Author: bzsuper

Six Tips How to Grow Your Business, Drive Customer Engagement 

In today’s competitive business environment, sales growth and customer engagement are more intertwined than ever. A successful strategy on how to grow your business focuses on converting leads into sales and building long-term relationships with customers.  

There are numerous livestock and animal vitamin and mineral supplements on the market. How do you distinguish yourself from the competition? Is it value for the product offered? Customer service? You want to remain competitive and still grow your business, regardless of whether you are selling BioZyme® products or hedge posts. 

We know that action equals growth. If you complete certain actions, you will grow sales, and increased sales typically lead to increased profitability. 

Our team has created this blog with 6 actionable pieces of advice to help your business increase sales and foster meaningful engagement with your audience.  

1. Prioritize Personalized Customer Experiences 

In the age of big data, customers expect businesses to offer personalized experiences. Tailoring product recommendations, promotions and communication to individual customer preferences can significantly boost sales.  

Use data from past purchases, browsing behavior and demographics to craft offers that resonate on a personal level. Personalization makes customers feel valued, which increases the likelihood of conversion and long-term loyalty. 

Business Tip 

Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) to manage your interactions with customers and potential customers. The goal of CRM is to improve relationships with customers to grow the business.  

CRM systems can:  

  • Unify data: Combine customer and company data from various sources  
  • Track interactions: Record interactions with customers, such as sales calls, customer service interactions, and marketing emails  
  • Improve efficiency: Streamline processes and help teams align their efforts  
  • Improve profitability: Help businesses stay connected to customers and improve profitability  
  • Improve customer retention: Help businesses identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities and address issues promptly  

BioZyme Tip 

One way to personalize your customers’ experience through the BioZyme Marketing Team is to participate in the quarterly mailers. For instance, this quarter we focused on the Four Sixes™ x VitaFerm® Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub. If you have beef-producing customers who need extra year-round protein supplementation, this would have been a great mailing to opt in for. All postcards are addressed directly to your customers and look like they come directly from you, not BioZyme! 

2. Leverage Social Proof to Build Trust 

Customers are more likely to engage with and purchase from businesses they trust. Social proof, in the form of reviews, testimonials and case studies, plays a critical role in building that trust. Showcasing how other customers have benefited from your products or services helps potential buyers feel more confident in making a purchase. 

Business Tip 

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and share testimonials. You can also collaborate with influencers or brand advocates to expand reach and credibility. 

BioZyme Tip 

Ask some well-known and respected customers to share their experiences with your products at a producer meeting. People buy from people. If one potential customer hears a testimonial that his/her neighbor has had exceptional conception rates using a product you sell, perhaps that will be just the encouragement to move that person from “potential” to “customer.” That is just one way how to grow your business!  

3. Optimize for Mobile Commerce 

With the majority of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices, businesses that fail to optimize for mobile are missing out on significant opportunities. Ensuring your website and online store are mobile-friendly isn’t just about aesthetics; it impacts sales and engagement directly. A seamless mobile experience is crucial for converting casual browsers into buyers. 

Some may argue that it isn’t necessary to have a mobile-friendly website for farmers and ranchers. However, studies report that 94% of agricultural producers use smartphones regularly. 

Business Tip  

Simplify the mobile shopping experience by improving page loading speed, offering easy navigation and integrating mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.  

BioZyme Tip 

Perhaps you don’t sell your products online. That’s okay. However, it is still important to have a website so your customers can find you! Include your contact information, address and hours of operation.  

Even if you don’t sell products online, it is still a great idea to list the products you do offer on your website. If your customer is in a rural area looking for a particular product, it will make the decision easier for them to come buy from you, if they see the product they desire on your website. 

4. Implement a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy 

Your customers are everywhere—on social media, checking emails, browsing websites, listening to the radio and reading publications. To maximize your sales potential, you need to meet them where they are. A multi-channel marketing strategy ensures you’re present on all relevant platforms, giving you multiple touchpoints to engage and convert customers. 

You have likely heard of the Marketing Rule of 7. This strategy is over 100 years old. It says that a person must be exposed to a message at least 7 times before they engage or make a purchase. But think about it – in the 1930s, the marketing channels were print and radio. Today, with so many mediums, a customer or potential customer needs to be exposed many more times. Most modern marketing research suggests it takes over 21 touches to have that same effect! That is why it is so vital to implement a multi-channel marketing plan as you determine how to grow your business.  

Business Tip 

Use email, social media, and SMS campaigns to nurture leads and promote special offers. Ensure consistent messaging across all channels to reinforce brand identity and trust. 

BioZyme Tip 

Rely on our Marketing Team to create ads—print, social, radio—that align with our national campaigns for each brand. If you are planning to promote DuraFerm® just before breeding season, we likely have some branded collateral ready. The same is true for every brand during each quarter. Reach out to your Area Sales Manager to find out how to use our marketing expertise to your advantage.  You can also submit a marketing request for customized social content by submitting a marketing request through the Online Dealer Center. 

5. Harness the Power of Data Analytics 

Businesses that understand their data can make informed decisions that drive growth. By tracking customer behavior, sales trends and engagement metrics, you can identify what works and where improvements are needed. Data analytics allows you to refine your sales funnel, improve conversion rates and enhance the overall customer experience.  

This is why we suggested the CRM software in our first bullet above.  

Business Tip 

When you invest in CRM software and other analytics tools, you can see just how powerful your marketing strategy truly is. You can use these tools to monitor your sales pipeline, customer interactions and marketing effectiveness. Additionally, your data analytics can help you determine which marketing spend leads to the most sales conversions and is a great way to plan for future marketing plans and budgets. 

BioZyme Tip 

Let our team at BioZyme help walk you through the analytics you’ve collected. Sometimes, a fresh perspective through a different set of eyes is what you need to fully appreciate where you’ve come and where you’re going. Lean into your ASM or call on the Marketing Team to help you analyze your data and plan the next steps of your marketing strategy. 

