Bluestem Farm and Ranch is one of my favorite plac...

Bluestem Farm and Ranch is one of my favorite places because it has far and away the largest inventory of hardware and so much more. Horn importantly, the people who work there are highly knowledgeable and extremely friendly.

For example, Charles Dunn is a former tool and die maker and former automotive instructor. He has more depth and breadth of knowledge about all things mechanical than almost anybody I know. He listens and comes up with creative solutions. Charles is just one example. The people who work in other departments know their products and how they work.

As an economist, I am not always after the lowest prices; instead, I am after the greatest value. Bluestem prices are relatively low and the quality of their products is usually rather high.

I like the way they sell nuts and bolts by the pound and they have different grades of these. Customer sir welcome to serve themselves and there are plenty people to help if need be.

They have a shop and do good work. From repairing lawn tractors and other yard equipment to repairing tires I have found them to be honest, professional, and reasonable.

Have a wide selection of clothing, boots, gloves, and more. Periodically some of these things go on sale.

It is a pet friendly environment and common to see owners bring their dogs into the store. They have free coffee and soda pop is just $0.35. Saturdays they have free popcorn.

I believe their hours of operation are open 7:00 to 8:30 pm Monday through Friday and they close at 5:30 on Saturday. Bluestem is not open on Sunday.

A quick glance at the parking lot (i.e., license plates) suggests people come from all around to go to Bluestem. I've been in similar places all across the United States and this is far and away my favorite.