“If it has legs, we have feed for it,” said Melody Hilman. “We’re always working on bringing new items in, especially seasonal products that we know many farms will use and benefit from.”

Most of the products found at 56 North are from local suppliers, such as their livestock feed that’s locally milled by Peifer Feeds, but there are also plenty of items and equipment from tried-and-true manufacturers.

“We use our own products, so we make sure that everything is top quality,” said Kim Bentt. “We always take the time to research everything we bring in. This way we can stand behind our products and confidently sell them to others.”

56 North has a wide variety of feed as well as Boreal pet foods, salts and minerals, protein supplement tubs, equine feeds and supplements such as Hoffman’s, Step Right and Mad Barn. They also have outside infrastructure products.

“When customers come to us asking for a certain product, they get so excited when we have it in stock because they normally can’t get it so close to home,” said Melody Hilman. “The more we can save people driving to the city, the better.”

56 North also consistently stocks dewormers, livestock treating and doctoring products—such as Pneu-Darts—buckets and feed tubs, fencing supplies, milk replacers and colostrum. Plus, there are western focused gift items such as wild rag scarves and children’s toys.

“Some of our most popular pieces of equipment are the Stockboss energy free watering systems, our Razer Grazers and our Solar Water Buggies,” said Melody Hilman.

Certified as a feed distributor, customers can feel confident purchasing from 56 North because they meet the necessary requirements, have routine inspections and do what they can to ensure high quality feed for all livestock.

“We work closely with suppliers and source feed that is as close as possible to ensure freshness,” said Melody Hilman. “We also put up a barn to keep everything clean and dry and stored appropriately.”

Challenges are bound to pop up when running a business, but for the Hilmans and the Bentts, they see obstacles as opportunities to create new goals.

“Since we’ve grown so rapidly, we’re realizing we need more storage, which is a good problem to have,” said Melody Hilman. “We want to keep meeting demands, but we’re running out of space. This has made us look at ways to expand and grow more.”

Keeping up with growth is a relatively new obstacle.

“At first, getting people to know who we are and what we offer was difficult, but our local community has been so supportive in helping us out,” said Kim Bentt. “Plus, my daughter Shelby, our store manager, has done an excellent job with our social media pages and showcasing what we have.”

Looking ahead, the 56 North team plans to grow steadily and assist local producers and farmers in any way they can.

“One of our major goals is to help people with grant applications,” said Melody Hilman. “This will help them access support, so they can purchase and afford the latest and greatest products, especially ones that assist in regenerative farming.”

Launching their business has been positive for both families.

“This store has given us a renewed vitality that the North can continue to be strong for the next generation, and it has given us so much hope,” said Melody Hilman. “We want to grow so more youth can work here and so our children can stay in the area.”

The Hilmans and the Bentts are excited to be able to give back to the community by sponsoring local groups such as the Peace River Sledge Hockey Program, minor hockey players, the North Peace Stampede, local agricultural societies and even a local barrel racer, Shelbie Ruel.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kim Bentt offers his advice.

“Growing slowly means sustainability in the end,” said Kim Bentt. “The more support you can get behind you, the stronger your business endeavours will be. Long term thinking is the best approach.”

Stop in at 56 North Ranch Supply for a coffee, conversation or to browse the products and equipment they have in stock. You can also find them online at 56northranchsupply.ca and on social media.

By Dani Wearden | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau & submitted