Category: Business Resources

Include Sure Champ® Products in your Show Cattle Supplies 

Spring is in the air, and weekend jackpots, state preview shows and county fairs will be here before you know it. Young cattle exhibitors work hard to prepare their show projects for these events, and they rely on Sure Champ® products to help them #preptowin 

Sure Champ is a line of products that support the health and well-being of show livestock. As a dealer you likely think of Sure Champ as a nutritional supplement, and you are correct. However, we challenge you to think of them as part of the exhibitors’ show cattle supplies, too. After all, it’s not just helping their animals get the most out of their feed—it’s helping them perform. Now is the time to stock up on the liquids and gels they need, especially when they are on the show road this summer!  

Cattle experience a lot of stress while traveling and getting shown. There’s the stress of hauling, changing environments, eating schedules and climates. Heat stress is its own challenge in the summer months, even when not traveling every week. The great thing about the Sure Champ liquid and gel products is they are fast acting, help reduce stress and are portable enough to fit in the show box. Yes, they make great show cattle supplies!  

Stock Up on Sure Champ Show Cattle Supplies Today 

Although we hope you stock up on all Sure Champ products, here is a list of those we recommend you position specifically as “show cattle supplies” or “show box must-haves.” 

Sure Champ® Cattle Drench    

Sure Champ Cattle Drench supports digestive health before, during and after challenges. This green drench contains enzymes that generate a more rapid digestive response. Like all the products in the list, it contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®. Drench also MOS (mannan oligosaccharides), which help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system.      

Sure Champ® Liquid Boost®       

Sure Champ Liquid Boost is a liquid for all livestock and provides immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Liquid Boost, it contains both Amaferm and MOS and flavoring to help drive feed or water intake.       

Sure Champ® Appetite Plus Gel       

Sure Champ Appetite Plus Gel is a gel for all livestock and provides immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Gel, it contains both Amaferm and MOS and works fast to support appetite and hydration.      

Sure Champ® Climate Control Gel       

Sure Champ Climate Control Gel is a gel for all livestock and supports digestive health and recovery when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Formerly known as Vita Charge Climate Control, this gel contains Amaferm and HEAT® technology, a combination of essential oils, to support animals when heat is a challenge. It promotes appetite and water intake.       

Sure Champ® Clench Gel       

Sure Champ Clench Gel is a gel for all livestock and supports normal digestive function during occasional diarrhea or scours. Formerly known as Vita Charge Clench Gel, it includes Amaferm and MOS, and it contains electrolytes to support rehydration.       

What Makes Sure Champ Unique?  

Sure Champ products help keep your animals healthy and performing by enhancing their digestive systems. Since we know that 70% of the immune response is found in the gut, if your animal’s digestive system is healthy, the rest of it will be healthy, too. How does this happen?  

Amaferm is a key ingredient in Sure Champ, our line of products that support the health and well-being of show livestock. Not only is Amaferm a research-proven prebiotic to enhance digestibility, but research shows that it also increases gain by .25 pounds per day, which means it stretches your feed resources further.   

While the Amaferm in our products works to keep your animals healthy and performing, we’ve added other nutrient combinations into each product to ensure your animals reach their optimum potential. In addition to Amaferm, Sure Champ also offers a joint supplement powered by MHB3®, a patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.  

Happy Birthday, Sure Champ! 

This summer we’ll be celebrating Sure Champ’s 40th birthday! That’s a long time for a product to survive the marketplace. We’ve been around for generations because of our innovative products backed by research and our love for developing young leaders. We hope you will help us celebrate our birthday and get involved with the celebration. 

Watch the Social Media Toolbox and the Dealer Facebook page for more information about Sure Champ’s 40th birthday. And don’t forget to stock up on your  show cattle supplies today. Your youngest customers will thank you! 

A Guide to Help Producers Cope with Livestock Heat Stress 

Raise your hand if you enjoy heat and humidity. If you are in production agriculture, specifically in the livestock business, chances are those hands will remain firmly at your side or maybe tucked deep inside your pockets. Summer’s high heat and humidity present additional challenges for livestock producers in terms of overall health and performance.    

