Aroostook Milling continues to evolve

Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
JUST ARRIVED — A new pet line has been introduced at Aroostook Milling Company. Jane Torres stands in front of the display for Mutt Nose Best.
    HOULTON – Through the years, Aroostook Milling Company has tried its best to adapt to changing trends and difficult economic times.
    Jane Torres, a 15-year employee at the “mill” said the changing economy and the introduction of more big box stores has forced the small local stores to be more creative in what they choose to put on their shelves.
    “People are hanging onto their money and only buying necessities,” she said. “County folks love a bargain and they insist on good quality so they come here where they know they will be waited on by friendly people who know about the product they sell.”
    Torres noted that Aroostook Milling Company tries to bring in products that fit the profile of their customers.
    Recently, they added the line of muck boots that have a more aggressive sole for winter use around the farm or out on the ice. Neoprene makes them warm, as well as waterproof, and the savings is considerable when compared to the name brand boot.
    After an article about an all natural pet care line called, “Mutt Nose Best” appeared in the Bangor Daily News, people started coming in and asking if the store carried the products.
    Torres contacted Jenny Dwyer, who along with her husband Doug, developed the product line to help their dog, which had dry, flaky, itchy skin.
    “We received numerous calls and one lady brought me the article and asked me to carry their products,” said Torres. When I called Jenny, she was extremely helpful and explained that the products were alcohol and sulfate free. She told me she even uses the shampoos on herself. I ordered 12 cases.”
NEW LINE — Aroostook Milling is offering a new muck boot line, which have a more aggressive sole and neoprene that makes them warm and waterproof.
    Part of the selling point is the catchy names … U. Berry Itchy Dog, U. Hairy Dog and U. Dirty Dog.
    “How can you turn that away?,” asked Torres with a smile.
    The fact that the company is owned by the son of Hope and Gary Dwyer of New Limerick made carrying and selling the line a top priority, said Torres.
    Mutt Nose Best doesn’t sell to chain stores and they buy local ingredients such as oats and blueberries. (See related story.)
    Another longtime employee, Doug Batchelder said, “We try new niches in the market because some things have fallen by the wayside.”
    One pet food that has been a best seller is Science Diet, but the store is seeing an increasing number of customers who want to go more natural and save a few dollars at the same time. Blue Seal markets an all natural, preservative free dog food that has really taken off, according to Torres.
    “Even the local vet will send people here because the food is hypoallergenic and more and more dogs are allergic to certain grains,” said Batchelder.
    Different months call for different products. The winter is long and people are looking for ways to heat their homes.
    When Mike Harris bought the business that had been family owned for 60 years, he acquired the Harmon Stove line, which has been very successful. Of course, when selling pellet stoves, wood pellets are a necessity.
    Torres explained the year when pellets were nearly impossible to get, Aroostook Milling Company “learned its lesson,” and now carries five different varieties and begins stocking up just after gardening season ends.
Doug Batchelder has been with Aroostook Milling for 15 years.
    Coal sales have also been on the rise, helping customers avoid the high cost of oil.
    There is a season for everything and Aroostook Milling is not just a feed mill anymore. The backyard farmer will always be an important aspect in sales, but that same farmer has a yard to beautify, pets to feed, gardens to grow and a home to keep warm.
    “Our customers are like family,” said Torres. “They are people we have been taking care of the last 65 years. We strive to offer them the best for the lowest cost. Hopefully, we will be here for another 65 years.”
    Aroostook Milling Company is located at 15 Hillview Ave. in Houlton or call 532-6130. They are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.