6. Engage Customers with Value-Driven Content 

Content is still king when it comes to engagement. By offering value-driven content, such as how-to guides, industry insights or interactive tools, you can position your brand as a trusted authority in your field. This not only increases customer engagement but also fosters loyalty. Valuable content keeps customers coming back, even when they’re not actively shopping. 

Business Tip 

Regularly publish blog posts, create engaging social media content or offer free webinars that educate and inform your audience. This not only boosts engagement but can also lead to more qualified leads. You don’t need every social media platform, but one expert suggests focusing on 1 or 2 that your audience uses regularly and using them well.   

The following numbers might seem like a lot, especially when running your full-time business is your true priority. If you can post this frequently, that’s great, if not, whatever you can do will be plenty. A few posts when you’re able is always going to be better than no posts at all.  

Here is a suggested frequency for posting to social media:  

  • Facebook: 1–2 posts per day, or 5 times per week  
  • Instagram: 1–2 posts per day for in-feed posts, and 2 posts per day for stories  
  • Twitter: 3–4 tweets per day  
  • LinkedIn: 1–2 posts per day  
  • TikTok: 1–4 posts per day  
  • Pinterest: 15–25 pins per day  
  • YouTube: 1 video per week, or 1–3 videos per week for shorts  

Posting too frequently can annoy followers, and users want to see what their friends and family are doing in addition to interacting with their favorite brands. Some suggest that the best times to post are between 9 -10 a.m. or 7 p.m. in your target audience’s respective time zone. 

BioZyme Tip 

BioZyme creates content you can use, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel! You are invited and welcome to share the blogs that we post on any of our brand websites. Each quarter, we also create social media posts that you can share on your own social media platforms for each brand. These posts are currently found on Promoboxx and are easy to share on your own platforms as pre-created posts that align with our current campaigns. 

By applying these 6 strategies, your businesses can enhance customer engagement and ultimately drive more sales. Focusing on personalized experiences, building trust, optimizing for mobile, leveraging multiple marketing channels, using data analytics, and providing value-driven content will give any company a competitive edge in today’s market. 

BioZyme Offers Marketing Assistance 

BioZyme is built on great products and even great dealers. We want our dealers to succeed with the BioZyme products and in business in general. That is why we provide these educational resources on how to grow your business and guide you to take action for your business. As we know, action equals growth, and growth equals success. If you don’t succeed, we don’t either. 

When you are in the Online Dealer Center, check out the Marketing Tools tab in the upper right side of the screen. Here, you will find our brand logos, a link to Promoboxx, the SAMM Center and the online form to submit marketing requests. The SAMM Center is where you can request literature, wearables and more to help promote your business. If you are looking for personalized signage, a specific print or radio ad or want to host a producer meeting, you will need to submit a marketing request. 

We hope these 6 strategies have helped you determine how to grow your business. We want you to drive customer engagement and we want you to succeed!  

How Digital Marketing Helps to Grow Your Business 

how digital marketing helps to grow your business

In today’s fast-paced world, digital marketing has become a fundamental tool for businesses of all sizes. With the rise of the internet, smartphones and social media, traditional advertising methods are no longer sufficient to capture the attention of potential customers. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, businesses can grow their reach, engage more effectively with their target audience and ultimately boost revenue.  

Don’t get us wrong. At BioZyme®, we still believe in traditional marketing methods. Print advertising, invoice stuffers and radio are still viable marketing methods – especially in rural areas, where many of our dealers operate.  

We want to offer advice on how to grow your business. We’ve compiled our best advice on how digital marketing helps to grow your business. 

 1. Expanding Your Reach Through Targeted Advertising 

One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is its ability to expand your business’s reach far beyond local borders. Using platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads or Instagram, businesses can reach millions of potential customers with precision targeting. Unlike traditional advertising, which might cast a wide net with no guarantee of reaching your ideal audience, digital marketing tools allow you to target specific demographics, interests and behaviors. 

This ensures that your advertising efforts are seen by more people and by the right people. With real-time analytics, you can track your campaign’s performance and adjust as needed to maximize its effectiveness. 

 2. Improving Engagement with Content Marketing 

Content marketing is an essential aspect of digital marketing that focuses on creating valuable and relevant content for your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media updates, high-quality content helps you build trust with your target audience and keep them engaged. Regularly publishing helpful content also positions your business as a thought leader in your industry, making you the go-to source for information. 

When consumers trust your brand and find value in what you offer, they are more likely to become loyal customers and recommend your business to others. Digital platforms empower businesses to share and amplify content, ensuring it reaches a wide audience. 

Watch for upcoming news in the Dealer Center about how you can accelerate your business’s social media marketing. 

3. Boosting Sales with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

A well-executed SEO strategy ensures your website ranks higher on search engines like Google. This means that when potential customers search for products or services related to your business, they are more likely to find you. 

SEO involves optimizing your website’s content, structure and design to ensure it is easily discoverable by search engines. The better your website performs in search results, the more organic traffic it will receive. Furthermore, higher traffic means more opportunities to convert visitors into paying customers. As a long-term strategy, SEO is cost-effective and provides continuous benefits as your website’s visibility improves over time. 

At BioZyme, we are fortunate to have an SEO expert on our Marketing Team. If you have specific questions about SEO, reach out to John Sprong. 

The Final Word 

Now that we’ve reviewed how digital marketing helps to grow your business, we hope you feel empowered to increase your online presence. Digital marketing is a powerful tool that can significantly accelerate business growth.

By leveraging targeted advertising, content marketing and SEO, businesses can expand their reach, engage effectively with their audience and drive sales. In a digital-first world, embracing these strategies is critical to staying competitive and achieving sustainable success.  

We hope you appreciate and use these three essential tips on how digital marketing can help you grow your business. Put them into practice, and watch your business grow.  

Taking Your Business to the Next Level

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” 

This quote by Winston Churchill can be applied to many facets of our lives. It also resonates with the team here at BioZyme®. We are constantly changing, and working to continuously improve ourselves as businesspeople. We know you are too!