Summer brings multiple challenges to livestock producers, including but not limited to insects and heat stress. Livestock heat stress does not discriminate based on species or location. Heat stress impacts cattle producers in the Dakotas, sheep producers in Texas, feedlot operators in Kansas and the 4-H kids with livestock everywhere.  

What is heat stress?   

Heat stress occurs when the animal’s ability to release heat becomes inhibited due to the overwhelming high temperatures. Typically heat stress isn’t caused by excessive heat alone; it is also triggered by high humidity and a decrease in air movement. Livestock, like humans, are most comfortable in their thermoneutral zone.   

“The Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ) is the environmental temperature range in which the least effort is required by an animal to regulate body temperature. In the TNZ, an animal is most comfortable, has the fastest growth rate, and achieves the most efficient feed-to-gain ratio. This temperature zone is highly variable and depends on factors such as species, humidity, time of year, age, acclimation, amount of fat or hair coat insulation, level of production, wind, and other factors,” according to a Washington State University Extension Fact Sheet.    

Livestock Heat Stress Cases Vary  

It’s important to point out that when discussing heat stress, response varies by geographical location and even breed and species makeup.  

“The unfortunate part is everybody’s situation is different based on regional climate differences,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., Director of Beef Technical Sales at BioZyme® Inc.  

“Where a backgrounder in Texas might have to deal with severe heat for seven months, someone in North Dakota might have extreme heat for just two months. However, the commonality is understanding the cascade of events that go on with heat stress – symptoms to look for and what to do.”   

While we are discussing livestock heat stress, remember, goats typically or more heat resistant than other species. However, it is the high humidity combined with heat that impacts them. Conversely, hogs have a lower heat threshold since they have very few functional sweat glands, so they can’t sweat to cool themselves. Learn more specifically about heat stress in pigs. 

Signs of Heat Stress   

During the summer months especially, producers should take extra care to look over their livestock on a regular basis to monitor factors that can lead to heat stress. Watch for behavioral and physical signs that your animals could be experiencing heat stress so you can effectively mitigate it before it turns from bad to worse.   

Livestock heat stress can have significant implications on health, productivity and well-being, especially during hot and humid weather conditions. Recognizing the signs of heat stress in livestock is essential for implementing timely interventions to prevent heat-related illnesses and losses.   

The signs and symptoms of heat stress across species will be similar.  

Increased Respiration Rate  

The first visible sign of livestock heat stress you should look for across species is an increased respiration rate. Excessive or rapid panting, with extended periods of open-mouth breathing, is a sign of heat stress. Animals that show this increase in respiration rate, will have increased air volume intake, which can ultimately lead to other sicknesses. With increased air intake, animals are inhaling more dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses into their bodies, which can quickly lead to bigger problems. Elevated respiratory rates indicate the animal’s effort to cool down and maintain thermal equilibrium.  

Seeking Shade, Shelter & Water  

When battling heat stress animals often show you what they need. The most common sign of heat stress is animals seeking out shade and water during the peak heat of the day. This disrupts the normal feeding pattern of continuously grazing and consuming smaller meals.   

In ruminants – cattle, sheep and goats – this distraction shifts to night grazing and slug feeding where they eat more at once due to increased hunger. Slug feeding leads to acidosis and bloat in ruminants, which can lead to more health issues or death. When they bunch up during the day, they also are more likely to be exposed to sickness because of shared germs – think of containing school kids in an enclosed room with no fresh air.   

Heat-stressed animals often seek shade, shelter or cool, shaded areas. This is to escape direct sunlight and reduce heat exposure. Providing adequate shade structures and shelter options can help mitigate the effects of heat stress.  

Animals experiencing heat stress may increase their water consumption to maintain hydration and regulate body temperature. Providing access to clean, fresh water is crucial during periods of heat stress to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.  

Decreased Feed Intake  

Livestock heat stress may cause reduced feed intake due to decreased appetite and metabolic heat production. Reduced feed consumption can lead to decreased nutrient intake and weight loss, impacting overall productivity and performance.  

Other Signs & Symptoms  

Other typical signs include lethargy, drooling, aimless wandering or staggering and—in severe cases—ultimately death. In addition, increased body temperature and increased heart rate are also symptoms of heat stress. 

One extra sign to watch for in pigs is blotchy skin, especially around the ears and snout. 

Implementing management practices to reduce heat load are critical for mitigating the effects of livestock heat stress.  

