8:30am Monday 6th July 2009
By Liz Watkins
WHEN Ron Jones opened a chemist shop in Hay-on- Wy nearly 50 years ago, he went out into the street to advise some of his clients.
They were asking about farm animals, brought in by tractor and trailer by their owners so he could “take a look” at them.
Fortunately, he had a wonderful array of potions to dispense and many sickly animals were soon on the road to recovery.
Keenly interested in animal health and welfare, Ron decided to expand the business and set up a separate animal pharmacy to cater for the needs of farm stock, horses and pets in Herefordshire and border areas.
R M Jones has continued to grow over the years, along the way branching out into the arable side of farming, advising farmers on healthy crops and supplying the products to help them.
As well as centres in Hayon- Wye, R M Jones now has businesses in Abergavenny and in the Cattle Market in Hereford and the familyowned business is going from strength to strength.
Managing director Rod Jones took over running the business after his father’s death in 1986. A qualified pharmacist and agronomist, he is proud of the business that now looks after the interests of people, animals and crops.
“When my father established R M Jones all those years ago, he wanted to provide a service for the local community,” said Rod.
It has resulted in the company building up long-lasting relationships with farmers and horse and pet owners over a large area.
Latest recruit to the company is agronomist Paul Fisher, aged 49, who has been working in East Anglia for 20 years. Rod said his appointment would strengthen the firm’s credentials in delivering first class advice and support in all aspects of crop production.
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