New business brings ranch supplies back to Basin

MTR Ranch Supply opened its doors in Basin on Tuesday, and customers may notice familiarities in the new business. 

The shop will operate out of the old Big Horn Co-op building at 205 Montana Avenue, run by previous Co-op manager Kelly Annand.

Annand holds a degree in animal science and raises cattle near Greybull. When the Co-op announced that it would be closing its stores, she felt the same sting as ranchers across Big Horn County. She decided she would do what it took to fill the void the closure left behind, and she found the perfect partner in Miles Rives of Buffalo, the owner of MTR. 

“I visited with Miles right after I was told the (Big Horn Co-op) stores were closing, and I told him one way or another I was going to find a way to put something back in here,” Annand said. “He said he would be willing to do that if I could run it for him, and so it’s been kind of a team effort to get everything in place, but we’re getting there.”

Rives holds almost 40 years of experience in ag supply, starting at Thar’s Feed and Ranch Supply in 1987. In 2005, he purchased a large share of the company and eventually turned it into MTR. When the Co-op closed, Rives said a lot of people were interested in coming over the mountain to do business in Buffalo. 

“It’s a different community and a different need,” Rives said of the Basin area. He hoped the new location would be able to fit the locale and found Annand at the head of the operation the best way to achieve that. The pair approached the Co-op with their proposal and has been setting up shop since February.

The Co-op saw the new lease agreement as a win too. Chief Executive Officer Jim Gauker noted that in closing their doors, the Co-op knew their customers would have to drive many miles for ranching supplies. 

“We’re happy for the customers in the Basin area to have a place to get their feed,” Gauker said. 

“We’re really trying to be cognizant of how we move these buildings to better serve customers.”

MTR Ranch Supply in Basin will specialize in feed, animal health, livestock supplies and fencing. 

“If I can get it, I will get it for you,” Annand said. 

Items not currently on the floor can be ordered in from the Buffalo store or vendors. Annand noted she will be prioritizing fresh feed, with smaller orders on rotation. Larger orders can be made through the office as well. They will also sell propane, and the Co-op is keeping the gas pumps running. 

Tuesday’s opening was a soft one, with some products still coming in and handwritten tickets as they awaited their POS system setup. However, a grand opening is slated for early May. 

MTR Ranch Supply’s Basin hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,

Saturday 8 a.m. to noon and closed Sundays. They can be reached at (970) 580-2202 with Rives available at 307-217-0408.