Midway Farm Equipment: A Local Partnership Growing Strong in Mountain Lake

Midway Farm Equipment: A Local Partnership Growing Strong in Mountain Lake

Midway Farm Equipment, Inc. in Mountain Lake, MN, has deep agricultural roots and a strong commitment to serving farmers across Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Established in 1932 by Clarence and Henry Penner as Penner Implement, the business began as an Allis Chalmers dealership and has grown steadily through various ownerships and name changes. Since 2022, Midway has been locally owned and operated by longtime employees and now co-owners, including Mike Pidde and Kyle Smith, who serve as the general manager and first joined the company in 2003 straight out of college.

Together, Kyle and Mike bring decades of hands-on experience and leadership to Midway Farm Equipment, continuing the tradition of dependable service and innovation that has defined the business for more than 90 years.

“We’re proud to be locally owned and operated,” said Smith. “We saw a need in the area—not just for sales, but for reliable parts and service—and we wanted to fill that gap. We’ve worked hard to create a business where people know they’ll be taken care of.”

With a focus on both new and used agricultural equipment—including tractors, combines, tillage tools, lawn mowers, and more—Midway Farm Equipment also offers full-service repair for nearly all brands. It’s this combination of variety, legacy, and service that has helped the business grow steadily and maintain a loyal customer base throughout the Upper Midwest.

That ongoing growth recently led the owners to pursue an expansion of their facility. In order to better serve their clientele, they needed to upgrade and enlarge their parts department and add more space for equipment service. Like many small businesses, they faced challenges in securing traditional financing for such improvements.

That’s when Kyle turned to the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) to explore financing options through its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), a program designed to support business expansion, job creation, and long-term economic vitality in the region.

“The RLF gave us an opportunity to do something we probably wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise,” Kyle explained. “It helped us move forward with our expansion without putting our day-to-day operations at risk.”

The funding allowed Midway to invest in much-needed building improvements, expand inventory, and reorganize its growing parts department—critical upgrades that help them serve customers more efficiently.

“With the support from SRDC, we’re now positioned to take care of our customers more effectively,” Kyle said. “Whether they’re farmers in the middle of harvest or folks needing lawn mower parts on a Saturday morning, they can count on us to be here, ready to help.”

Looking ahead, Kyle and Mike are optimistic about the future of their business. As demand for quality equipment and service continues to rise, so does their dedication to keeping Midway rooted in community values and agricultural heritage.

“We’re not just a dealership—we’re part of this community,” Kyle said. “Our customers are our neighbors, our friends, and in many cases, our family. That means something to us.”

Thanks to vision, hard work, and strategic support from SRDC’s Revolving Loan Fund, Midway Farm Equipment is thriving—and continuing to put people and progress first.

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