Rep. Van Orden Tours ARA Member Facility Van Diest Supply Co.

SPARTA, Wis. – U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) recently toured Van Diest Supply Company’s facility in Sparta, Wisconsin, as part of the Agricultural Retailers Association’s (ARA) coordination of congressional facility visits for ARA members during congressional recess periods.

“Family-owned businesses like Van Diest Supply Co. are what help keep our farms operational,” said Rep. Van Orden. “Our farmers must have the tools they need to feed the world, and it is critical we keep them supplied and supported to meet the demands of our markets. I thank Van Diest for all their great work in keeping Wisconsin and American agriculture strong.”

"We really appreciate the opportunity to meet with Congressman Van Orden to give some feedback and industry insight on the challenges the agriculture industry is working through right now," said Matt Meade, the Wisconsin Ag Area Manager for Van Diest Supply Co. "The future is sure to bring our industry more opportunities, as well as new challenges. The Agricultural Retailers Association was pivotal in getting our chance to share our thoughts." 

Van Diest's Sparta facility operates in the wholesale distribution segment of the agricultural inputs market, serving Wisconsin and Minnesota. They work closely with agricultural retailers to provide excellent service in this seasonally demanding industry. They have two full-time drivers, as well as two staff members who run the warehouse. The Van Diest Supply Company team puts in a tremendous amount of miles across Wisconsin in an effort to make sure their customers are well-supplied with products and well-informed of changing market conditions.

"As the unified voice of ag retailers in Washington and across the country, ARA is proud to help connect our members with their elected officials. Congressional facility visits, such as the one hosted by Jake Van Diest and the Van Diest Supply Co. team with Rep. Van Orden, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, put a local face on our industry. Strengthening these relationships is central to ARA's advocacy mission, and each visit is a meaningful win," said Hunter Carpenter, ARA's Senior Director of Public Policy.

Learn more about Van Diest Supply Co. here.

Learn more about ARA here.