At BioZyme, we strive to always live up to our motto: care that comes full circle. One of the most critical ways we do this is by collaborating with you, our dealers. Another way we do this is by working to embody our 4 pillars.

But our pillars aren’t just goals for us. We know from experience that each of these pillars—research, innovation, inspiration, and giving back—can help you grow your dealership and business. After all, as far as we’re concerned, you, our dealers, are part of our team. When you succeed, we succeed.   

That’s why BioZyme created the Dealer Action Rewards Program, to both thank you and motivate you toward further success. The program allows our dealers to earn and receive points for actions that help their business grow and promote BioZyme products. 

It is our ultimate goal to help you grow your business. The best and fastest way we can do that is by supporting you as you complete the tasks set up within the BioZyme Dealer Action Plan Booklet that best aligns with your business’s overall goals.  

Five Stages for Business Growth 

Small businesses can vary widely in size and capacity and allow for growth within them. The Harvard Business Review states in an entrepreneurial management article, The Five Stages of Small-Business Growth, small businesses can be categorized by 3 key categories. Those growth categories include: independence of action, differing organizational structures and varied management styles.  

Keeping those three key categories for small businesses in mind, you can assess your business’s current standing. Then, assess and evaluate your needs, using that information to take your business to the next level.  

Applying Strategy to Discover Growth 

In the Harvard Business Review article, those five stages include existence, survival, success, take-off, and resource maturity.  

In the existence and survival stages, these companies can range from newly started to high-technology manufacturers that have yet to stabilize and establish either production or product quality. 

When evaluating your business in these stages, it might be helpful to ask, “Can I get enough customers, deliver products, and provide services well enough to become a viable business?” 

In the third, fourth, and fifth stages of business growth, the business faces the challenges of continuing to use the company for growth. Other aspects companies will experience are finding new opportunities as financial growth takes off and delegating responsibilities.  

Along with the rapid growth, it is also key for a company to consolidate and control its financial gains. At this stage, the company has the resources to engage in detailed operational and strategic planning. Examples of this strategic planning could include a standard marketing plan and brand identification for the company, special product promotions, or attending events to build brand awareness. 

Leveling Up: Where Do You Want to Land? 

When leveling up your business, it’s important to remember that your dealership is no different from raising livestock. The quality inputs that you put into your business (taking action) can help increase performance (sales) and drive gains (growth).  

When assessing your business’s current state and determining its desired growth, it’s ideal to consider the tiers set up in the BioZyme Dealer Growth Program—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. 

These tiers were implemented into the Dealer Action Rewards Program to set dealers up for success both in their own business and as BioZyme dealers. Promoting BioZyme products to drive sales and increase profit can help you advance and level up in the action rewards and growth program.

Along with leveling up in the program, dealers can consider what specific and clear actions are necessary to take their business to the next level. 

Bronze Level: Minimum Sales $10,000 

Dealers who achieve this level earn a maximum 1,499 Action Rewards Points. They also score between 21-25 on their Action Score Card and have at least $10,000 in total sales.  

They have also accomplished at least two out of the three of the following:  

  • $500 in Animal Health product purchases 
  • Total purchases increase annually by 5% or more 
  • Carry at least 2 BioZyme brands and purchase each annually 

Bronze Dealer Benefits 

• Receive a BioZyme Swag Pack with a choice of retail merchandising and apparel 

Silver Level: Minimum Sales $25,000 

Dealers level up to the Silver Level after achieving a score of 1,500–2,249 Action Rewards Points, Action Score Card Score between 26-28 and $25,000 in total sales. 

They have also accomplished at least two out of the three of the following: 

  • $1,000 in Animal Health purchases 
  • Total purchases increase annually by 4% or more 
  • Carry at least 3 BioZyme brands and purchase each annually 

Silver Dealer Benefits 

  • Invite to Dealer Retreat but no reimbursement (you will receive 500 action rewards points for attending). 
  • Guaranteed 2% of total sales from the prior year will be allocated toward a BioZyme-approved marketing plan. 

Gold Level: Minimum Sales $100,000 

Dealers must achieve a score of 2,250–2,999 Action Rewards Points, Action Score Card Score between 29-31, and $100,000 in total sales to advance to Gold Level status. 

They have also accomplished at least two out of the three of the following: 

$3,000 in Animal Health product purchases 

  • Total purchases increase annually by 3% or more 

Carry at least 4 BioZyme brands and purchase each annually 

Gold Dealer Benefits 

  • Invite up to two people and up to $500 expense reimbursements to the annual Dealer Retreat.  
  • A guaranteed 2% of total sales from the prior year will be allocated toward a BioZyme-approved marketing plan. 

Platinum Level: Minimum Sales $300,000 

This level in the Action Plan and Growth Program achieves the requirements of 3,000+ Action Rewards Points, an Action Score Card Score of 31 or above, and $300,000 in sales.  

They have also accomplished at least two out of the three of the following: 

  • $5,000 in Animal Health product purchases 
  • Total purchases increase annually by 2% or more 
  • Carry 5 BioZyme brands and purchase each annually 

Platinum Dealer Benefits 

  • Receive an EXCLUSIVE VIP experience with BioZyme team members — Director of National Sales, Vice President of Domestic Business, and/or your Area Sales Manager.  
  • A guaranteed 2% of total sales from the prior year will be allocated toward a BioZyme-approved marketing plan. 
  • All expenses paid invite for up to two people to the annual Dealer Retreat. 
  • Priority ordering 

Once you level up to the next tier, you are then eligible to redeem those benefits. By staying on target in the plan and continuing to maintain dealer status, you are on the path to taking your business to the next level. Check out the BioZyme Dealer Action Plan Booklet to view this list and the tasks through action you can take to get your action plan started.  

Are you curious about more information on our Animal Health products available to order? Learn more about these products in the Product Center in the Online Dealer Center.  

Elevate Your Business 

At the forefront, it seems daunting and possibly intimidating to try to find where to begin the process and steps to take to discover growth and elevate your business. Remember, keep your business in mind and the tools, resources, and actions you can implement to help your business grow.  

