• Nolan and Kaylene Simpson retire after six decades of hard work.

Nestled in the heart of Thayne, the Farmer’s Feed Store has been a historical part of the community for over six decades. What began as a modest venture in 1950, initiated by Earl Ashment, has grown into a beloved establishment under the stewardship of various families, including the Shumways, Wolfleys, Vanoys, and finally, the Simpson family when Nolan Simpson was just 8 years old in 1962.

Nolan Simpson reflects on the 61 years worked on the property. “Dad was a natural businessman, and he increased the business as he went,” he fondly recalls.

Growing up, after school, Nolan and his three brothers had help process the grain, load trucks, and deliver to all the farms in the area. “We never had the forklift and the augers were little, four-inch augers.”

After college, Nolan originally wanted to get into the lumber business, but after applying for jobs in Star Valley and Jackson, with no one hiring, he started working for the farm store, which allowed his dad to work on sales as Nolan did more of the day-to-day work.

It was a true family affair, with Nolan’s brother Dahl, home from college each summer, managing the fruit stand, an addition to the business, which was started by the Simpson family. Nolan and Kaylene also shared thanks to Tad Jenkins, hired by Nolan’s father, who has remained a steadfast member of the Farmer’s Feed Store team.

“It’s been a good family business,” Nolan emphasizes, acknowledging the role it has played in the Thayne community. As needs of the community change, the store has adapted, including having the fruit brought in.

However, the story of this cherished establishment is not without its share of hard work. As Kaylene Simpson, Nolan’s wife, points out, “It’s hard work over there.” Yet, this family is not one to shy away from a little elbow grease. “Most of my memories are work memories, not fun memories like my grandkids.” The Simpson family has shared these memories with not just their six children but also the numerous community children who grew up playing amidst the sacks and merchandise of the store. Today, it’s the grandkids who are creating their own cherished memories.

Their plan now is to continue to liquidate the business, but to reside on the property, with the option of running the Fruit Stand during the summer. “We don’t mind the winter, so that’s not a big deal for us,” says Nolan.

The need for a feed store endures, but farming has evolved significantly over the years. “It’s time to do something else,” Nolan admits, reflecting on this bittersweet decision. “It has been a hard decision to make.” The couple recognize the importance of embracing new opportunities.

“When you work hard and play hard, it always seems to be a better life – you’ve got to have that play in there.” Now, it’s time for Kaylene and Nolan to, as Kaylene says, ”serve a mission and just do fun things and enjoy our children and grandchildren a little more.”

Nolan says, “When we first started, we knew we weren’t going to be rich… We were in it for the enjoyment of it all. It provided us with work and plenty of playtime.”

As the shelves and walls empty in the store, Nolan and Kaylene Simpson are excited to close a this rewarding chapter and enter on to the next.