Effects of Heat Stress   

It’s worth mentioning that some effects of heat-stressed livestock aren’t immediately obvious. They can be long-lasting and detrimental to the overall health of your herd or flock.  

Livestock heat stress can impact both performance and reproductivity. Animals that are not eating or grazing are not gaining. Heat stress can cause shorter gestation lengths, resulting in lighter birth weights and immune-compromised offspring.    

Extreme heat is a major cause of poor reproductive performance. Females can face problems initiating and maintaining pregnancy. The males can become sterile and also experience a lack of libido.    

Prevention & Treatment   

When tackling heat stress, animals typically provide valuable information about what they need. Now, preventing heat stress before it happens is ideal. However, in some cases you will need to treat the specific symptoms of heat stress animals are dealing with.  

Treatment is often the same as preventative measures but with more care and caution. Let’s explore some of the ways to mitigate and treat heat stress   

Keep Livestock Hydrated  

The first step in alleviating heat stress is to provide plenty of clean, fresh, cool water. Keeping your animals hydrated is critical in preventing heat stress since dehydrated animals have problems maintaining body temperature. 

If you provide plenty of water sources, spread them across several areas to help eliminate the crowding of animals at one particular location. Also, keeping water under shade will help keep the animals gathered under the shade.   

Limit Working During the Day  

Don’t work your livestock during extreme heat. If you need to work your livestock, plan any work as early in the morning as possible before the day heats up. Working animals causes stress and combined with heat stress can cause serious issues. If you need to transport your livestock, do so early in the day or later in the evening when the temperature cools.   

Provide Shade  

Sometimes trees are enough to help eliminate heat stress. Livestock grazing in a large open area where trees are not an option might need some man-made shade structures. If you have a building that serves as shade, make sure it has proper ventilation and circulation like a fan. An enclosed structure with minimal air movement will only contribute to your animals’ heat.    

Adjust Feeding Times   

Digestion contributes to increased body heat, therefore, heightening the chances of heat stress. Wait until later in the day for your afternoon feeding, and if you only feed once per day, do that feeding in the early afternoon.    

Other Nutritional Considerations   

Finally, keeping AO-Biotics® Amaferm® in your livestock diets, especially during summer temperatures, is especially beneficial for eliminating heat stress. Amaferm is a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility.   

“Feeding Amaferm during heat stress has multiple benefits, including improved digestibility, increased energy availability, improved rumen function and decreased loss of performance. The improved digestibility observed with Amaferm provides more energy to the animal during heat stress when intake is reduced,” Cassady said.  

Amaferm is found in our product lines for livestock, including: 

  • VitaFerm®, a line of nutritional supplements for beef cattle that maximizes energy and forage utilization for successful production.  
  • Gain Smart®, a line of vitamin and mineral supplements for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds by maximizing the energy and protein available in the diet. 
  • DuraFerm®, a line of small ruminant nutrition supplements designed to ensure your herd is receiving optimal digestive health and nutrition resulting in maximized performance at every stage of production. 
  • Sure Champ®, a line of livestock show supplements that proactively work to assist with the challenges created by the show environment. 

Bring on the HEAT® Technology  

Along with the benefits Amaferm offers to assist with overall health and digestion to help alleviate heat stress, livestock can also benefit from HEAT technology found within many of the BioZyme products.  

Our HEAT Technology consists of: 

  • AO-Biotics Amaferm, a research-proven prebiotic that enhances digestibility, extending the nutritional value of feed and forages. 
  • A proprietary blend of essential oils supports animals when heat is a challenge. 
  • Garlic, which helps deter insects. 

“The proprietary blend of capsaicin and essential oils in HEAT technology helps improve blood flow to the extremities,” Cassady said. “When the benefit of improved rumen function of Amaferm is tied with the HEAT technology, you can be assured your livestock will be out grazing even in the most extreme temperatures and not huddled under the shade trees.” 

A lowered body temperature has several key benefits. It helps get the females bred and keeps them bred. It helps keep those animals out grazing, which means the potential for gaining is greater, even in warmer climates.   