Assess Your Current Status 

It is always beneficial to start with an assessment of current standing to know where you are and evaluate where to go with moving toward your business goals.  

BoardroomAdvisors.co suggests a SWOT Analysis to conduct a balanced assessment of internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities, and threats. This analysis is one of the most commonly used tools by individuals and businesses.  

Along with the BioZyme Dealer Action Plan Booklet, other beneficial resources include a database of prospects and leads in your area. You can develop these through printed direct mailers and in-store display merchandise materials from the SAMM Center to market products to your customers and potential new customers.  

When taking your business to the next level, you can also utilize BioZyme’s professional team. Learn from our team of nutrition experts and other dealers across the country who discuss a variety of topics through the Message Board in the Online Dealer Center.  

Set Clear Goals 

Evaluating the current business standing is just the beginning. To execute a plan to take off and determine the actions to take, you will need to set clear and achievable goals for your business.  

Determine SMART goals for your company and the growth you want to achieve. It is important to remember with the SMART goals in mind, you are setting goals that are:  

Specific  

Measurable 

Achievable 

Relevant 

Time-bound 

These goals can help give you a clear sense of direction, push you further, and help you stay organized to be successful. 

The LinkedIn Learning blog, How to Help Employees Set SMART Goals for Professional Development, discusses the goals set up in the SMART framework. This framework can ensure clarity, focus, and measurable progress in skill enhancement. 

BioZyme Benefits 

After assessing and setting goals for your business, it is vital to then put those goals into action. BioZyme offers several options for dealers to leverage for their businesses and tackle the smaller tasks to achieve the big goals.  

The actions you take can look different for each individual business. To name a few, these include:  

  • Participate in the quarterly direct mailer to your customer list 
  • Engage on social media 
  • Utilize the Ration Request service 

In the Action Plan booklet, we have created examples of the routes you can take to earn points and take your business to the next level. 

The Action Points earned can then be redeemed for items in the list of rewards in the Dealer Center. 

Monitor Progress 

As you are achieving these actions in your plan, remember to monitor and review your progress toward your goals.  

One simple way to review your Action Point total and track activities: check the My Action Dashboard in your Online Dealer Center account! You can then look to see which level you land in the BioZyme Dealer Action Plan Booklet. 

To review your sales progress competitively with other BioZyme dealers, check the Dealer Dashboard under the My Account tab in the Dealer Center. It displays the top 10 dealers of each BioZyme brand. You can also view your sales ranking per product line on the homepage of your account. 

Keep an eye out in Dealer Center and the BioZyme Dealers Facebook group! We provide continuous updates to those dashboards to better keep you in the loop.  

Rewards Program: Fueling Your Growth 

Taking your plan and goals into action is just the first step in fueling growth as a BioZyme dealer. 

At each level of the BioZyme Dealer Action Rewards Program, you will be able to track your business’ growth. All the recommended actions have been specifically designed to generate growth. Though it might not be immediate, you’ll be able to see real, substantive benefits to your earnings and sales numbers.

Shining Success

Don’t just take it from us. Here are a few success stories from BioZyme dealers who have taken action in the Dealer Action Rewards Program.  

Spotlight: K Triangle Feed 

Keith Micke at K Triangle Feed says, “Everything in the Action Rewards Program I’ve done has helped me with sales one way or the other.” He says the Dealer Rewards Program can give you ideas for actions that you may not otherwise do.  

Micke further explains that the program’s actions can also help you get out of your comfort zone. That helps you accomplish tasks that benefit your business long-term.  

“Master Dealer trainings keep you updated on new products coming out and give you ideas on how to sell and place with your customers,” he says.  

He also states hay testing is another way to help you with your customers in making decisions on product placement. Attending trade shows and fairs and setting up booths gets people coming by that you may not normally see.  

 “This can help to get the word out and add exposure for our products and the benefits of Amaferm in their program,” he says. “You may plant the seed one year, and a year or two—or 10—they see you consistently out at these events, they start buying.” 

At the 2024 BioZyme Dealer Retreat, K Triangle Feed received top honors. They were awarded Second Place Action Dealer and Second Place VitaFerm® Dealer from sales in 2023. In 2023, he earned a total of 4,160 action points to receive this award. He did this through attending events, direct customer mailings, co-branded swag, and more!  

Spotlight: Tina Graham 

Though a relatively new member of the BioZyme family, Tina Graham has found the Dealer Action Rewards Program beneficial to her business. She has experienced first-hand the lasting impact that a personal touch can have on her customer base.  

“I benefit from using the rewards program to earn swag to give back to all of my customers,” Tina explains. “Customers love getting ‘gifts’ from me from the simple stuff of chapstick to t-shirts and vests. The rewards program allows me to do this without adding more overhead cost to my business.” 

At this past Dealer Retreat, Tina received the inaugural Rookie Dealer of the Year award for her sales in 2023.  

She also received the new Live It, Love It, Lead It Awards during the 2024 Dealer Retreat.  

BioZyme President and CEO Lisa Norton presented 13 Live It, Love It, Lead It Awards to dealers who exemplified leadership and passion for their businesses. The award spotlights dealers who excelled in their businesses not only in sales but also with engagement, growth, and action.   

“Leadership is intentional. It is a trait you must work on every day,” Norton said. 

Live It, Love It, Lead It is part of an ongoing leadership development program at BioZyme. The program’s mission is to grow leaders for the industry from within our community—employees, dealers, and consumers. 

Put Your Plan into ACTION 

Now that we have evaluated several avenues and resources BioZyme offers through the Dealer Action Rewards Program, it’s time to put these plans into tangible action for your business.  

It is important to remember: 

  1. Action = Growth 
  1. Growth = Success 

Get started with the BioZyme Dealer Action Plan Booklet to develop a business strategy and promote BioZyme products.  

If you have any questions, you can also contact your Area Sales Manager or the BioZyme Action Team. The support team can help you start putting your plan together or taking these actions for your business.  

