Long-time Nicholasville Farm Supply and feed store, Thompson & Shearer, is under new ownership. However, the goal of providing members of the Jessamine County farm community with quality products and services for the past 51 years remains intact.

After being a customer of Thompson and Shearer for most of his life, James J.F. Hall, along with wife Cherie, became the proprietors of the store on January 30, 2017. Not only will long-term customers find familiarity on the inside, the Halls are also keeping the well-known name proudly displayed out front.

“My husband mentioned probably ten years ago that if they ever sold the business, he would love to have it,” Cherie told the Journal. “I said okay, and when the opportunity came to buy it, we were interested.” The journey to ownership wasn’t a smooth road, however, as it took two false starts before they could finally purchase the business.

“We were riding this rollercoaster of ‘alright!’ and ‘oh man!’,” Cherie said. “I finally told my husband that if it’s the Lord’s will for us to get it, He’ll open the doors up for us to get it.”

And open they were on March 11 for the open house and ribbon cutting. Parking space and standing room were two of the only items in short supply, as The Jessamine County Beef Cattle Association kept the plates heavy, and local musical duo The Moron Brothers kept the mood light. The Halls are pleased with the community’s support since taking the reigns of the store.

Cherie said that though their immediate plan is to stay the original course in terms of the farm supply, feed, seed, straw, sodding and custom work offered, they are considering new ideas to try as the opportunities present themselves. 

“Owning this store has been a dream of J.F.’s for a long time,” Cherie said. “J.F. and I are both from Jessamine County, grew up here, and are very grateful for the opportunity to continue this 51-year-old business.”

Thompson & Shearer, the county’s only locally-owned and family-owned farm and feed store, is located at 201 Etter Drive in Nicholasville.