Over a Century of Service, Growth, and Community Commitment
Belle Mead Co-Op has been a cornerstone of the community for over 100 years.
While today we welcome everyone—homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and pet owners alike—our story began long before we became the trusted resource we are today.
From hay presses powered by horses to a thriving landscape supply center, our history is one of resilience, adaptation, and service to our neighbors.
Before it became the Belle Mead Co-Op, the business was known simply as “The Club.” At the turn of the century, the large barn in front of our current store operated as a hay press, powered by horses in the cellar. Farmers would bring loose hay here to be pressed into bales and loaded onto railroad cars.
The railroad sidings played a key role in shaping our property’s unique layout. Trains would stop here to load up on coal and water, then continue north with hay for horse farms.
In 1920, the Belle Mead Co-Op was officially incorporated, marking the beginning of its long-standing presence in the community.
Recognizing the need for additional space, the Co-Op expanded in the late 1990s.
For much of its history, the Belle Mead Co-Op operated under the Farmers Cooperative Act of 1920. However, as the store became open to the public, it was no longer feasible to distribute dividends to patrons.
Belle Mead Co-Op has evolved over the years but remains dedicated to serving the community.
Belle Mead Co-Op has grown and adapted to meet the needs of Hillsborough and surrounding towns for over 100 years. From our agricultural roots to becoming a trusted resource for home, farm, and landscape supplies, our mission remains the same: serving our neighbors with quality products and knowledgeable service.
Have questions? Stop by 100 Township Line Rd, Hillsborough, NJ or call us at (908) 359-5173—we’d love to share more about our history and what we offer today!
We’ve been serving the community for over 100 years! The Co-Op was officially incorporated in 1920, though its roots go back even further.
No, originally it was a farmers’ cooperative, serving only local farmers. Over time, we expanded to welcome homeowners, gardeners, pet owners, and the general public.
Before 1920, it was known as “The Club” and operated as a hay press facility where farmers would bring loose hay to be baled and loaded onto railroad cars.
The large barn in front of the store was built at the turn of the 20th century and originally functioned as a hay press. Today, it proudly displays 84 solar panels, helping to power the business.
In 2001, the store transitioned to an LLC because, as a cooperative, it had to distribute dividends to all its patrons. Since the Co-Op had become profitable and was open to the public, the LLC structure made more sense for long-term sustainability.
Yes! We continue to source hay, straw, corn, oats, wheat, firewood, farm-fresh eggs, and honey from local farms, maintaining strong ties to the farming community.
Belle Mead Co-Op has grown into a full-service farm, home, and garden center, offering:
Stop by Belle Mead Co-Op for all your gardening, landscaping, farming, and pet needs. We’re conveniently located in Hillsborough, NJ, and are ready to serve you!
Have a question or suggestion? You can call us, email us, or use this form to reach us.