The Importance of Hay Testing Near Me

We know that BioZyme® dealers wear many hats. You are a salesperson, a consultant in nutrition across species, a supporter of youth livestock and horse events, and a pillar in your community. Let’s add one more role to your over-extended job description: forage sampler. Did you know that hay sampling is a free service that BioZyme offers its customers, who are ultimately your customers?  

That’s right! The next time you have a customer ask, “Is there anywhere that does hay testing near me,” your answer will be simple: right here. 

Why Test Hay? 

Testing hay in the late summer and early fall is imperative to know exactly the nutrient content and makeup. Just like no two BioZyme dealers are the same, no two hay crops are the same, even if they both look similar. There is no way to tell the nutritional makeup of your hay just by looking at it. You could have the most gorgeous group of bales, yet they could all be deficient in protein or energy. 

If you or your customers cannot tell the nutrient value of your hay, how will your livestock be getting the proper nutrition. A simple forage analysis can help a customer determine what is missing from their hay, which in turn helps you sell them the added vitamins and minerals to supplement their herd. Forage testing is a win for the customer, you, and their animals. That’s care that comes full circle. 

That is why hay testing is so important.  

Hay Testing Made Easy 

At BioZyme, we want to make your customer’s forage testing experience as simple as possible. That is why we have broken it down into these 5 simple steps. 

1. Identify your Hay 

It is important for you or your customer to have their hay identified by a lot number, so they know which test results are from which lot. A lot is defined by the field and the cutting it is from. 

For instance, a lot from the second cutting from field one would be named Lot 1-2. A first-cutting sample from the third field would be 3-1. It is important to identify the lots when you haul them from the field and store them and continue to know where they are kept.   

2. Collect Samples 

Once the lots are identified, it is time to collect samples. As a dealer, you or your Area Sales Manager should be prepared to help your customer collect samples. Having an accurate sample is the key to a successful analysis. 

We recommend taking 10 samples from each lot, mixing them together, and submitting them as a representative sample of that lot. Be sure to get the samples from as far inside the bale as possible. There are two ways to collect samples: with a probe or by hand. 

Sampling with Hay Probe 

Reach as far as possible inside the bale with your coring tool. This can be more difficult when bales are wet or when the hay is very mature. In those cases, a spare battery for the drill is helpful, especially if a large number of bales are to be probed. 

Sampling Hay by Hand 

It helps to use a short pipe to pry open the bale. The goal is to reach inside with your hands open and grasp tightly a handful of hay. You want to try not to strip the leaves off when you grab them, so many small handfuls are better than one large handful. 

3. Place Samples Into a 5-gallon Bucket. 

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have at least 10 samples from 10% of the bales in the lot you are testing. Place all the samples into the same 5-gallon bucket. 

After sampling your bales, make sure to pull apart and thoroughly mix the entire sample. Do not rely on the lab to mix your sample. 

Place the sample into a re-sealable plastic bag and remove any excess air. It is fine if the bag is not completely full, but you will need approximately 1/2 a quart of material in the bag. You, the BioZyme dealer, should be able to submit the samples. 

If you have any questions at all, please contact your Area Sales Manager or a member of the Dealer Action Team. We submit every sample we receive to Dairyland Laboratories. 

4. Wait for Results 

Once you submit forage samples for testing, we can typically generate results within a week. These results indicate any deficiencies in energy or protein. In addition to knowing the nutrient content of your forages, it is also important to know the amount of each lot of hay you have. 

This is especially important when working with the BioZyme Nutrition Team to plan your next steps. This will help them calculate the proper rations and make supplement recommendations moving forward when they know how to match your forage supply to your production calendar. 

5. Work with the BioZyme Nutrition Team 

We send the forage analysis results to the producer, the dealer, and the ASM. We suggest the dealer and producer work with the nutritionist at BioZyme to calculate and coordinate formulations and supplementations. 

Where Can I Find Hay Testing Near Me?  

So, next time you hear, “Where can I find hay testing near me?” you will know just how to answer. We hope you are confident that you can pull and collect samples and submit them. That way, you can help your customers find the best nutrition options available.  

Sometimes wearing all these hats can be a challenge. But sometimes, it makes you a superhero, too. Offering hay and forage testing is just one way you can offer customer service that will pay your customers’ dividends in the long run. 

Making The Most of Chick Days: Chicken Products, Sales Strategies and The Value of Planning Ahead

As any seasoned dealer can tell you, Chick Days is more than a routine—it’s a boom or bust moment for any vendor in the world of chicken products. As a dealer or feed store owner, you’re not just witnessing a surge in demand; you’re at the forefront of a thriving market. That means there’s genuine opportunity there that you might not initially realize. 

Chick Days isn’t just a blip on the calendar; it’s an opportunity for those well-versed in the nuances of poultry commerce and products. In this blog, the BioZyme team is diving into the intricate dance of supply, demand and consumer behavior during this pivotal period. Let’s be frank: as dealers, you are the experts in what your consumers want. You know your community better than we do. That’s why we aim to provide insights that resonate with the seasoned dealer. Our goal is to offer strategies to fine-tune your approach and extract the maximum value from Chick Days. 

And if you’re new to Chick Days and are looking to get an insight into how to best set up your operation for success, we’ve got you covered. This guide is not only intended to be practical but a tool for everyone. Let’s navigate this season together, leveraging your industry acumen to make Chick Days not just profitable but a standout chapter in your business story. 

What’s So Special About Chick Days? 

Chick Days are a period marked by increased interest in chicken products—typically involving the sale of live chicks to enthusiasts and farmers. 

But it’s more than just about buying chicks. This tradition, rooted in the agricultural calendar, serves as a bridge between winter and spring. It signals not only a practical approach to poultry farming but also a cultural celebration of renewal and growth. It’s more than a fun seasonal event—it’s an annual agricultural milestone. It’s also a dynamic sales period. 

Seasonal trends vary based on factors like geographical location and evolving consumer preferences. Understanding these fluctuations is essential. Are backyard enthusiasts looking for specific breeds? Is there an uptick in demand for organic feeds? By deciphering these nuances, businesses can tailor their offerings, aligning with the pulse of consumer behavior during Chick Days. 

