The cattle market isn’t painting a pretty picture right now. Markets, environmental challenges and a pandemic are making producers reevaluate their spending. Producers are pinching pennies, but the one area we don’t want them to sacrifice is the health of their herd. That’s why BioZyme® created the VitaFerm® Conserve™ line of mineral products.
VitaFerm Conserve was created as an economical vitamin and mineral supplement for beef cattle that supports the health and condition of the whole herd. This supplement is the ideal way for your customers’ cattle to receive the nutrients they need along with the Amaferm® advantage.
“I encourage my dealers to position the VitaFerm Conserve as a price-point mineral or a way to get their foot in the door with a new customer,” said Brett Tostenson, Area Sales Manager for South Dakota and Eastern North Dakota. “In my area, producers want to know their per head per day cost, and with roughly 11 cents per cow per day to feed Conserve with Amaferm in it, it is easy to market that.”
Tostenson said he’s been marketing and seeing his dealers sell quite a bit of the VitaFerm Conserve Garlic. He encourages that formula, especially for new customers because they see results fast.
“People want a quick reaction. Within a week to 10 days, the producers can see the garlic is helping control flies in their herd all while getting some baseline nutrients,” he said.
With a price point comparable to other nutrition programs, he is encouraged by the reaction he and his dealers have seen since the product’s launch. He sees the potential for selling even more once temperatures cool and end-users stop using the VitaFerm HEAT® mineral and before they move into their premium mineral option ofVitaFerm Concept•Aid®.
“For about 120 days or so, between HEAT season and late spring calving, ranchers will be able to feed the Conserve mineral. They can cut their supplement costs while still having their cows on a good plane of nutrition,” Tostenson said.
He also said he’s seen some new, younger customers order multiple pallets of Conserve because they realize the value of a good nutrition program but have to watch their expenses. He hopes these customers will see the value of Amaferm in the mineral, and when calving time comes, ask their dealer about a premium product.
Finally, Tostenson suggests that dealers use their own knowledge of their existing customer base to determine the right customers to position VitaFerm Conserve to. He said most seedstock producers are hooked on the Concept•Aid and HEAT program, so marketing the Conserve line to commercial producers and new customers is often a good step. Building on current relationships and knowing your customers’ needs is key because at the end of the day, “people want to buy from people,” he said.
Saving money during uncertain times is often the key to survival. Position the VitaFerm Conserve as a way for your customers to conserve spending without sacrificing health and performance in their herd. Help your customers save some money and watch your business grow.