Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures for McArthur Farm Supply’s Picture of the Month Contest! Here are the winner’s for February 2011. Be sure to check out our website for our other amazing entries capturing the Intermountain lifestyle!

1^st Place~ Submitted by: Bruce Bergman.
“First Light.”

2^nd Place ~ Submitted by: Joaquin Miller.
A pair of mallards on a branch off the Pit River on our ranch.

3^rd Place. Submitted by: Luke Sanders.
Father and son, Phillip and Bill Hammerness make a skillful roping team. This branding was at the McGarva Ranch.  

February Photo Contest ~ McArthur Farm Supply~McArthur,CA

Congratulations to all our contestants. Please keep the pictures coming! We are holding this contest every month and the winner receives a $25 gift card to the Farm Supply. Each monthly winner be put into a contest to choose the annual winner who will win a $250 gift card to the McArthur Farm Supply!! We are continually adding these picture entries to our website at www.mcarthurfarmsupply.com so be sure to check it often to see if yours has made it! For information about this contest and to send in pictures, please contact Amanda at mfsamanda@frontier.com or 530-336-6133.

February Photo Contest ~ McArthur Farm Supply~McArthur,CA

McArthur Farm Supply will be moving into the new decade with a planned remodel. This remodel will not only modernize the Farm Supply, but will also allow our staff to better accommodate the needs of our customers. Beginning June 1^st, 2010, the Farm Supply will see the front entrance restructured and extended which will improve our curb appeal and allow for more retail space. This phase will also include replacement of the old roof covering the entire store. It is expected that this portion of the project will be completed by August 1^st; just in time for the Intermountain Fair and the McArthur Cutting Horse Show! 

The second phase of construction will see the extension and remodel of the back counter and office spaces. To help improve customer service, our back counter will be modified into an L-shape. A walk-way will lead directly out the back of the store so that customers and vendors are able to reach the back counter without going through the front if they need to. More office space will be created for our staff to improve communication and service. Included in this plan, is a conference room that can be set aside for grower meetings and other activities that can aid our customer base. This phase of construction will probably be completed by the end of the year.

With the continued construction, there may be times where we will have to ask for flexibility from our customers. Parking may temporarily change from the front of the building to the south side of our store. Customers may expect to enter the store through the south entrance facing the mini-storage units. This, however, will be only temporary and we can expect to see great things come out of our remodel! 

Please be sure to check out the progress of store!

We are eager to see the improvements this new remodel is going to bring to our customers and our staff. Visit www.mcarthurfarmsupply.com for updates and information on the remodel.

Construction Begins ~ McArthur Farm Supply ~ McArthur, Ca

Construction Begins ~ McArthur Farm Supply ~ McArthur, Ca

McArthur Farm Supply ~ Kevin O’Brien featured in Runner’s World  magazine ~ McArthur, Ca

Fall River Mills resident Kevin O’Brien is featured in the April issue of Runner’s World explaining his strategies for managing a hectic work schedule and strong family commitment while training for 13.1 mile half marathons. He is married with two children and is assistant manager at McArthur Farm Supply in McArthur, Ca.

“Blown away,” is the athlete’s description of his profile in the “prestigious magazine.” The modest runner states he is “not a trained athlete by any stretch of imagination” His wife Georgia’s cousin is a former Stanford Universitycoach who consults with the on-line training website, Focus-N-Fly. The coach suggested his”profile fit perfectly” for a developing story titled “Work Hard, Run Hard” for the globally circulated magazine with 650,000 subscribers. O’Brien 33, is one of four runners featured in the article.

He started running in 1996 while a Chico State University student who “ate too many restaurant meals” while a member of the college livestock judging team. “Just  in the last four to five years I’ve been more consistent without serious lapses in my running schedule,” he said.

His first half marathon was at Oregon’s Crater Lake. The run was “manageable until mile 9.5 then it climbs for 2.5 miles. Very brutal. It beat me up pretty bad but at 12.5 miles it starts to taper off,” he said. The athlete’s first formal training began last September when he enrolled in the on-line Focus-N-Fly program. O’Brien attributes that program with giving him valuable suggestions such as pacing to improve his time along with a coach’s motivational comments. “It’s like someone is there pushing me to get out of bed and keep me moving” at 4:30 a.m., the intrepid runner said.

A month after enrolling in the training program, he ran the Long Beach, Calif., half-marathon posting a time of 1:29:00. Four months later, O’Brien’s running time was 1:26:00 for the 13.1 mile course during February’s Surf City half-marathon in Huntington Beach, Calif. He finished 21st out of 645 runners in the competitive 30 to 34 age bracket and 85th overall in a field of approximately 11,000 runners.

O’Brien attributes trimming three minutes off is running time to the on-line training program, a fact he repeats several times. “It’s kind of addicting to see how far you can push yourself to see what you can reach in the next race,” O’Brien said with a smile on his face. The humble and shy O’Brien is training for July’s San Francisco half-marathon where he hopes to cut an additional three minutes off his time to qualify for the New York City Marathon in 2011.