Planning for Chick Days 

For the seasoned dealer or feed store owner, Chick Days necessitates a strategic approach. Anticipating the ebb and flow of demand, optimizing inventory and crafting targeted promotions are imperative for success during this critical season. Strategic planning ensures businesses don’t merely navigate Chick Days; they thrive. 

Check out our Starter Guide for Baby Chicks. 

Our Tips for Ensuring Successful Chick Days for Your Business 

Tip #1: Consider Your Customers 

Identifying your target customers during Chick Days is pivotal. Are they seasoned farmers, backyard hobbyists or first-time enthusiasts venturing into the world of chicken products? These customers are looking for different things from their dealers, and you can service all of them if you’re strategic. 

Customer Preferences for Chicken Products 

This may sound like a lot of work, especially if you’ve run Chick Days in the past, but where there’s products to sell, there’s more money to be made. With that in mind, it’s important to think about what different types of customers may be looking for. Experienced farmers may gravitate towards heritage breeds, valuing their resilience and self-sufficiency. Hobbyists or first-time buyers are likely to prioritize organic or high-end feeds, as they want to guarantee success and don’t know all the ins and outs of caring for chicks. 

It also doesn’t hurt to take some time to examine accessory trends. For instance—novel coop designs, automated feeding systems or eco-friendly bedding options. While not all of these will be right for all your customers, they can be a great source of additional profit. That being said, don’t make investments that don’t match your community’s needs. If your customer-base is exclusively long-standing chicken producers, you don’t need to go all-in on chicken products for first timers. 

It’s important to make these considerations to ensure you’re pre-empting demand. 

Tip #2: Create A Stellar Lineup of Chicken Products 

Beyond live birds, dealers can enhance their product lineup with a comprehensive array of essential supplies and accessories. This encompasses coops, nesting boxes, bedding and other coop management essentials. Creating an all-in-one shopping destination ensures customers have convenient access to all chicken products required for a successful poultry-raising experience. 

The Value of Nutritional Supplements and Feeds 

The nutritional well-being of poultry is a top priority for backyard enthusiasts and farmers alike. Dealers can elevate their offerings by including a range of nutritional supplements and feeds. This includes specialized feeds for different life stages, ensuring optimal growth and egg production. Nutritional supplements, such as those promoting digestive health and immune support, add a layer of care to the product lineup, providing customers with comprehensive solutions. 

BioZyme offers a variety of excellent supplement products through our Backyard Boost brand that you can steer customers toward! 

Backyard Boost Products Include… 

Backyard Boost® Defense 

A liquid supplement for poultry designed to support digestion and a healthy immune response. Backyard Boost Defense contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility and provides nutrients needed in times of stress. By adding this green liquid to their fresh water daily, you will promote water intake and hydration. 

Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials 

A pelleted protein supplement for poultry designed to maximize digestibility and egg production. Backyard Boost Daily Essentials also contains Amaferm. Additionally, it contains AO-Biotics® EQE, a postbiotic research proven to enhance egg quality and production. This supplement also provides nutrients needed for overall well-being. 

Backyard Boost® Busy Balls 

A prebiotic treat to help bounce boredom, we designed Backyard Bost Busy Balls to maximize engagement among backyard chickens and improve overall quality of life. Busy Balls also contain Amaferm, making them a powerful tool to supplement nutritional deficiencies and improve overall quality of life for a coop. 

Tip #3: Merchandising for Brick-&-Mortar Stores 

Now this is a subject that the BioZyme marketing team has A LOT to say about. Not just because we’re a big fan of our own work, but because it genuinely improves results for dealers at the checkout counter. And we believe that’s what you deserve. 

If you’re looking to make a killing on chicken products during Chick Days, effective merchandising is more than arranging shelves. It’s all about creating an immersive experience. A well-merchandised store isn’t just a place to buy supplies—it’s a hub engaged customers will want to spend money and acquire information. How do you make that happen? 

Eye-catching Displays and Signage 

Transform your store into a shopping destination with displays. Eye-catching arrangements draw customers in, highlighting the diverse array of chicken products you have available. They also make your store look better and more reputable across the board. You can even be strategic about how you place signage, subtly guiding your customers through the available offerings you carry. 

Create Themed Sections for Ease-of-Access 

In particular, many dealers have success organizing their store with themed sections that mirror the journey of raising chickens. This not only simplifies the shopping experience for customers, it makes it easier for you to keep track of what you’re selling the most of. 

Educate Customers About Products In-Store 

Knowledge is key—empower your customers with information about each product. Engage them through interactive displays and informative signage. We also encourage staying up to date on product details so you can have informed conversations with them! An educated customer is a confident customer, more likely to make purchases that ensure the success of both their flock and your business. 

Check out this blog for additional retail merchandising tips! 

Tip #5: Think Digitally 

We’re more than willing to recognize that this tip is easier said than done for a small operation. Especially if your customer base is older and less likely to use the internet to keep current on deals, seasonal events and purchasing information. But learning to take advantage of e-commerce platforms or social media to announce available chicken products during Chick Days can be a real boon to your business. 

You can consider running special deals on certain chicken products or allow customers to reserve purchases ahead-of-time online. You could even create social posts highlighting your store to potential users looking to partake in Chick Days. Being easier to find and engage with online will almost always help your sales numbers. 

Advice from an Expert… 

To provide you all with a little more usable information, we consulted with Content and Digital Strategy Manager John Sprong, our resident web marketing expert. 

“If you’re a small dealer servicing a smaller community, it’s important to recognize your ability to reach new people online is going to be modest. It might not be worth the man hours necessary to execute a small campaign for your business. But if there’s a real chance you can reach a larger, untapped audience, make sure your investment is meaningful. Link back to your business’ website, run a countdown ‘til the start of Chick Days, send reminder emails. You might even consider creating a special promotion for the event, and reposting your store’s address to help new folks find you.” 

