If you’ve ever driven through the heart of Buckley, Washington, you probably noticed that old-school building sitting at 117 North River Ave. It’s got that classic small-town vibe—the kind of place where people actually know your name and what kind of dog you have. Honestly, Buckley Feed and Farm is more than just a place to grab a bag of kibble. It’s a local institution that survived a long hiatus, and since it reopened in 2017, it’s been quietly proving that big-box retailers can’t touch the expertise of a true neighborhood hub.
Most folks think a feed store is just for farmers with a hundred head of cattle. They’re wrong.
Basically, if you have a backyard, a pet, or a leaky faucet, this place is relevant to you. The store's owner-operators, brothers Don and Kelly Burbank, didn't just open a shop; they resurrected a piece of Buckley history. The community actually rejoiced when the doors swung back open because, let’s be real, driving out to a massive warehouse store in the next county over is a soul-sucking chore compared to chatting with someone who actually understands the local soil or the specific nutritional needs of a PNW horse.
The Resurrection of 117 North River Ave
History matters. Especially in a town like Buckley. The building itself is historic, but it sat empty for a while, which felt like a gap in the town's identity. When the Burbank brothers took over, they didn't just stock the shelves and call it a day. They leaned into the "farm and home" model, which means they carry everything from heavy-duty fencing to literal airguns and baking pans.
It’s a weirdly wonderful mix.
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One minute you’re looking at a Tarter Farm & Ranch gate, and the next you’re browsing a selection of canning supplies or camping stoves. It’s that old-fashioned "general store" DNA that makes Buckley Feed and Farm feel different. You’ve got over 35,000 products available, which is wild for a local spot. They even offer free in-store pickup for online browsing, though most locals just prefer to walk in and see what's new on the floor.
Why the "Expertise" Gap is Real
We've all been there. You go to a massive chain store, find a teenager in a vest who doesn't know a rake from a hoe, and leave more frustrated than when you arrived. At Buckley Feed and Farm, the staff actually takes time to learn what you’re trying to build or who you’re trying to feed.
It's sort of refreshing.
If you’re a horse owner, you know how picky those animals can be—and how expensive their health issues get. The store stocks high-end names like Renew Gold, Nutrena, Triple Crown, and Standlee. They aren't just selling "horse food"; they’re selling specific formulations for seniors, performance athletes, or "pasture ornaments" that just need to stay healthy.
What’s Actually on the Shelves?
It’s not just a sea of grain bags. Here’s a breakdown of what you actually find when you walk through the door:
- The Pet Corner: They don't just carry the standard grocery store brands. You’ll find Taste of the Wild, Diamond, and Victor. It’s the stuff that actually keeps a dog's coat shiny and their energy up.
- The Hardware Section: This is the part that surprises people. We're talking fasteners, hand tools, plumbing, and even electrical supplies. It’s a lifesaver when you’re mid-project on a Sunday and realize you’re missing three specific screws.
- Livestock Essentials: Sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits—if it lives in a barn, they have the feed. They carry Modesto Milling Organic for the folks who are particular about what their rabbits or chickens eat.
- Heating and Cooking: Since we live in the Pacific Northwest, stove pellets and propane are basically currency. They stock Olympus and Clean Burn pellets, which is crucial when that first frost hits and everyone else is sold out.
Addressing the "Buckley Bros" Confusion
There is a bit of a mix-up that happens online. If you Google "Buckley Feed," you might run into Buckley Bros Inc. based out of Ohio. They’ve been around since 1904 and do great work with their Betr-Bilt line. But don’t get them confused with the Washington crew.
While the Ohio company is a massive regional distributor, Buckley Feed and Farm in Washington is the local face of the Burbank brothers' operation. It’s a distinct business serving a distinct community. The Ohio guys are great for the Midwest, but if you’re in Pierce County, the River Ave location is your home base.
Similarly, don’t confuse them with Wm. H. Buckley Farm in New York, which focuses on farm-to-table meats. Our local Buckley spot is about the supplies, the tools, and the expert advice to help you run your own farm or household.
The Secret Sauce: Custom Requests
One thing most people don't realize is how responsive the Burbanks and their team are to special requests. In an era where most retail is "what you see is what you get," they actually listen to suggestions. If there’s a specific supplement or a tool you can’t find anywhere, they usually try to source it.
This is how they’ve survived against the "big guys." They offer a level of agility that a corporate office in a different time zone can't match.
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Practical Steps for Local Residents
If you’re new to the area or just haven't stopped by in a while, here’s how to make the most of what they offer.
First, don't just guess on your pasture needs. If you’re trying to grow grass in our specific clay-heavy soil, talk to them about their Seed Center options. They know what actually grows here.
Second, check their in-store availability by phone if you’re looking for something specific. Their website is a great catalog, but the "boots on the ground" inventory moves fast, especially with things like fencing and seasonal fertilizers.
Third, use them for the "unconventional" stuff. Need a specific type of wood shaving for a chicken coop? They’ve got Gem White Pine and Cedar shavings. Need a specific wormer or vaccine for your livestock? They keep the animal health section well-stocked so you don't have to wait for a shipping carrier.
Buckley Feed and Farm is a reminder that some things are better done locally. It’s about the handshake, the advice, and the fact that they actually care if your project succeeds or your pet stays healthy.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your winter supplies: Before the next PNW cold snap, check your stock of stove pellets and animal bedding. The River Ave location is the most reliable spot for Olympus Pellets in the immediate area.
- Verify your fencing needs: If you’re planning a spring pasture expansion, go in and look at the T-posts and Hog Panels in person to ensure the gauge matches your existing setup.
- Consult on nutrition: If your dog or horse is struggling with seasonal allergies or weight issues, ask the staff about the Nutrena or Diamond specific formulas they keep in stock—they often have insights into what other local owners are seeing success with.