Flagstaff Featured Business: MacRae’s Farm & Ranch Supply
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press.
MacRae’s Farm &
Ranch Supply
4915 52 Ave., Hardisty
780-888-4601
sales@macraesfarmandranch.ca
“We wanted to do something we were passionate about and provide our community with a cool little store with all their farm and ag needs”
In the 64th installment of the Flagstaff Region Featured Business Profile, we talk to Stevie and Mackenzie MacRae of MacRae’s Farm & Ranch… pic.twitter.com/zSUeMeBW6V
— Caribou Publishing (@CaribouPub) October 17, 2024
Nestled on the northeast end of Hardisty, on Main Street, is MacRae’s Farm & Ranch Supply – a burgeoning store run by sisters Stevie and Mackenzie MacRae.
The business partners, both former oil patch workers, transitioned into this venture as a way to pursue their passion while meeting a growing need in the local community.
“We were ready for a career change and we found a need in Hardisty and our surrounding area for an ag store,” Stevie says, noting many farmers and ranchers just don’t have the time to travel far for supplies during their busy seasons of the year. “So we thought: ‘Why not open a store right here in town?’”
The MacRaes’ entrepreneurial vision was to create a one-stop shop for everything farm and ranch-related. Their store offers a wide range of products, from tack, feed, supplements, and vet supplies to western wear for the whole family and even pet products.
“We didn’t want to pigeonhole ourselves by picking one aspect of agriculture,” Stevie explains, adding that the ag industry is uniquely diverse.
Beyond their extensive product offerings, MacRae’s Farm & Ranch Supply provides rental services, allowing customers to try out equipment like dart guns before making a purchase.
They also serve as an agent for Miller Hatcheries, ensuring local access to pick up chick orders and poultry supplies.
In addition to all of that, the rear portion of their building is home to Mutts & Manes Dog Grooming.
“Our mission was not to be a cookie-cutter business,” Stevie says.
Indeed, what sets MacRae’s apart is their commitment to customer service.
“Our customers have guided us throughout this whole process,” Stevie shares. “They tell us what they need, and we listen and order it in. No two farms operate the same, so we’re constantly adapting to meet those diverse needs.”
In addition to their favourite agricultural supplies, the store proudly supports local artisans by carrying Canadian-made products whenever possible. From Ranch Raised Clothing Co. products to handcrafted claw clips by Jay’s Leatherwork, MacRae’s is all about supporting the community.
Stevie and Mackenzie also recognize the importance of shopping locally and have been grateful for the community’s support. Events like rodeo weekend, the local 5K run, and the Christmas Train bring a lot of people to their doors.
“When the community thrives, we thrive,” Stevie says. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Having grown up in the rural Flagstaff Region, Stevie and Mackenzie’s ranching background gives them firsthand knowledge of what local farmers need and require.
“We know what it takes to succeed,” Mackenzie says. “We’ve learned how to treat cattle and what things you need for calving season. Our farm also has quarter horses, so we know what kind of equine products people are looking for.”
The siblings’ ranching background also means they aren’t averse to hard work.
“You can’t drown in your own sweat, so get on with it and get going,” Stevie says. “It’s a lot of hours at the end of the day, but if you got a lot of skin in the game, it motivates you to put those extra hours in and work your Sundays, and work those holidays.”
For those looking to open a business, the MacRaes have simple advice: “It’s a deep plunge, but one of the best decisions you’ll make. The hours are long, but seeing it all come together is incredibly rewarding.”
Looking ahead, the MacRaes have big plans for growth. “We want to continue to expand and carry more of what the community is looking for,” Mackenzie shares.
Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or just someone looking for high-quality local products, MacRae’s Farm & Ranch is dedicated to supplying Hardisty and the surrounding area.
“We appreciate all the support we’ve had along the way,” Mackenzie says, “and we hope you come and visit us at the store or online.”