At the conclusion of that half-marathon he receives a plaque and coat for finishing the three races in the ”California Dreaming” series. “A year ago, if you had asked me if I was even thinking of trying to qualify for New York or potentially Boston (marathon) I would never guess that,” he said. “Just seeing how well I’ve done in the last few races (Huntington and Long Beach) is a big change,” O’Brien said.

Boston the granddaddy and most prestigious of all marathons, is “full of Olympians and elite runners and you wouldn’t even think about running in that race,” he said reflectively. O’Brien “uses races to keep me focused on running because it gives me a goal to get up (at 4:30 a.m.) in the morning.” He is considering the Portland or Sacramentomarathons next fall or early winter. The on-line training program suggests frequently changing training schedule distances to maximize his two-work day and one long weekend runs. He spends one weekday on his track routine of running intervals, which are short hard efforts, and tempos, which mixes his running pace. Both are key tactics to a runner’s competitive success.“He isn’t a lazy trainer and he isn’t super indulgent after a race, which makes him kind of weird and kind of irritating. He is a pretty level guy,” his wife laughingly said.

O’Brien’s favorite route is the 10.1 mile run from his home, located on Highway 299 in Fall River Mills, to McArthur down the hill and across the Pit River on Jim Day Road to Dee Knoch Road to Fall River Mills and home. “It’s a pretty route and you get some elevation change,” he commented. During the winter, O’Brien usually runson his treadmill while watching son, Emmett, 4, and daughter, Sophia, 2, in the large playroom containing toysfor both Dad and the children. The two motivate him to run so “as these guys get older I wanted to make sure I had the energy to keep up with them.” He said they are his main focus and always in his memory. The runner’s early morning training schedule enables him to spend evening time with his family. 

Georgia said all the family receives a fun benefit from his racing because they travel with her husband to competitions. Her brother, sister and mother sometimes participate with him in races. Georgia’s siblings were motivated to run by Kevin. “It wouldn’t be their first choice,” she said. A substitute elementary school teacher, Georgia said, “ It’s important for our kids to grow up hearing about this. For them to hear us talking about his exercise routine or eating healthy.”

O’Brien’s diet has not radically changed. He eats better “but we haven’t gone overboard and cut out certain foods altogether. I try to keep that part of me regular,” he said. His supportive wife said, “The thing I love about this so much is it’s his, entirely his and his success is entirely under his own steam. He’s found notoriety, he’s found success. People are taking notice and given reason to cheer him on.”

Written By Bill Campbell of The Intermountain News

To see this article visit the Intermountain News   

McArthur Farm Supply ~ Kevin O’Brien featured in Runner’s World  magazine ~ McArthur, Ca

All of McArthur Farm Supply is cheering Kevin on and are so proud of his accomplishments. Our diverse group helps to make this company more than a job it is a family that is there to support each one of our team members in what ever they aspire to do.

We will keep you updated on Kevin’s running and wish him all the best!

McArthur Farm Supply ~ Kevin O’Brien featured in Runner’s World  magazine ~ McArthur, Ca

McArthur Farm Supply is a family owned business in Northern California that was established in the late 1800′s, John McArthur, the founding father of the town of McArthur, started our family-owned business as a dried goods business – the John McArthur Mercantile.

 In 1963, John and Shirley McArthur, grandson of the original John McArthur, started the McArthur Farm Supply out of their barn and began serving the needs of the farm and ranching community.

Since 1991, the McArthur Farm Supply, Inc. is owned by George and Chris McArthur, son of John and Shirley. George and Chris have two sons. John is at the US Naval Academy, and Scott is attending George Fox University.

This Northern California business is one that prides itself on the ability to give great service while still providing the home town feel. McArthur Farm Supply and it’s staff are extremely active in the community and realize that none of it would be possible with out the great customers of McArthur Farm Supply.

Northern California Farm Supply ~ McArthur Farm Supply ~ McArthur, Ca

To learn more about this store and family please visit www.northerncaliforniafarmsupply.com

Take the time to stop by if you are ever in McArthur, California!

 Northern California Farm Supply ~ McArthur Farm Supply ~ McArthur, Ca

Every year we host an annual winter agriculture meeting with the UC Cooperative Extension for all of our local growers to bring them the latest news and education in the agriculture industry.

In the recent past we have begun to expand our meeting to include a trade show that will allow our vendors the opportunity to be placed in front of our growers and provide them with their latest products and information.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in our winter meeting that will take place at the Jennifer Skuce Pavilion at the Intermountain fairgrounds, Wednesday, January 20, 2010 the doors open at 8:00 a.m. At that point growers will be able to roam through the building in between guest speakers, breaks and at lunch. At 3:00 p.m. all growers will be dismissed to the Pavilion for the trade show and social hour.

