Yell County Gin Co. was established in 1947 as a cotton gin in Dardanelle, Arkansas, serving the agricultural needs of the Arkansas River Valley. Over the years, the business changed ownership several times before being purchased in 1966 by Delma Merritt, a move that would shape the company’s future for decades to come.

Under Delma’s leadership, Yell County Gin Co. expanded beyond cotton ginning into a full farm supply operation. The business began offering feed, seed, fertilizer, and a wide range of other agricultural products to better serve local farmers and land managers. As the cotton industry in the surrounding area began to decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Delma recognized the need to adapt.

In response, he expanded the company’s focus to include farm equipment, beginning with the buying and selling of used tractors. In 1971, Yell County Gin Co. partnered with Deutz Tractors, marking its first official tractor line. The success of Deutz soon led to another opportunity, and in 1975 the Gin became a dealer for Kubota Tractor Corporation—at the time, a relatively unknown brand offering only four tractor models.

By 1976, cotton ginning operations officially ended as cotton production moved out of western Arkansas. However, by then, Delma and his son David had successfully grown two emerging tractor brands into well-recognized names throughout the Arkansas River Valley.

The 1980s brought new challenges. In 1983, David left to open his own tractor dealership in a nearby town. By 1990, Delma began considering retirement and ultimately stepped away from the tractor lines he had worked so hard to establish. That retirement, however, lasted just two days. Deciding that work was still in his blood, Delma returned to Yell County Gin Co., continuing to buy and sell used tractors for another 14 years.

By 2004, David recognized that his father, Delma, had no plans to slow down—even at 80 years old. David returned to Yell County Gin Co. with one condition: the business would once again carry a new tractor line. Together, David and Delma quickly identified Mahindra Tractors as a strong value in the marketplace and a natural fit for their customers.

With this new partnership—and a combined experience of more than 60 years in the tractor industry—it was clear that Mahindra and Yell County Gin Co. were a winning combination. Today, Yell County Gin Co. is proud to be the oldest operational Mahindra tractor dealer in Arkansas. Continuing to expand the product offering, David also added Bobcat zero-turn mowers to the lineup in 2008.

In December 2013, a third generation joined the business when David’s son, Dylan, came on board after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of the Ozarks. With Dylan’s involvement came continued growth and modernization, including the addition of new product lines such as Bobcat Mowers, Hustler Mowers, Cub-Cadet, DeWalt, Ironcraft Implements, and more.

As the company evolved, so did its customer base. Yell County Gin Co. began serving online shoppers and expanding beyond the local area, reaching customers in surrounding and outlying states. Despite this growth, one thing has remained unchanged: a commitment to excellent, unmatched customer service. That dedication extends both before and after the sale, for every customer—local or long-distance alike.

If you’re in the market for a new tractor, trailer, or outdoor power equipment, Yell County Gin Co. is here to help. Give us a call and let our team provide honest advice and dependable service to guide your next purchase.