By IVY BICE
DIAGONAL, Iowa — Community members had the opportunity to learn more about local agriculture and businesses during a free community event last Wednesday at the Honey Hole in Diagonal.
The event, “Finding Opportunities in Your Community,” was sponsored by Rice Auction Company in partnership with Women, Land and Legacy of Southern Iowa. Ringgold County Development shared information about the event, which was designed to help people learn more about local agriculture, area businesses and the opportunities that help rural communities thrive.
One of the stops during the evening was Provision Feed, a family-owned feed mill in Diagonal. Katie Daughton and Erin Sobotka led the tour, showing attendees the facility and explaining how the business got started.
Provision Feed’s story began in 2023, when the family purchased the former feed mill. According to the business’s website, the facility had gone through several changes in ownership and had become run-down. The original plan was to clean up the property, but the family eventually decided to restore the facility and bring feed production back to the community.
The family began renovating the facility in November 2023 and produced its first batch of feed in November 2024.
During the tour, Daughton and Sobotka explained that much of the facility had to be rebuilt to make the operation more efficient and to prepare the business for the future. The family wanted to create a facility that could continue serving the surrounding farming community for years to come.
Although the family did not have previous experience operating a feed mill, they learned through the process and worked with others who had experience in the industry. Daughton and Sobotka also discussed the importance of having people to turn to for help with the business side of the operation.
Provision Feed produces livestock feed, including swine feed and retail cattle feed. The business serves local farmers and provides another agricultural resource for the surrounding area.
Sobotka also talked about some of the changes she has noticed in Diagonal since the business reopened. She said it has been rewarding to see more people coming into town and seeing new faces in the community.
Women, Land and Legacy works to connect women with agriculture, conservation and others involved in rural communities. Events like this provide opportunities for people to learn about local resources, meet others involved in agriculture and build connections within their communities.
The evening also featured a presentation by Chicory Farm, giving attendees another opportunity to learn about local agricultural businesses.
By highlighting businesses such as Provision Feed, the event brought attention to the people and opportunities that help support small towns and the agricultural communities surrounding them.