When the Pughtown Agway went up for sale a few years ago, the thought of buying it crossed the minds of Brittany and Bryan Donovan, but the timing wasn’t right. The farmers had their hands full with their farm, Horseshoe Ranch, and new local distribution business, Local Bound. But when it once again became available last year, they couldn’t let the opportunity pass them by a second time.
The former Farm Bureau space is just a short distance from their home and their farm, located at Lundale Farm in Pottstown. Pughtown Agway had changed hands in recent years and somewhat struggled to find its footing. Brittany and Bryan knew they could build a new kind of agriculture and garden shop, a third place for farmers, homesteaders and backyard gardeners alike. They could discuss problems and challenges with fellow farmers and share their farming and livestock experience.
And so, they made the leap and after many months, opened the doors to Horseshoe Feed and Supply this past May. You’ll find horse and livestock supplies, animal feed, fertilizer, a garden center, pet food, and more at this Spring City shop.
“We wanted to have the supplies that we needed and others needed nearby–without having to drive an hour to Lancaster. We wanted to build the community store we always wanted.“ Bryan Donovan says.
If their names sound familiar, you’ve probably seen the deep golden yolks of their “Best Damn Eggs” at Mighty Bread and other local retailers, or you’ve seen them in our Fall 2023 issue. You’ll find a selection of their eggs, as well as local dairy and beverages, like Funky Fresh Kombucha, in the fridge on site.
The Donovans were lucky to keep the previous staff on, which includes horse expert and general manager, Julie, and garden center manager, Michael. The long-time team members have built relationships with customers through the years, and offer some consistency and stability, while sharing their vast knowledge and experience with visitors, old and new.
The team takes great care to keep the garden center well maintained, watering and deadheading daily. They’re also especially proud of the native plant section highlighting varieties local to our neck of the woods in PA.
One of Bryan and Brittany’s current garden center favorites is the Trifoliate Orange, also known as the “hardy orange” or “flying dragon.” It’s a small, thorny shrub you wouldn’t expect to thrive here, but it does! Trifoliate oranges are edible, but the raw fruit is intensely sour, bitter, and full of seeds. Instead, use the juice as a lemon or lime substitute or the peels for marmalade.
The new owners are also very excited about the future of Horseshoe Feed and Supply as not just a retail destination, but as a true community hub. They are busy planning a slew of events, culinary classes, farmer meetups, educational workshops and more with partners like PASA Sustainable Agriculture, local chefs, and rotating food trucks.
Follow their adventures and keep an eye out for upcoming community events at horseshoefeedandsupply.com and @horseshoefeedandsupply.
HORSESHOE FEED & SUPPLY
819 Pughtown Road, Spring City, PA 19475
