Business feature: Farmer finds stability with company

Eldon Merrick was a farmer before he decided he needed to find something different to provide for his family.

The answer for him was feed processor J.D. Heiskell & Co., where he is now plant manager.

“I couldn’t sustain a good living for my family so I tried to get into something else that is a little more consistent,” Merrick said. “In farming you had years where you did well or lost your tail.”

As a farmer, Merrick grew milo, cotton and wheat while raising cattle. Merrick was born and raised in Causey.

Merrick oversees the operations of the plant. Merrick said they try to make sure they provide the right feed, at the right place, and right time. It’s also the company motto.

“We follow that and try to get a good product to the local dairymen and watch everything as it goes in and comes out,” Merrick said.

Merrick said he also works with employees to plan out the day to see what they can do for the day.

J.D. Heiskell & Holdings LLC steam flakes corn, grain, milo, barley to make into feed and bring in different commodities.

He graduated from Dora High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University for one semester before deciding college wasn't for him.

“I was a farmer for 22 years and got out of the business to come up here,” Merrick said. “I did some work with heating, air conditioning and electrical before taking the job at J.D. Heiskell.”

In his spare time, Merrick spends time with his family and plays a little golf. Merrick said while he likes golf, it doesn’t like him.

He has been married to wife, Lisa for 25 years and they have two daughters, Kendra and Kelli.