Who we are
The Nobleton Feed Mill owes its beginnings and longtime reputation for excellence to Alf Budweth Sr. and its continued success to “the Budweth boys”, David and Alf Jr., who work together to keep the family business thriving and growing.

Alf Budweth Jr., graduated from the University of Guelph with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture in 1990. At that time he returned to the family’s business at Nobleton Feed Mill, while continuing his education on a part time basis. In 2003 he completed his Bachelor of Science and brought that additional expertise and knowledge to the family business. Based on his growing reputation as an equine consultant, Alf is often called upon to be a guest speaker by the University of Guelph. He is also a regular guest lecturer for the Equine Science Certificate program – the first Canadian program of its kind to be offered online. When called upon, Alf also serves as an educational resource to the Tottenham Equestrians, a local club that organizes and runs horse shows for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

David Budweth began his career with Nobleton Feed Mill at a young age. Gaining a wealth of experience in the feed business, David began honing his skills even further by studying business at York University. His organizational expertise and prowess have served the business well leading to the expansion with Budson Farm and Feed Company. Although Alf, is often the face of both Budson and Nobleton, David is a steadfast man behind-the-scenes, ensuring operations run smoothly. He brings a diligent dedication to the family business.

The Nobleton Feed Mill is well recognized in the community and also stands tall. Throughout its long and reputable history, Nobleton Feed Mill Ltd. has earned many awards and supported many community causes and organizations. With the recent launch of the Budson Farm and Feed Company, the Budweth brothers continue to build on the reputation their family has earned over the years for exceptional quality, service, and customer care.

Today
When the Budweth family took over the Nobleton Feed Mill in 1978 there were few competitors targeting the rural consumer, and even fewer with specific expertise in horses. Things have changed dramatically since then. Now, this niche market is flooded with products, options and promises all of which make it difficult for the consumer to know what information to trust and what product will live up to its hype. In such a crowded marketplace, it is rare to find a company that has been rooted in the industry since the beginning and continues to live up to a reputation for excellence that has endured for over 25 years.

Today (continued…)
In many ways the Budweth brothers represent the future of this industry, with their expertise in scientifically formulated feeds, leading edge nutrition analysis, and sound business practices. Fortunately for their customers, they also represent the past. Both the Nobleton Feed Mill and the Budson Farm and Feed Company stand on a solid foundation of two generations worth of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality. To that strong foundation, the new generation of Budweths adds the latest in agricultural and equine education and a demonstrated understanding of customer service and good business sense.

Yesterday
In 1978 Alf Budweth Sr. saw an opportunity when John Sheardown, the owner of the Nobleton Feed Mill, announced his intention to retire. Alf was a farmer and one of John’s biggest customers. He knew what worked for people living in a rural environment and had some interesting new ideas about how the local feed mill might better serve the community – especially when it came to horses.

Originally established in 1945, the Nobleton Feed Mill serviced the local area livestock feed market. With the change in ownership in 1978 came some new ideas, including the addition of a specialized feed mixing facility. Here the Budweth’s began to manufacture custom equine feeds tailored to the specific nutritional needs of horses of various types and ages. Unlike many feed mills, Alf Sr. steered clear of added medications, drugs, hormones and animal by-products, and his specialized feeds soon gained a reputation for natural ingredients, quality and effectiveness.

Like most family run businesses, the Nobleton Feed Mill became the centre of the Budweth family. For Alf Sr., his four children (Christine, Darlene, David and Alf Jr.), and his wife Margaret, the mill was simply a part of life. For the boys, Alf Jr. and David, it gradually grew into a way of life. From the age of 9, Alf Jr. pitched in: sweeping floors, stocking shelves, doing whatever his dad and older brother Dave would let him do to help. He loved being there. In fact, for Alf Jr., being kept away from the feed mill felt like being punished!

Over the years, as the boys and the business grew together, David took responsibility for more of the operational side of things, while Alf Jr. became increasingly fascinated by the science behind the specialized feed formulas. When Alf Sr. decided to hang up his hat and retire, the boys were ready to take over. David’s practical experience in the mill was complemented by a university education reflecting his wide range of interests: from criminal psychology to marketing; from forensics to cost based accounting. While Alf Jr. added an Associate Diploma in Agriculture, followed by a BSc. in Agricultural Animal Science to the expertise offered by the Nobleton Feed Mill. Together, the Budweth brothers provide their customers with a mix of knowledge, experience and skill that they can’t get anywhere else.