More Choices with HEAT Technology 

Now, your customers have more product choices with HEAT technology, including:  

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT®

A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® with ClariFly®

A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle with ClariFly that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® CTC 3G with ClariFly®

A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly and CTC for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® Mineral Tub

A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle in a cooked tub that promotes cattle performance year-round. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT®

A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® with ClariFly®

A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® CTC 3G

A premium free choice 5% phosphorous vitamin & mineral supplement with CTC for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ReproMaxx™ HEAT®

A premium free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that maximizes reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. Includes research-proven levels of Zinpro ® organic trace minerals. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Tub

A vitamin & mineral tub for beef cattle that supports overall health when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Stress Tub

A tub for beef cattle that supports digestive health and intake when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (Formerly known as Vita Charge HEAT Stress Tub.) 

Gain Smart® Stocker HEAT®

A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for stocker cattle that maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

HEAT for Sheep 

DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® HEAT® Sheep – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for sheep that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Dealer Support Available 

With HEAT season right around the corner or perhaps already here in some geographic locations, we are ready to support our dealers! Watch for marketing support materials in the SAMM Center on the Online Dealer Center. We’ll have print ads, postcards and invoice stuffers.  

Also, look for social media graphics in our Social Media Toolbox.  

DEALER SPOTLIGHT: CENTRAL VALLEY AG

Central Valley Ag Encompasses Care that Comes Full Circle

When it comes to helping its customers, Central Valley Ag takes care that comes full circle to heart. With multiple locations across Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, this farmer-owned coop goes to great lengths to ensure its customers have the BioZyme® product knowledge they need to succeed.

Marketing initiatives include a website, social media platforms, podcasts and annual producer meetings. Central Valley Ag works tirelessly to market VitaFerm®, Vitalize®, Sure Champ® and DuraFerm® products to its customers. However, it is also a big believer—and user—of AO-Biotics® Amaferm®. You can find Amaferm in Central Valley Ag’s own products.

Merlin Schlote, Central Valley Ag Feed Sales Manager, sees a definite advantage in incorporating Amaferm into their Power Line feeds. Future plans include adding AO Biotics® EQE into their Power Flock layer feed, too. Schlote said their CVA Power feeds are made at their plants in Ainsworth and Duncan, Nebraska.

“The primary advantage of incorporating Amaferm into our product lines is the 17% improvement in feed efficiency that our customers see when penciling out the cost per ton of cake,” Schlote said. “Amaferm is a tool that differentiates itself, which really helps us, as one of the only cake manufacturers who adds it to their cow cake.”

As calving season approaches, Schlote adds that most producers are using up their lower quality hay this time of year and saving their higherquality hay for calving and lactation – when the cows’ nutritional needs are greater.

“The Amaferm breaking down the fiber in the roughage is a big advantage for our customers. We’re glad we offer it to our producers to help them get the most from their forage,” Schlote said.

In addition to offering Amaferm in various forms, Central Valley Ag works with their ASM, Kevin Glaubius, to conduct an annual producer meeting. They take action through the Dealer Center and the BioZyme Dealer Facebook group.

Thank you, Central Valley Ag, for believing in our products, sharing their value with your customers and providing care that comes full circle!

SALES STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Building upon our best sellers from 2025, we have a number of up-and-coming products in our diversification brands. Our sales and marketing teams are equipped to help you position these products to customers with literature, product knowledge and sales strategies. Let’s explore some of these up-and-coming products and some sales strategies to help boost their sales.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Door Opener / Seasonal Promotion

DuraFerm® ONE Sheep

DuraFerm ONE Sheep is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement that promotes performance year-round. The product was introduced in the spring of 2024. It meets or exceeds nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle and is formulated with research-proven organic zinc for enhanced bioavailability. DuraFerm ONE Sheep is an excellent option for commercial sheep producers or show sheep breeders leveraging more advanced reproductive technologies during periods of reduced nutritional requirements, when they are not breeding or lambing.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Other Vitalize Products

Vitalize® Horse Treats

Vitalize Horse Treats are a low-sugar, prebiotic treat for horses. This two-pound bag that is simple to take with you on the road is an easy, healthy snack for equine enthusiasts. Carrot and beetroot make for a tasty treat without artificial flavors. The resealable bag keeps treats fresh, while the unique compressed shape won’t crumble in pockets. Watch for updates to our Vitalize Horse Treats in 2025! This makes a great add-on product while cross-selling or bundling with other Vitalize products.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Other Sure Champ Products

