A legacy of commitment, innovation, and community. Tatura Farm Supplies celebrates 50 years in business.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY
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Celebrating half a century in the business world is a remarkable achievement that requires a unique perspective, unwavering dedication and a substantial amount of hard work.
For Tatura Farm Supplies, reaching this milestone is a testament to its enduring commitment to good old-fashioned service and honest advice — a legacy that still thrives today.
It’s a legacy that, with pride, the original owner’s daughter, Caroline Minns, stepped up to continue, and it’s a legacy she holds close to her heart.
Today, it’s a legacy deserving of a celebration. One that stemmed from humble beginnings took undeniable strength to continue at times and, at the core, shows the essence of community.
In July 1973, Bruce and Delphine Minns founded Tatura Farm Supplies at 195 Hogan St.
Formerly CJ Mitchell and Co Hardware and an undertakers. Today, the location is occupied by the Tatura Police Station.
Neil Stewart and Bobbie Collison were inaugural employees, and alongside Bruce had a devoted approach to farming supplies.
After joining Combined Rural Traders, a buying group that began in NSW, Bruce became known as “Your local bloke” from CRT.
Bruce sprang into action and initiated an advertising committee to ensure that all CRT outlets in Victoria achieved maximum exposure in the press and regular special catalogues.
At the time, it was a completely new style of rural marketing, and according to Bruce’s daughter and current owner, Caroline, it worked.
“It was a great initiative, and it gave “local blokes” a leading edge on their competitors,” Caroline said.
“In 1982, he organised a CRT-sponsored Goulburn Valley Racing Club Meeting in Tatura. It was a fantastic event, with nearly all Victorian CRT members in attendance.
“His hard work saw him awarded the first CRT Shareholder of the Year Award for 1982 and 1983. Bill Mouser joined the business in that time.
“I think Dad’s love for horses, thoroughbred breeding and the hope to one day have a runner in a Melbourne Cup provided many opportunities to expand the range of stockfeed the business provided.”
After working closely with her father on school holidays and between university, Caroline officially joined the business in 1990.
In January of 1996, Bruce decided a new location for the business would be advantageous.
The Hogan St property was being outgrown, and getting trucks in and out in the heart of town was becoming more complex.
So, the dream was carried out in the industrial area on Ross St, Tatura.
“At the time, the Tatura Saleyards was right across the road, so it was a great location to move to, and the business continued to grow,” Caroline said.
“However, nothing comes without tough challenges, and primarily, the years of drought were hard.
“Dad was always so driven, and he worked tirelessly with various committees to promote Tatura Park as a venue for many horse events, always offering great services, and alongside Lex Bunn, he had much to do with International Dairy Week from its humble beginnings.”
Bruce sadly lost his life in 2010 after a two-year battle with cancer. His dream was for Caroline to keep the business going, which is precisely what she did.
“Many people doubted I could do it in such a male-dominated field,” she said.
“I lost many customers in those tough years after his passing. However, with hard work, long hours and support from my husband Martin Ward and our staff, we got there, and now we get to celebrate this wonderful milestone.”
Tatura Farm Supplies has seen many changes over the years and now caters not only for dairy and beef cattle, sheep and horses but also poultry, dogs, cats, rabbits, fencing requirements, hardware, work boots, tools and Fodder seed supplies, both pasture and lawn.
Today’s team assisting Caroline is her husband Martin, Kelvin Smith and John Maher.
They continue to thrive, hold strong values, build relationships, and remember Bruce and his dedication daily.
“It feels like he is here with me every day at work, and when things get tough, I find myself asking him what to do,” Caroline said.
“My husband and I often joke about how I might do things and if he would like it, but hey, I am doing it.
“He was a pioneer of his day, and I am so proud of him what he achieved and taught me.
“Every day, I am fulfilling his dream, and I am so glad I stuck with it.
“I wish he was here to celebrate this with us.”
Bruce was a loving husband to wife Delphine and a devoted father to children Caroline and Jonathon.
His unwavering commitment to his trade, family and community is a testament to the business’s 50 years of success.