“I recognize this isn’t going to be practical advice for everyone, but if you have a website, you want to create as many opportunities for your customers to engage with you digitally as possible. This can be through exclusive online deals, eblasts to loyal customers, or Facebook posts that you send out prior to the start of Chick Days. You want to highlight your chicken products, and why consumers should turn to YOU.” 

As Sprong stated rather succinctly, “what matters is planning ahead and following through on that strategy.”   

Tip #6: Encourage Customer Engagement 

As most dealers already know, engaged customers are the heartbeat of a successful business. That’s why great dealers don’t only focus on transactions. They create passionate consumers. This may sound a little hokey, we know, but it’s worth thinking of your business as a community in-and-of itself. This can transform chicken product sales during Chick Days into sustainable, year-round revenue. But how do you do that? 

Build a Community Around Chick Days 

Transforming Chick Days from a transactional event to a community celebration is an investment in the longevity of your business. We have found that small dealers thrive by fostering connections, creating spaces where enthusiasts can share experiences, tips, and the joy of raising chickens. So, what does that look like? 

Involve Your Customers 

Empower your customers to share their Chick Days journey. This can be powerful online, or even in the store. Everything from posting testimonials, leaving business reviews or sharing photos, videos and posts about their journey raising chickens. If you care about their experience, they’ll come back to keep buying from you. It can also do wonders to help encourage other people online to pay you a visit and spend money with you. There’s no better advertising than an enthusiastic customer! 

Think About a Customer Loyalty Program 

Loyalty is a two-way street. Implementing a customer loyalty program not only rewards purchases but also acknowledges engagement. From exclusive Chick Days previews to special discounts, valuable incentives can be a key driver in new business. Who wouldn’t want to be a dedicated customer with a dealer that values them? 

Tip #7: Encourage Feedback 

If you’re a small operation looking to make the most of this Chick Days and improve in the years to come, there’s no better compass than your customers. This holds true for larger dealers and feed stores, too. Nobody knows whether your customers are getting what they want better than your customers. 

That’s why if Chick Days come to a close, and you’re wanting to take stock of what worked and what didn’t, turn to your customers. It’s possible their feedback doesn’t give you much direction. Lots of folks might not be comfortable sharing their unfiltered opinion. But there’s real value in asking for honest feedback. 

Maybe you didn’t have the chicken products they were looking for, or the layout of your store could use a little bit of fine-tuning. All of that is useful information. But also, it lets your customers know that you care about their experience. More than that, it showcases that you want to serve them better in the future. So, even if you get nothing but glowing reviews, checking in with the people you serve can be a great way to ensure you get repeat customers next Chick Days. 

BioZyme Can Help Make the Most of Chick Days 

If you’ve read this blog and are feeling overwhelmed about prepping for Chick Days, don’t worry. BioZyme is here to help. Most standardized retail merchandising supplies can be requested through the Online Dealer Center or through your Area Sales Manager. There are exceptions. 

To request Backyard Boost display boxes, email Sam Albers at salbers@biozymeinc.com, with your dealership name, the type needed (Backyard Bird or Songbird) and quantity needed. These will be delivered to you by your ASM, preassembled. 

Have an idea for something you’d like to see? Submit a Marketing Request or watch the Dealer Facebook page and VISION newsletter for more merchandising material in the future or to ask for help. 

BioZyme Holiday Hours

The BioZyme offices will be closed Friday & Monday, December 22-25 for the Christmas holiday. There will be customer pick-ups until noon,  and no LTL/shipping, on Thursday, December 21. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, December 26.

We will also be closed on January 1, for New Year’s Day. There will be customer pick-ups until noon and no LTL/Shipping, on Friday, December 29. We will resume normal office hours Tuesday, January 2.

We wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Planning is Vital to Tracking Today’s Livestock Show Schedule 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. . .yes, people are gearing up for the holidays. But in the show livestock world, they are also preparing for livestock shows.  

Yes, jackpots are now basically year-round, and the winter majors are happening soon. The livestock show schedule is a crazy, never-ending loop. So, how do breeders and exhibitors prepare? It all comes down to planning. 

Regional Livestock Show Schedules 

Livestock show schedules happen on a somewhat regional basis. In many parts of the U.S., including the Midwest, plains states and coasts, county and state fairs happen in the summer through the fall. This allows young people to take advantage of the summer months, when they are not in school, to work with their animals and attend weeklong county fairs and junior nationals. 

However, in Texas, the leading state for livestock shows based on number of animals shown, the well-known “Texas Majors” happen in the winter through spring. The Southwestern Livestock Exposition, commonly known as Fort Worth kicks off this string of multi-species major livestock competitions in January. 

Other southern states like Georgia, for example, start showing new projects just like they do in Texas in November and December. These first-time projects are getting their start now and will wrap up in late spring. 

Check out our list of shows at the end of this blog HERE.

Impact on Breeders 

Regionalized livestock show schedules allow for some breeders to have year-round marketing outlets. For instance, those who raise show pigs can breed for and farrow summer pigs for those in the south who need pigs that will finish in the winter and spring. Since sows have a shorter gestation length than a cow, they can have on average 2.57 litters per year. Thus, realistically a sow will have two litters of pigs, which means show pig breeders will have the opportunity to market to two different sets of clientele.  

Of course, cattle breeders don’t have that luxury; but cow-calf producers either fall or spring calve, and there are always options available for exhibitors. 

Livestock Show Schedules Run on Exhibitor Ages 

For most breed associations and youth programs like 4-H and FFA, there are age minimums and maximums for the participant. Depending on the organization and the location, most of the ages are by January 1. However, some of them are set by the actual show date or another date, like September 1. Always be sure to read and know the particular show guidelines set forth by the show or organization.  

You don’t want to get to a show and realize that your son or daughter is not the correct age to show, after you have invested the expense and time into a show project. Read and reread the rules carefully and keep them with you in case you have any questions or concerns. 

How Can Dealers Help Exhibitors Power Champions? 

It is important for dealers to help their customers power champions by keeping a full line of Sure Champ® products stocked during your particular show season. If you live in an area where shows happen year-round, you want to keep the staples like Liquid Boost®, Sure Champ® Joint Juice, Sure Champ® Cattle and the gel products on hand.  