Sure Champ® Cattle Drench

Sure Champ Cattle Drench supports digestive health before, during and after challenges. This green liquid, formerly known as Vita Charge Cattle Drench, was rebranded early in 2024. It includes Amaferm, MOS and enzymes to generate a rapid digestive response. Once show cattle exhibitors see the impacts of Cattle Drench on appetite and hydration, they will be repeat customers. This is a great product to cross-sell with Sure Champ Cattle or Extreme with ClariFly®. Or, you can bundle it with the trio of Sure Champ gels for a quick response show package.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Backyard Boost Defense

Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials

Backyard Boost Daily Essentials is a pelleted protein supplement for poultry designed to maximize digestibility and egg production. The 2.5 lb. bag is a great way to introduce backyard chicken enthusiasts to the product, which includes both AOBiotics Amaferm and EQE, giving birds both digestive health and enhanced egg quality. The smaller-sized bag is ideal to bundle or cross-sell with Backyard Boost Defense.

GET SOCIAL: YOUR NEW DEALER CENTER SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLBOX

Social media marketing plays a huge role in a business’s digital marketing efforts. Promoting products, key benefits, value-added testimonials and other related content can help a business or organization increase awareness, foot traffic and ultimately sales.

Along with several other updates and changes with the new year, BioZyme® has developed the new BioZyme Social Media Toolbox platform. Our team is excited to launch this new resource in Dealer Center.

We noticed Promoboxx wasn’t serving all our dealers the way we wanted it to. That’s why we decided to, when our subscription expired, not renew and instead focus our efforts on providing a seamless service that better met your needs while still providing the valuable, branded marketing and social media content you’ve come to count on.

You can find the new Social Media Toolbox in the Dealer Center, under the Marketing tab across the main header. From there, dealers can select which brand they want to retrieve content from and then choose what specific or general posts they want to post to their social media pages. By simply saving the image and copying the text of the caption, the post is ready to use on any social platform for your dealership.

Wondering if there are still rewards for utilizing social media content? Yes, there are! You will still earn Action Award Points for your engagement!

Look for the Dealer Center On Demand training to learn more about this new tool and how to use it!

Start engaging on social media for your business by using the Social Media Toolbox now.

LETTER FROM LISA

As we enter 2025, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s ahead. This year promises exciting advancements, innovations and experiences tailored to enhance your journey with us.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Expanded Offerings: We’re introducing new products and services to meet your evolving needs and preferences.
  2. Enhanced Technology: With cutting-edge upgrades, we aim to make your interactions and those of your customers smoother, faster and more personalized.
  3. Exclusive Experiences: Look forward to events, special promotions and rewards that celebrate your efforts and loyalty. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
  4. Stronger Connections: We’re committed to improving how we communicate and support you every step of the way.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements—we’re excited to make 2025 a remarkable year together!

Your journey is probably not much different than the one BioZyme® tries to go on. Growth is a huge part of how we travel. Following are some easy steps we should all focus on to take our growth to the next level.

1. Do Your Research: When you’re looking into how to grow your business, you need to do market research. This is true no matter what your goals are. Research not only lets you better understand your existing customers but also your potential customers. It’s important to gain insight into your target market and know its needs. That way, you can see how your business can grow and change to meet those needs.

Don’t forget to research your competitors, too. Knowing what their strengths and weaknesses are can help drive your decisions on how to appropriately scale your operations.

2. Build a Sales Funnel: Your sales funnel can help take business to the next level. Think of a sales funnel as a customer’s journey. When they enter your business or visit your website, they’re at the top of the funnel. When they buy something or sign up for a service, they’ve successfully gone through the funnel. You should try to find ways to move people through the funnel to make a sale. This can include offering a discount, getting their contact information or sending them updates on your business.

3. Increase Customer Retention: It’s not enough to just get new customers for your business. You also need to keep your existing customers coming back. When you increase customer retention, you’re building customer loyalty, which can increase sales.

Considering it costs five times as much to get a new customer than it does to keep a current one, focusing on retaining customers means your business won’t spend money on something that isn’t a guaranteed investment.

You can increase your customer retention by:

• Prioritizing customer service: If you don’t treat your customers right, they won’t want to support your business. Ensuring you address their concerns and give them the best experience possible shows you value them as customers.

