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08/02/2022 01:15 PMKILLINGWORTH
Area farmers and vendors have a new outlet for local agricultural products as Northeast Feed and Supply has opened on Route 81 at the Killingworth-Higganum line. Featuring almost exclusively Connecticut made products, Northeast Feed and Supply is also carrying farm feed and supplies, allowing residents to pick up dinner for their animals and themselves, all while supporting local agriculture.
Owners Ashley and Brad Domkowski opened their doors late last year at 968 Killingworth Road, in response to the lack of an outlet for local products like eggs, syrups, vegetables, and even meats and cheeses.
However, according to Brad, for many folks making these products, a roadside stand of their own, even an unmonitored one on the honor system is simply impractical. Products like soap, lotions, and candles are difficult to sell roadside and practically impossible to get on the shelves of major retailers.
“We wanted to open up a storefront with Connecticut grown items. We kind of felt like a lot of small-town farmers and local product makers don’t have a really good storefront. That is what happened to us when we tried to sell goat’s milk soap — there simply wasn’t a place for us to retail that product,” he said. “It is really hard to get into the bigger box stores, so we wanted to open up a storefront where local crafters and farmers have a chance to retail their items. The first 900 square feet of our store is all devoted to Connecticut items.”
Brad said the need for a centralized site where these types of local products can be found has been struggle for some and the hope is that with this new venue, area residents will now have an option to sell and buy local products.
“We really have a lot. From homemade candles, to soaps, lotions — all the way to beef, pork, turkeys, and even ice cream. And it’s all Connecticut grown,” he said. “We wanted to give local entrepreneurs a local, all-season spot. In Connecticut there are just certain seasons where It’s difficult to sell eggs by the road, or maple syrup out by the road due to weather and theft. The response has been really good. We are getting great support from everyone. Folks have been dropping off zucchini, corn, and squash weekly, so we are doing a lot of great things here.”
Brad said both local buyers and farmers seem to have found a home for their products at the store.
“People in town keep on coming. There are a lot of backyard farmers, here in Killingworth, Higganum, and Haddam, and it’s a very convenient spot for folks coming back and forth from work to stop in and get their dog food, their livestock food, or just dinner for themselves,” said Domkowski. “We are also putting in a wash your dog station, where you can come and wash your dog. We supply soap and towels and everything else. We are also hoping to open up a dog rooming shop here as well. That plan is hopefully going to be done by the holidays.”
Northeast Feed and Supply is located at 968 Killingworth Road at the Higganum line.