Feed Barn ingrained in small town country life

Yandina’s Lyle and Andree Ravenscroft and Nancy Cordwell and ‘Nat the shop cat’.

Lyle and Andree Ravenscroft took over Yandina Feed Barn in 2005 and have become so ingrained in the community they are “almost like the local hairdresser, or the department of births, deaths and marriages,” Andree laughed. “People call us when they want to know what is going on around town!”

Nambour local, Nancy Cordwell has worked with the couple for many years, and given her working background at her parents’ business, Nambour Farm Supplies, is a terrific source of knowledge for all things animal care.

“We basically sell feed and health supplies for horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs and alpacas,” said Andree. “We can give expert advice on birds, poultry, guinea pigs and other small animals and pets as well.”

Yandina Feed Barn is well known for supplying healthy, happy poultry, from chicks to point of lay.

“Over the past 18 months, we definitely noticed an increased interest in home food production,” Andree said. “We sell the excellent Glasshouse based Rumbalara flower, vegetable and herb seedlings and during the first lockdowns, we had to keep them locked up because people were coming from everywhere to buy them and we were selling out so quickly.

“I think they are so popular because they are sun hardened and grow so well once they are transplanted. They also have a wonderful range of heirloom seedlings that are particularly popular with home gardeners,” she said.

Yandina Feed Barn stocks the Australian made Rapid Plas water tanks as well. “They are a terrific product, made for Australian conditions,” Lyle said. “And obviously, we like to support fellow Australian businesses.”

Weekend visitors from Brisbane typically drop in to the Feed Barn during trips to the Saturday markets, for many, to relive their childhood in the country.

“You would not believe how many people come in here and just enjoy wandering around, taking in the smells of the hay bales because it reminds them of their childhood,” said Andree. “Smart Pups also bring their assistance dogs in here during their training so they learn to concentrate, despite all the smells. There is never a dull moment!”

Locals have also come to know and love the shop cat, Nat, who spent his early years keeping the mice and rats at bay.

“I think Nat is officially retired now,” Andree said. “He is not so keen on catching mice and is just as happy to lap up the attention when customers come in. He always makes people smile.”

 Yandina Feed Barn is at 13 Farrell Street Yandina. Phone 5446 8611.