In it for the duration
Businesses support ag producers through COVID-19 crisis
T
BY MEGAN SILVEIRA
he production of food has been deemed “essential” in the world affected by COVID-19. While we think of ranchers, farmers and fruit and vegetable growers when we think of food production, the industries that support those businesses are just as essential.
“Everyone in the world is touched by the agriculture industry,” said Jana Shankle, owner of D&M Ag Supply in Rapid City, South Dakota. “People benefit from strong agriculture everywhere in the country even if they’ve never planted a seed or touched a cow.”
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TRI-STATE LIVESTOCK NEWS
Ag Pride 2020
Recognizing the industry as vital to the health of the country, Shankle and her family decided to keep their business doors open during the national pandemic. With her husband, Paul, and two children, Mia and Jack, Shankle said D&M Ag Supply is working to do their part in supporting the agriculture community. Shankle describes the family-owned business as an “A-Z feed store” as they offer hay and manufactured or mixed feeds to every rural and domesticated animal – from alpacas to zebras. Shakle said agriculture is an essential business, and to keep putting food on the table, individuals involved in the industry require the feed her family’s store offers. “We continue doing what we do, so they can do what they need to do,” she said.
