In the 1950's, the company grew rapidly along with the growing Thoroughbred industry and economy of north Florida. What started out as distributing feed and supplies to this expanding market soon became much more than a trend. At the request of the owners of Thoroughbred horse farms sprouting throughout Marion County, the company built its first feed mill in 1967 and began processing and manufacturing horse feed in January 1968.

The company provided more services to the top Thoroughbred farms, implemented a program of ongoing equine nutrition research and identified a unique role of industry support. These business practices, along with a high level of service and quality, established Seminole as a recognized leader with major breeding farms as well as with pleasure horse owners throughout the Southeast.

Seminole built its reputation by anticipating the needs of all types of horse owners, and now is a leading supplier of feed and nutrition planning to the Kentucky Derby, Horse of the Year, Broodmare of the Year, and Eclipse Award winners.

Seminole Today
In addition to its plant in Ocala, Seminole operates three company-owned retail outlets called "Seminole Stores," in Marion County. It also distributes horse feed products through a growing network of more than 150 independent dealers throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama.

The feed mill division of Seminole has been recognized by its industry peers as one of the top mills in the U.S. The honor, awarded by the American Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) and Feed Management magazine, is based on "demonstrating execution of sale and efficient production techniques, while at the same time promoting harmony within the mill and the community."

Seminole has grown steadily under the leadership of its owners - O.C. Branch and his son, Greg Branch. O.C. Branch has been involved in the business since its early days as a retail outlet. For his leadership role in expanding the business, Mr. Branch was recognized by former president Ronald Reagan, and named first runner up in the national Small Business Person of the Year in the 1980's. Greg Branch joined Seminole in 1973 after graduating from the University of Florida and serving as a captain in the U.S. Army. He currently serves as President of Branch Properties, Inc., the parent company for Seminole Feed, Seminole Stores, and Branch Brokerage.

Nutrition Research
Seminole works closely with horse owners to customize nutrition programs for individual horses. Through its own feeding trials, the company is active in equine nutrition research, in addition to working in cooperation with the University of Florida Animal Science Department. Dr. Edgar Ott, Chairman of the Equine Committee for the National Research Council consults regularly with Seminole's on-staff nutrition specialists.

Industry Support
Seminole actively supports youth programs, community programs and horse industry activities. The company maintains ongoing cooperative programs with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H Programs in the south east and the University of Florida educational system. These activities take the form of everything from show sponsorships to speaker forums to lab analysis work.

Through its president Greg Branch, Seminole is also active in a number of professional organizations including the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder's Association, Future Farmers of Florida Foundation and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA). Greg currently serves on the Executive committee of AFIA.