Have you noticed an increase in customers asking about the origin of their food or opting for local products over name brands? That’s the power of retail agriculture.

At Milkmaid Mercantile in Taylorville, Illinois, owner Amelia Shoemaker is capitalizing on this shift in interest by turning her love of farming and healthy living into a community-focused retail space.

Her store effortlessly blends the feel of a general store with a passion for local food, wellness, and homesteading. The shop offers a wide range of locally sourced products, including meats, eggs, vegetables, honey, and Illinois-milled flour, as well as low-sugar and sugar-free options.

Her story demonstrates that farm retail isn’t just beneficial for farmers, but also for businesses. If you’re curious about how you can use retail agriculture to your advantage, keep reading.