Hugo Feed Mill turns 100

BY MERRINA O’MALLEY PRESS INTERN

The Hugo Feed Mill is celebrating its 100th anniversary of servicing the community.

Since opening in 1923, the mill has seen many changes in the needs of the community. Steve Marier, Hugo Feed Mill’s manager, recalls how he used to deliver coal when he was younger.

During that time, the mill mostly catered to customers living in the country. This meant they dealt with drying grains, custom combining, and farming supplies.

Soon, Marier was delivering oil, and nowadays the store caters more to hobby farmers and suburban customers.

“We’ve been able to adapt to serve our customers and our community,” he said. Along with its gardening supplies, the Hugo Mill boasts an impressive array of over 500 varieties of tomato and pepper in its greenhouse.

The store has changed over the years, but Marier’s ability to provide expertise and neighborly service has not. Upon entering the store, customers will be met with someone who knows exactly what they are talking about. Most of the time that is Marier.

As online delivery services become more popular, small businesses like the Hugo Feed Mill have continued to provide for local communities by offering things that the internet cannot.

“There’s a need in the community for us, and we certainly need your community support,” said Marier.

The mill will celebrate its anniversary on Aug. 11 during normal store hours and Aug. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Merrina O’Malley can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

Hugo Feed Mill & Elevator Co. is owned and operated by the Marier Family, long-time residents of Hugo. The Mill was a country grain business in the 1930s grinding local grains and manufacturing cattle, hog and poultry feed for the many small farms in animal agriculture. Being located next to the railroad tracks, the mill sold coal by the tons to heat residential homes and businesses.

Steve