Humble Beginnings
In 1947, 10 miles north of Ocala and on three acres – during a time when local cattle still roamed on open ranges and Silver Springs was the largest attraction in Florida – a small General Merchandise Grocery store became Sparr Building and Farm Supply. As the surrounding agricultural community was growing, a need for fencing, building materials, farm supplies, and livestock feeds emerged. Originally opened as a grocery store, Elbert and Mary Griggs switched to hardware, livestock feed, and building materials to supply the growing area. In 1981, W.T. and Ruth Howard purchased the business from their relatives – the Griggs – and after years of dedicated service working at the store, their sons – Sam and Paul – became the new owners.
When the sons took over the business, they expanded to other geographic agricultural locations that needed easier access to materials, supplies, and feed. In 1999, the second Sparr Building and Farm Supply store opened in Williston, and in 2003, the 30,000 sq. ft. Wildwood location was added. In 2020, Sparr Building and Farm Supply opened their fourth and newest store in Dunnellon.
Dedication to Community
The company has always had a solid business foundation of supporting the communities that have supported them over the decades. From participating in local youth fairs, being public school partners since the 90s, hosting equine-education community trail rides, and making sure the stores are opened within 24 hours after a hurricane, Sparr Building and Farm Supply cares and remains dedicated to their customers, their employees, and their communities.
Farm Feed, Nutrition, and Animal Health
When Sparr Building and Farm Supply began carrying livestock and equine feed, they were devoted to providing their customers with the best feed and animal health supplies on the market. Today, the stores proudly carry Purina Mills, Nutrena, Manna Pro, and Buckeye Nutrition for equine and livestock feed and supplements. Each store is stocked with grooming supplies, buckets, feeders, tack, and many more barn essentials needed for horse owners of all levels – from backyard owners and small farms to large stallion barns and breeding facilities.
For additional customer education and support, Sparr Building and Farm Supply has Farm Consultants at each store location to assist with questions and suggestions about feed and health supplements. Each consultant is readily available to help assist customers through all aspects of finding solutions for their equine and farm needs.
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SPARR: Dawn Limehouse • dawnl@sparrbuilding.com
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WILLISTON: Susie Bruner • susieb@sparrbuilding.com
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WILDWOOD: Noel Kenny • noelk@sparrbuilding.com
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SPARR/WILLISTON Farm Consultant Manager/Cattle Consultant: Matt Gonzales • matthewg@sparrbuilding.com
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WILDWOOD Cattle Consultant: Cody Hensley • codyh@sparrbuilding.com
Farm and Fencing Supplies
Since 1998, Sparr Building and Farm Supply has grown from a small retail store to the largest farm fence dealer in the state of Florida with statewide delivery service and drop shipment of merchandise throughout the USA. The stores carry a wide array of fencing products including CCA, MCQ, and Creosote posts, fence boards, non-climb wire, field fence, corral panels, gates, and much more. Other farm supply items carried include livestock waterers and feeders, horse stalls, and much more. Each store location is equipped with expansive lumber yards, warehouses, and hay storage.
Decades Later
More than seven decades since its humble beginning, this family-owned business is still committed to its customers, employees, and community. Fence and Farm Supplies, Equine, Livestock, Tools, Lawn & Garden, Plumbing, Electrical, and Pet Feed — Sparr Building and Farm Supply has what you need, when you need it.
Store Locations
Stores are located in Sparr, Williston, Wildwood, and Dunnellon, FL. Click here for contact information, addresses, and store hours, or each city name to visit their Facebook page!
