Friends of Nature, Genesee Depot and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

GRAIN PRICES, DRIVING UP THE COST ON FEED! The cost of the raw ingredients used to make many of the Horse Feeds, Dog & Cat Foods, and Wild Bird Seed, is on the rise….almost weekly. The main culprit is the cost of corn, which has gone up a full 30% over a year ago. The corn crop is being diverted to the Ethanol plants for fuel, driving up the cost on what is left for feed production. Other grains have jumped drastically also, including oats and wheat. Higher prices on many feeds can be expected at this time. The cost of diesel fuel has also been a factor in shipping and trucking costs to the mills as well. Perhaps the new summer crops will bring us all some relief.

NEW SUSSEX LOCATION: Come visit the newest location in SUSSEX! Now open in downtown Sussex, a brand new Friends Of Nature store! Enjoy the same great products, variety and friendly service. This store offers Nutrena Horse Feeds, equine supplies, Dog and Cat foods, Wild Bird Seed and MUCH MORE! Located at N64 W24340 Main St. (Hwy VV, east of new Hwy 164). The store is next to the ACE Hardware store. Call 262-246-9700 for hours and information.

Pine Shavings, ’07 / ’08 supply forecast: The Pine shavings outlook for the Fall & Winter season is going to be very tight this year. The pine shavings industry is dependant on the strength of the new housing market, for supplies of raw wood materials to create the shavings. The house building market is currently way down….creating a short supply of shavings. Expect to see sporadic supplies… occasional outages…..and prices will go above the $5.00 mark per bale. We buy full truck loads of shavings, to get the best price for you, however…don’t be surprised if you see the price go up shortly.

NEW! The Genesee store is now an authorized Dealer for “BUCKEYE FEEDS”! Full lines of all Buckeye horse feed and dog & cat foods are now in stock daily. No need to call ahead….we have TONS OF BUCKEYE IN STOCK, every day!

HAVE TRUCKS....WILL DELIVER! We can deliver your large orders. We have the trucks that can handle your orders on Horse Feed, Barn Lime, Pine Shavings and more. No amount too small or too large. Delivery rates start at $7.50. Pick a day and time…and we’ll be there…promptly. Call 968-3333 to arrange a delivery.

NEW! Instant Pet I.D. Tags! We now can make instant Pet I.D. tags for your dog or cat. Made in store, metal engraved, 5 colors & styles to choose from….only $6.99 ea.

NEED A GIFT FOR SOMEONE WHO LOVES ANIMALS? Come see our wide variety of “Gift Items”…many focused towards the pet, horse, wild bird enthusiast. Greeting cards, candles, artwork, caps, shirts, clocks, games, and MUCH MORE! Come look?

FEEDING WILD BIRDS: Recently I talked with one of our Customers, and his complaint focused on how much seed he found "wasted on the ground". After some discussion, he related that he was trying to attract Finches and that he was feeding Thistle seed & occasionally, Fine Sunflower Meats, from a tube type feeder. I asked him to point to a tube feeder in the store that resembled his. BINGO….he pointed directly to a tube feeder with LARGE feeding ports (holes), that was meant only to dole out Larger, combination seeds, like Black Oil and Safflower & general purpose mixes.