If you have shows in primarily the summer months or live in a warmer, southern climate be sure to have Sure Champ® Extreme with ClariFly® stocked, as that multi-specie product is a crowd favorite in the heat when flies become a challenge. 

Take Advantage of Tools For Success 

Need help promoting these Sure Champ products? We have got you covered there too! Visit the SAMM Center to request all your marketing materials and literature. 

Do you use Promoboxx? Promoboxx is free to our dealers, and we have social media posts already created for these products. Use these to your advantage! If you don’t have Promoboxx, sign up today. It simplifies your social marketing and offers you posts across all of the BioZyme family of brands. You can find more information about Promoboxx under the Marketing Tab in the Online Dealer Center. 

Tracking livestock show schedules in your area can be a challenge. However, with proper planning you can help your customers power their champions by providing the products they need from Sure Champ. You can also provide a list of upcoming shows. Nearly every show has a social media site, so follow or like the show on Facebook or Instagram so you can keep up with deadlines and dates, and perhaps post those dates on your own social media as a service to your customers. Although many states have a show of some kind on every weekend, we have provided a list of national shows for you to have handy for you to track.  

Changes Coming in December

SAMM CENTER NOW REQUIRES PRE-PAYMENT

Starting December 1, we will now require customers to prepay for all orders for marketing materials ordered through the SAMM Center using a credit card. All regular product orders will be invoiced based on the customers’ preset terms. Marketing materials and apparel purchased through the SAMM Center will be the items that require prepayment.

WATCH ONLINE DEALER CENTER FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING/PICK-UP HOURS

The BioZyme offices will be closed December 22-25 to allow our BioZyme family the time to celebrate Christmas with their families. Please watch for email and text communication or watch the Online Dealer Center for more details about deliveries and pick-ups the week of December 18.

Dealer Spotlight

Missy Hess married into the BioZyme® business. Arnold Hess had been a BioZyme dealer since the early 1970s, and he loved the products for his cowherd. He had already been a dealer for 25 years when he and Missy married; it was a package deal.

Arnold passed away in 2021, but Missy’s love for Arnold and the products kept her on track with her business. At the 2023 Dealer Retreat, she was recognized for 52 years as a BioZyme dealer.

“I have friends and family to sell to and am always working to find new customers since there is no feedstore nearby. We have always helped the feeders and other cow-calf operators in the area. I knew it is what Arnold would want me to do,” Missy said.

Missy has always had a passion for livestock and the people who raise them. She was the first female to compete on the Louisiana State University Livestock Judging Team. That was in 1975. She recounts a recent story about her flight home from the Dealer Retreat when she met a group of young livestock judgers from Florida. They were thrilled to meet the first lady judger from LSU, and asked Missy for a group photo in the Atlanta airport –at Midnight. One of those young people even looked Missy up at the All-American Junior Brahman Show in Texarkana, Arkansas, where Missy’s granddaughter was competing.

She said the biggest benefit of being a BioZyme dealer is meeting new people.

“I like having people call me and getting to promote the products,” she said. “The mineral has definitely helped our operation.”

Missy currently runs F1 cattle that she breeds to Angus bulls to get calves that are one-quarterBrahman. She said her cattle receive Amaferm® in their entire time on her ranch, either through theVitaFerm® or Gain Smart® mineral. She also runs an Angus herd.

Missy easily epitomizes care that comes full circle. Congratulations, and thank you, for a great 52 years!

Featured BioZyme Team – Cogent Solutions Group

Cogent Solutions Group was founded in 2005 in Lexington, Kentucky, with its early focus on the equine industry. From the very onset, Cogent has developed products with proven efficacy. The company’s focus is unique in that during the product development process, it emphasizes focus on addressing the underlying issues of challenges that humans and animal face – rather than just relieving symptoms. Ultimately, its corporate goal is to improve the quality of life of its customers and their animals by upholding the “care that comes full circle” model. BioZyme acquired Cogent in the summer of 2018. Both companies are founded upon proprietary fermentation-based ingredients. Both uphold the highest quality standards, aiming for safe, accurate products ALWAYS. And both believe in only putting forth products and ingredients that are backed by research that do what they say they will do.

At Cogent, a large percentage of its business is dedicated to contract manufacturing relationships. Cogent’s expertise lies in its ability to take an idea, formulate it, test it, scale it up and adapt its production to suit the needs of its vendor.

Currently, Cogent focuses primarily on manufacturing liquids of varying viscosities from the consistency of water up to a thick gel. They are able to adapt to filling multiple container types and sizes, based upon the vendors’ needs and wishes. In the summer of 2018, Cogent worked to transition all existing BioZyme paste products to water-based gel formulas. That conversion improved:

  • Product consistency across different environments (extreme temperature doesn’t affect the consistency of gels like it does paste)
  • Ease of administration (no more getting stuck in the tubes)
  • Homogeneity & dosing accuracy of the full spectrum of ingredients
  • Product texture (animals seem to prefer the smoothness of the gel over the paste)

Cogent Solutions Group manufactures a unique high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid formula calledMHB3®Hyaluronan. MHB3 is a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid patented & proven for the support of GI tissue integrity, joint, and bone health. It has eight U.S. patents for joint health support (osteoarthritis, bone spurs & more).

Several BioZyme products are powered by MHB3, including:

  • Vitalize®Alimend®
  • Vitalize® Hyaluronex®
  • Sure Champ®Joint Juice
  • Vitalize®Trixsyn®Canine & Trixsyn®Canine Performance
  • Vitalize®Trixsyn®Feline

Cogent also sells and manufactures products for humans, including HyaGlo®, a skincare line, andBaxyl®, supplements for joints and digestive health. To learn more about these products, visit baxyl.com and hyaglo.com

Do you want to carry Baxyl or HyaGlo in your dealership? To get signed up as a wholesaler call (816)238-3326 or visitcogentsolutionsgroup.com/bz-dealer