3 minute read
Shopping: Rural Roots
For generations, Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply has been a cherished cornerstone for Emporia and the surrounding communities since 1961. This iconic store is far more than a shopping destination—it’s a symbol of the hardworking spirit and the rural way of life that defines the region.
From fencing materials and livestock feed to tractor parts and irrigation supplies, the store is an essential resource for those working the land, but its appeal extends far beyond farmers and ranchers. The 60,000 square foot store has the charm of a local general store. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Bluestem for its extensive selection of hunting, fishing, and camping gear. Families appreciate its variety of clothing, home goods, toys, and gifts.
As you step inside, you’ll discover the legendary wall of jeans—8,000 pairs of denim, to be exact. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it probably doesn’t exist! Along with jeans, Bluestem features Western clothing, boots, and shoes for men, women, and children.
Bluestem stocks an incredible array of housewares. Looking for a sturdy stand mixer? Check! How about canning jars and lids and all the accessories? You’ll find it all here. From cast iron cookware to ice cream freezers and household gadgets, you’re always prepared for your next project.
Bluestem’s animal care section is second to none. You’ll find quite a selection of animal health products and pet supplies for farriers, show grooming, vaccines, tack, vet supplies, and more. They’ve got Rover covered, too, with collars, leashes, pet food, containment systems, medicines, toys, and treats. And don’t forget the birdhouses, bird whatever you need for tending the wildlife in your own backyard.
Chick Days are big events at Bluestem. There’s nothing quite so cozy and comforting as crowding around a stock tank filled with cheeping baby chicks, warmed by brooder lights and tripping over one another on a fluffy soft bed of wood shavings. And if you just can’t resist taking one home, Bluestem will send you off with feed, bedding, and maybe your very own chicken tractor!
Bluestem is a haven for gardeners, too. During the gardening season, the store carries a wide selection of vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, perennials, trees, and shrubs. Inside, shelves are lined with fertilizers, grass seed and plant seeds, garden tools, hoses, and more. Lawnmowers are sold and serviced here, too, along with a complete small engine department. Bluestem is an authorized service center for a variety of tools, mowers, and tractors.
No visit to Bluestem is complete without grabbing a bag of their freshly popped, free popcorn—a hallmark of the store. There’s a selection of snacks and soft drinks as well. You’ll find toys, gifts, and books, plus Western jewelry and accessories. That perfect Traeger grill is here, too, just waiting for you to take it home, along with all the grilling tools, rubs, and grill gear anybody could want.
Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply is located at 2611 W. Highway 50 in Emporia. The store is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays. Reach them by phone at 620-342-5502, visit bluestemfarmandranch.com, or find
