Category: Grow your Business

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.  

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.

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.  

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. 

Tell Everyone: Marketing Plans Start NOW

Marketing is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Regardless of if you are selling widgets or high-quality feed supplements, marketing is going to help you grow your business, build relationships with your customers and increase your profits.

As we move into 2023, there are more marketing opportunities than ever before. We no longer live in your grandpa’s world of driving downtown and putting an advertisement in the local newspaper made with clipart provided by the local cattle association, hoping for results.

Dealers, you have so many options available to you. So, grab your yellow legal pad or even your iPad, and take notes, because your marketing plans start now.

Make a plan. Divide your year into quarters and break each quarter into months. Decide what is important to your customers during those given months. If it starts getting hot in March or April where you live, you will probably want to start promoting a mineral that includes HEAT® in February or even earlier to make it top of mind. Market Sure Champ® products in the months leading up to and during livestock shows in your area. If you have a big wall calendar or like to use excel spreadsheets, use these tools to help visualize your plan.

Create a budget. Do you know how much money you have to spend on marketing? Do you plan to spend money each month? Every other month? Is the dollar amount dependent on sales or time of year? As you prepare your annual budget, set aside some marketing dollars for advertising, promotional items and even a producer meeting. If you have those funds budgeted early on, you should not spend them on other items, and know that you have the money reserved specifically for marketing efforts.

Choose your vehicles. Once you know your budget and what you plan to market, determine which outlets you would like to use for your marketing. Do you plan to rely solely on social media? Will you print stuffers to go with your invoices to promote new or timely products? Do you plan to advertise on the local radio station or with the local sports boosters on the high school football programs? If you know your customers or the potential customers you are trying to reach, you can determine which of the vehicles are relevant to them. Whichever vehicle you decide on, make sure you know the cost, the deadline and the file format you need to provide if it is an external company like a newspaper or radio station.

Use social media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok are growing in popularity. Social media offers several benefits, with the most popular being that it is free. Other benefits include that it is widely accessible by most people anywhere, including at their fingertips, and it allows you to interact with your customers, whereas traditional advertising only allows for one-way communication. Use social media to your advantage. If you are not fully comfortable with some of the tools and platforms, remember that BioZyme offers Promoboxx as free service, and you can link your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for free content.

Evaluate your action. After you have conducted your marketing action, it is always important to evaluate the outcome. Did a particular advertisement or promotion drive customers to the store? Did your business experience an increase in sales due to your marketing efforts? Take notes. If the sales didn’t increase, chalk one up for experience. If the sales went through the roof, write it down and plan for something very similar for the same time the next year.

Marketing is ever evolving. You don’t have to do it alone. Be sure to reach out to your ASM, use the tools provided to you in the Online Dealer Center or contact a member of the BioZyme Marketing Team. We are here to help you market your business and increase your sales.

Two Minutes In Ag: April

They say the world is full of bad news; unfortunately, there is some truth in that. However, we can always find the good if we look, too. This month we will bring you some of both in our industry in a quick two-minute read.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has impacted poultry production in more than half the states so far. To date, the virus is linked to the death of nearly 23 million birds. Iowa—the nation’s largest egg producer—is the hardest-hit state, having lost 13.2 million poultry already. This is the largest virus outbreak in the poultry industry since 2015.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a relief package specifically for livestock producers. USDA will launch the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) to address increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021. The ERLP will use data from the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to make payments to affected producers—producers do not have to apply for the aid if they were approved for an LFP payment. There will be a pay cap, but details have not been released on that front.

Phase 1 of the payments is expected to total $577 million, basing the payments on percentage of an eligible producers’ gross 2021 LFP payment—90% for historically underserved producers and 75% for all other producers. USDA said it was evaluating impacts of 2021 drought and wildfires on livestock producers as it develops the Phase 2 component.

Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, does offer some encouragement for profitability in the cattle business, as prices are higher than they were a year ago at this time, and he doesn’t expect them to dip. Where the revenue will be affected is on the expense side of the equation, as drought continues. Feed prices will be the highest input cost for producers. Peel recommends grazing cattle as long as possible without feeding hay, even if that means some targeted fertilizing for both pasture and hay production. This is just another reason promoting a mineral with Amaferm® is so important for that nutrient utilization.

Two Minutes in Ag: March

Last month, many of the BioZyme sales and marketing staff attending the Cattle Industry Convention in Houston. It was great to talk to so many customers and potential customers about our products. While there, CattleFax presented its annual market and weather forecast, which is typically right on target. 

 According to CattleFax, even with continued challenges and uncertainty from the pandemic, cattle price and profitability trends for producers are heading in the right direction. While issues around labor and packing capacity have lingered, both are expected to improve in the year ahead. Expansions in capacity combined with strong global and domestic consumer beef demand suggests increased profitability across segments, good news for our customers. 

Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations and analysis at CattleFax, provided the following market forecast: Average 2022 fed steer price at $140/cwt., up $18/cwt. from 2021, with a range of $130-155/cwt. throughout the year. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to improve. The 800-lb steer price is expected to average $172/cwt. with a range of $158-184/cwt., and the 550-lb steer price is expected to average $205/cwt., with a range of $180-230/cwt. Finally, Good forecasted utility cows at an average of $75/cwt. with a range of $65-85/cwt. and bred cows at an average of $1,850/head with a range of $1,700-2,000 for load lots of quality, running-age cows. 

The weather forecast isn’t quite as favorable as the cattle market with La Niña staying in control of the ocean-atmosphere system. For the U.S., barring any change to the La Niña outlook or sudden warming in the Gulf of Alaska, dryness continues across the Southwest and South with warms temperatures, too. The Northern Plains and Corn Belt are expected to have wetness farther east this spring and drier conditions for this summer, with temperatures closer to normal compared to last year. 

As you know supply chain and transportation issues continue to challenge everyone in agriculture.

Look for more positive news next month, when hopefully we start to see some April showers! 

Two Minutes this Month: February

A new year is upon us, but the same challenges exist if you’re in agriculture; land values are high, feed costs are high, and if you are a farmer, seed and chemical costs are going to be higher than ever this spring. However, those involved in U.S. production agriculture continue to persevere and produce the world’s safest food, just like BioZyme focuses on producing safe, accurate products. 

New this month, we’ll start highlighting some news from across the ag community that you can read in a quick two minutes.  

Cattle slaughter was down in December, and overall declining cattle numbers are projected to reduce cattle slaughter by 2.5 -3% in 2022 and lead to a 2.5% decrease in beef production for the year. However, drought could change the timing by forcing more liquidation and slaughter sooner and delaying the decrease in production until later. 

Mother Nature cannot play nice; she either sends excessive rains and storms to parts of the country or drought continues to wreak havoc elsewhere. The U.S. Forest Service along with other government agencies are partnering to help eliminate the spread of wildfires moving forward. This 10-year plan initially will target some of the highest risk areas, including the Pacific Northwest, the Sierra Nevada Range in California, the front range in Colorado and the Southwest. 

The BioZyme brands were represented in January at both the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City and the National Western Stock Show in Denver. In its second year, Cattlemen’s Congress boasted strong open cattle shows with great sales, many sponsored and supported by breed associations after a successful first year, as a pivot show when the National Western cancelled during the height of COVID. The new stockyards at the National Western are very impressive, and the NWSS staff was very exhibitor friendly this year. Quality junior market shows among the species make Denver a special place in January, with the junior market auction better than ever. Sales in the new auction arena in the Yards were strong and though attendance was slightly off this year, foot traffic at the BioZyme booth was tremendous.