About Burget Mill
For over 100 years, Burget Mill has been a landmark in the Altoona community and a dependable source for pet food, livestock feed, bird seed, bedding, straw, grass seed, and lawn fertilizer.
Burget Mill has been owned and operated by the Burget family since 1896. George Burget and his partner, Charles Chase, began a milling business in 1890. Six years later, George bought out his partner and became the sole owner of Burget Mill. In the earliest days, the mill operated with a grist stone powered by horses, before electricity was even available.
The mill was first located at George's home, where the first permanent building was built in 1923. As the business expanded, a new building was constructed in 1930 and then moved in 1938 to 106 1st Avenue South in Altoona. Additional growth followed, including a warehouse added in 1972. In 1983, Burget Mill purchased the neighboring building at 200 1st Ave South, moving the main office and showroom there while milling operations remained in the original building. In 2003, milling operations also moved to the current location.
The Early Years
George Burget and his partner Charles Chase started the milling business in 1890. George became sole owner in 1896. Pictured here: Bob Burget as a child in front of the original mill building, carrying on a tradition that began with his grandfather.
Corn Shelling at the Mill
Corn shelling was one of the mill's core services — farmers brought their harvested corn to be processed into feed. Here, trucks line up at the mill as the shelling equipment strips kernels from dried cobs and augers them into storage.
Growing With Altoona
By the late 1950s, Burget Mill was an established Hubbard Sunshine feed dealer. The mill had moved to 106 1st Avenue South in 1938 and continued to grow alongside the community.
The Kent Feeds Era
By the late 1960s, Burget Mill was a Kent Feeds dealer with a growing delivery fleet. The trucks — proudly lettered "Burget Mill, Altoona, Iowa" — carried feed to farms across Central Iowa.
Bob & Tim Burget
Bob Burget (3rd generation) and his son Tim inside the mill. Tim started working at the mill at age 14, learning the business from the ground up. The Kent Feeds sign and chalkboard price list capture a working feed store in its element.
A New Home at 200 1st Ave
In 1983, Burget Mill purchased the building at 200 1st Ave South and moved the main office and showroom there. By the late 1990s, Tim Burget had become the owner, carrying on the family tradition as a Kent Feeds dealer.
The Full Operation
A wider view of the Burget Mill property shows the main building, warehouse, and grain storage silos — a full-service feed operation serving Central Iowa farmers, ranchers, and pet owners.
Est. 1896 — Still Going Strong
Brant Anderson, Tim's son-in-law, began working at the mill part time in 2003 and came on full time in 2019 as the fifth generation. The updated building proudly displays "Burget Mill, Inc. Est. 1896" with the Altoona water tower standing behind it.
A Bird’s Eye View
An aerial view of the Burget Mill property — the main building, warehouse, and operations that have grown from a single grist stone powered by horses to a full-service feed operation.
Five Generations Strong
The Burget family in front of the Burget Mill truck — "Caring for your animals since 1896." Five generations later, the same family commitment to Altoona and Central Iowa continues.
We Have the Next Generation!
These three are already learning the ropes — and looking the part in bird seed bag aprons. The future of Burget Mill is in good hands.
After George Burget passed away in 1935, his son Ray Burget became owner of the mill. During that era, the Fort Des Moines Cavalry Post was Burget Mill's largest customer.
In 1946, Ray's son Robert Burget started working at the mill and eventually became full owner by 1972. Robert's son, Tim Burget, started working at the mill at age 14, learning the business from the ground up. Tim became the owner in the late 1990s. Tim's son-in-law, Brant Anderson, started working at the mill part time in 2003 and came on full time in 2019, representing the fifth generation at Burget Mill.
1st & 2nd Generation
Founding Generations
George and Ray Burget built the foundation.
3rd & 4th Generation
Bob & Tim Burget
Bob and Tim inside the mill, early 1970s.
5th Generation
Five Generations Strong
The family continues the legacy today.
Burget Mill and its owners have been very active in the community they have served for the last 130 years. Robert Burget served on the Altoona City Council. Tim and his wife Diane are founding members of the Altoona Area Historical Society, and Tim served as the Mayor of Altoona for twenty-four years after serving on the Altoona City Council.
Burget Mill is also a member of the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce and the Olde Town Business Association. The State of Iowa recognized Burget Mill in 2002 as a Century Business.
Burget Mill's ability to provide excellent customer service, adapting to their needs and priorities over the years, all while remaining a family owned and operated business has set them apart and allowed them to grow and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Tim and Diane Burget receiving the Century Business of Iowa award in 2002, recognizing Burget Mill for supporting Iowa communities and contributing to the economy for over 100 years.