• Using a customer relations management (CRM) system: CRM systems help your business manage relationships with existing and potential customers. They help you maintain customer information and identify sales opportunities. One of the biggest benefits is that the data gets stored in one place, so you and other employees who need it can access it.

• Creating a customer loyalty program: These programs reward existing customers for supporting your business. They can also help you attract new customers or get back those who left your business. Nobody wants to miss out on rewards.

• Launching an email campaign: Using an email campaign can help ensure your business stays on top of customers’ minds. It’s also a great way to move existing and potential customers through your sales funnel.

• Engaging with customers on social media: Your customers may reach out to your business on social media with a question or to share feedback, pain points or complaints. You should always try to respond positively, even if you don’t love what they’re saying. Taking the time to respond and engage with them shows you value their thoughts and take their concerns seriously.

4. Diversify Your Product or Service Offerings: It can be hard to change. Harder still to follow through on change once you start. This is especially true in business. You’ve had success selling your main product or service to customers. After all, it’s what gotten you to this point. But no business grows bigger or sells more by only selling the same thing to the same people. One of the easiest ways to grow and grow your customer base is offering new products or services. You can do this by:

• Identifying opportunities for new products or services: Do market research to see if there’s something new you can offer your customers to buy.

• Finding different ways to offer your existing products – this includes subscriptions or bundles.

If you’re looking for practical examples of growth from diversification, look no further than Moment. The company’s initial products included lenses for smartphones to improve photography. Now, the company has expanded its offerings to include apps and accessories to use with its lenses.

5. Measure What Works and Refine as You Go: While there are a variety of strategies you can use to grow a small business, it’s important you measure what’s working. For example, if you create a customer loyalty program and find it’s not improving customer retention, you may need to change your strategy.

Growing a business means you’ll have to take calculated risks. Regularly monitoring your progress and making updates are key to having success.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey to get there.

DEALER SPOTLIGHT: TINA GRAHAM

TINA GRAHAM RELIES ON PAST EXPERIENCES TO GROW BUSINESS

“My goal was to grow my business 10%. Right now, I’m about three times that amount from where I started with just my barn for storage. That’s with no storefront,” said Tina Graham, BioZyme® dealer from Rozet, Wyoming. 

Tina was named the first-ever Rookie Dealer of the Year at this year’s BioZyme Dealer Retreat. She was also one of the elite recipients of the inaugural Live It, Love It, Lead It awards. These 13 dealers exemplified leadership and passion within their businesses by making gains in four key focus areas – action, engagement, growth and sales. 

Getting Started

Tina has an extensive background in ranching and horsemanship. About five years ago, during yet another drought in eastern Wyoming, she sought a cattle mineral to help with the heat. That’s when she discovered the VitaFerm® HEAT® mineral. 

A former schoolmate of hers, Cheri Irvin, was her “closest” dealer – a mere 80 miles away. Although she was discouraged from becoming a dealer herself due to the proximity of her ranch to Cheri and the big country in between, Tina loved the products. Toward the end of 2022, Cheri no longer wanted to sell supplements, and she offered Tina the chance to take over her dealership. 

Today, Tina covers about a 100-mile radius in northeast Wyoming into the southern portion of Montana to get her customers the BioZyme products they love. She sells primarily VitaFerm and Vitalize®, with some DuraFerm® and Sure Champ® added to the mix. One customer shared this on Tina’s Facebook page, tagging both Tina and VitaFerm: “Making a change to our mineral program looks to be a good thing. Our mommas are keeping up with milk production letting calves respectively grow and gain where they should be or more, and the coats on the whole herd look like black silk! I’m looking forward to seeing how our breed ups go this fall! Tina has went over the top keeping us supplied with mineral and the right kind of mineral for every changing season, wavering grazing grasses and weather conditions.” 

Tina uses her ranching and equine experiences to suggest a mineral program to her customers. She contacts them as the seasons and production cycles change to make sure they have what they need readily accessible. 

“I help them transition to the next season, and they seem to appreciate getting those text messages. We have mineral available at several price levels so we can fit in at all budget levels,” Tina said. 

Jenette Masarie, ASM for Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, describes Tina as hardworking and determined. 

