“The rural lifestyle is a choice and we are here to support that choice, as we live it ourselves,” said owner of Baker Farm and Country Store owner Tony Happel. “We saw a need for a wide range of quality products, from apparel to gifts and feed to seed, in the Baker area.”

Previously, northern Okaloosa residents would either need to visit a chain retailer or order online to get Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, American made horse tack or specialty feeds.

“We have sourced our products to be competitive with the large box stores, yet we offer the small town service our customers expect,” said Baker Feed and Country Store manager Jennifer Augustine.

Looking for a unique, locally made gift? They have those too. Rocking chairs, carpenter bee traps and jewelry are just a handful of the handmade items you’ll find on the shelves.

And with a combined 30 years of experience in farming and agribusiness, Happel and Augustine are equipped to answer questions related to animal nutrition, pasture maintenance and lawn care.

Want to check out Baker Feed and Country Store for yourself? You can find them on the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Highway 4 in Baker, or on the web at www.bakerfeedandcountrystore.com.

North Okaloosa County has always had its feed and farm needs. What it hasn't had is a store close to home that carries all of it: feed and seed, boots and jeans, horse tack, and a few things made by local hands. That's the store we set out to build here on Highway 4.

Here is the story as it ran.

Baker store serves those living ‘the rural lifestyle’

Special to the News Bulletin

BAKER -- A new business aims to make life easier for North Okaloosa County residents.

“The rural lifestyle is a choice, and we are here to support that choice, as we live it ourselves,” Baker Feed and Country Store owner Tony Happel said. “We saw a need for a wide range of quality products, from apparel to gifts and feed to seed, in the Baker area.”

Baker area residents may have visited a chain retailer or ordered online to get Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, American-made horse tack or specialty feeds, the store’s management said.

Now, they have an option close to home.

“We have sourced our products to be competitive with the large-box stores, yet we offer the small-town service our customers expect,” said Jennifer Augustine, the store’s manager.

Looking for a unique, locally made gift? They have those, too. Rocking chairs, carpenter bee traps and jewelry are just some of the handmade items you’ll find on the shelves.

With a combined 35 years’ experience in farming and agribusiness, Happel and Augustine can answer questions related to animal nutrition, pasture maintenance and lawn care.

ONLINE: See www.bakerfeedandcountrystore.com for more information about one of North Okaloosa County’s newest businesses.

Photos special to the News Bulletin. Caption: Baker Feed and Country Store manager Jennifer Augustine and owner Tony Happel relax in rocking chairs available for purchase. The store is located at 5791 U.S. Highway 4. Handmade gifts, clothing, boots and specialty feeds are part of its inventory.

The rocking chairs in the photo are for sale, so if you like the look of them, come sit in one first.

Tony and Jennifer will tell you straight what we carry and what we don't. If something you need isn't on the shelf, tell us. That's how a store like this gets it right.

Find us at 5791 U.S. Highway 4 in Baker.