Winter Agriculture Meeting ~ McArthur, Ca

The schedule is as follows:

7:30 a.m. – Update your Restricted Material’s Permit – Shasta, Lassen, and Modoc Counties. (Test can be taken throughout the day)

7:30 a.m. – Agriculture Commissioners Update/Weed Management Area Updates

Shasta County – Mary Pfeiffer
Lassen County – Joe Donnelly
Modoc County – Joe Moreo

9:00 a.m. – Let’s predict when it’s going to rain
                        Cynthia Palmer, Forecaster,  National Weather Service, Sacramento, Ca  

9:45 a.m. – Break

10:15 – Accessing Critical Information Quickly – Now and in the future - Bob Sams, Director, UC Communication Services, Davis, Ca

11:00 a.m. – The top ten secrets to successfully compete in the Global Economy - Dan Summer, Director, UC Agriculture Issues Center

11:45 a.m. – Impacts of the 4-H Youth Development Program in Shasta and Trinity Co. Larry Forero, Livestock Farm Advisor

12:00 p.m. – Lunch speaker: Cattle, Greenhouse Gases and Smog - Frank Mitloehner, Air Quality Specialist, Dept. of Animal Science, UC Davis

1:30 p.m. – ATV Safety – Lee’s Honda, Redding Ca

Livestock – Jennifer Skuce Pavilion

• Pasture Aeration – Is it Effective? Larry Forero
• Choosing the correct Antibiotic – John Maas, Larry Forero and Tom Vestal

Cropping – Jennifer Skuce Pavilion

• Reducing input costs to increase profits from hay production – Steve Orloff
• Equipment Walk Through – Dan Marcum, Steve Orloff and Jerry Duerre

Adjourn to Trade Show and Social Hour at 3:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there!

In a time when it seems like support for America and their troops is not what it should be we encourage you to please view this video of the Academy Choir sing the United States of America national anthem and hope that it will restore your support of the greatest country on earth! 

It is of the combined Glee Clubs from all four service academies along with the Army Herald Trumpets performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXIX in 2004.

Academy Choir sing the National Anthem

Thank you to all that support the troops!

God Bless the United States of America!

God Bless the United States of America!

We are sad to say that the Burney McArthur Farm Supply will be closing it’s doors on February 1, 2010.

Due to the slower economic times and a restructuring/remodel at the McArthur store we have decided to close the Burney store and expand the McArthur location. We are very excited that our store has outgrown our current facilities in McArthur and in the recent future we will be constructing additional square footage to the current building.

This expansion will provide more room for merchandise and products to serve you better. In addition to expanding the retail space we will be including a remodel and expansion of our office space to give our staff extra breathing room and comfort.

 While we are sad to leave the Burney community we still offer all the great services in McArthur that we did in Burney and hope that all will continue to get  their farming and ranching needs at a store that appreciates their customers. 

McArthur Farm Supply store in Burney, Ca is closing up shop!

From now until all the inventory is gone, all merchandise at the Burney store is 60% off so stop by and load up!  

We would like to thank all that helped make the Burney store a great place to shop and asset to the community. Thank you again, for your past patronage of the Burney store. McArthur Farm Supply looks forward to continue meeting your farming and ranching needs at our main store in McArthur. 

Don’t Forget:

From now until all the inventory is gone, all merchandise at the Burney store is 60% off so stop by and load up! 

McArthur Farm Supply store in Burney, Ca is closing up shop!

Anything can happen out west, have fun on the green!

It is once again time for McArthur Farm Supply to say “thank you” to all of our vendor, growers, and employee’s by inviting them for our 13Th annual McArthur Farm Supply Golf Classic invitation only golf tournament. The event will be held Thursday, September 17th at Fall River Valley Golf  and Country Club 

Check-in is at 8:00 a.m. and for a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.

The format is a four person scramble, and McArthur Farm Supply will be responsible for putting the teams together.

Immediately following the golf tournament, there will be a vendor/grower appreciation BBQ hosted by George and Chris McArthur at their home. This event has been fun, informative and a great opportunity to build relationships.

We would like to thank the following sponsors:

Agrium
Ariat
Anderson Hay & Grain Co, Inc
Baicor
Big W Sales
Chuck Jones Flying Service
Fort Dodge Animal Health
Helena Chemical
IRM-International Raw Materials
Monterey Ag Resources
Pacific Coast Resources
Panhandle Slim
PBM Supply
Poly Excel
Pro Partners Financial
Redding Freightliner
RT Trucking
Simplot
Taurus Salt
VSI-Veterinary Service Inc.

Our company enjoys holding events that not only show our appreciation forthe people we work with but also an event where we can interact and get to know the businesses and people that make McArthur Farm Supply what it is. For more information on the event please contact Maria Sanchez at (530) 336-6133 or e-mail her at mfsmaria@frontiernet.net or go to McArthur Farm Supply

McArthur Farm Supply Golf Classic ~ McArthur, Ca ~ Fall River Valley Golf and County Club

For more information on McArthur Farm Supply visit our webite!

MFS Website

McArthur Farm Supply Golf Classic ~ McArthur, Ca ~ Fall River Valley Golf and County Club