“She wants the best for all of her customers and knows truly how our program can positively impact your operation, as she uses a variety of products on her family ranch. I’m excited to see her future growth,” Jenette said. 

Tina is the primary salesperson, marketer and bookkeeper of the BioZyme business. However, she appreciates everyone in her family for their support. Her son helps unload orders. Her dad offers to make deliveries, and her daughter assists with social marketing. 

“I’m very blessed with a family who supports what I do.” 

Selling the cattle and horse products came easy for Tina, who uses Promoboxx and makes her own posts on Facebook using pictures she takes when making deliveries or putting out products. She said social media is one way to keep her overhead costs down and has a large reach amongst her customer base. 

Final Advice

She might be a new BioZyme dealer, but Tina has embraced care that comes full circle. 

“Keep it simple. Listen to your customers’ needs,” she advises others. 

We like that advice, Tina, and we appreciate your efforts to share the care that comes full circle! 

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.  

BioZyme® Introduces Legendary Nutrition™ Product Line in Partnership with Four Sixes Ranch™

BioZyme®, makers of animal health and nutrition products, have partnered with the historic Four Sixes Ranch™ to create research-proven and ranch-tested beef cattle nutritional supplements under the VitaFerm® brand. The Four Sixes x VitaFerm collaboration is a legendary one that brings to market supplements that are powered by VitaFerm’s 75 years of cattle nutrition research and rigorously tested by the Four Sixes Ranch. The products combine the best of both brands’ expertise to provide comprehensive nutritional solutions designed to enhance the health and productivity of resilient commercial cattle herds.

As its flagship product, the collaboration has first launched a Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub that features:

  • AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility
  • Industry-leading organic copper and zinc that deliver real-world results
  • 20% natural protein to help overcome deficiencies in the diet

“The collaboration makes perfect sense for cattle producers across the country and for the two companies, who have been doing business together for a long time. We are so pleased to partner with the Sixes on the Legendary Nutrition line,” said John Tucker, BioZyme Large Beef Accounts Manager. “With industry-leading organic trace minerals, 20% protein, and Amaferm, the tub is a great and convenient option for operations of all sizes.”

“I wanted BioZyme to develop a product that works in the real world, not just on an improved small pasture. It has to work in a big pasture. It has got to work in big country. There are still a lot of places in the United States that have ranches that you can’t drive to every corner. You have to have something that works for that,” said Joe Leathers, General Manager at the Four Sixes.

Ranch-Tested

The Four Sixes have relied on VitaFerm vitamin and mineral supplements for decades on their cattle operation. When fully stocked, they run between 6,000 to 7,000 cows. On big country, relying on grass, the mineral tubs make perfect sense.

“We fed cubes for years and years, and I liked that because we could see the cattle well. But cubes cause the cattle to bunch up, and they don’t utilize the country well. By using the tubs, we are able to keep our cows scattered out and use a lot more of the country through the winter than they normally do,” Leathers said. He added that the cows appear healthier and perform better on VitaFerm.

Forage utilization is vital to the ranch, which depends on the grasses to feed all 7,000 cows. Amaferm, the key ingredient in every VitaFerm product, helps cattle get the most out of it. Amaferm is a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility and increase the energy available to the animal.

“We’re grass farmers with a cow problem… This tub is another tool in our toolbox to give us the ability to take care of our country. To scatter our cows so we don’t overgraze any one area of our country, so we don’t beat it out, so invasive species don’t come in, all the while maintaining the health and nutritional needs of our cattle,” Leathers said.

Research-Proven

At BioZyme, research is a core value. It’s been this way for more than seven decades. Why? Because of our motto: care that comes full circle. We believe that every animal that we take care of ultimately takes care of us in return. Doing what’s right for our animals, our land, and our producers, comes back around in the end.

Developed using the latest research in animal nutrition, the Four Sixes x VitaFerm Legendary Nutrition product line provides quality nutrition to deliver real-world results. The flagship protein tub combines essential vitamins, minerals, and organic trace minerals that are crucial for the overall health, growth, and reproductive performance of cattle.

How to Purchase Legendary Nutrition Products

Interested in learning more about the products and collaboration? Visit www.vitaferm.com/four-sixes-ranch-partnership.

Order this legendary product: https://dealers.backofficeapps.com/products/1772