Category: Company News

At The Heart Of Keeping Biozyme In Gear: Tyson Vorderstrasse

Tyson Vorderstrasse microbe development sets schedule in fermentation plant.

For Tyson Vorderstrasse there isn’t a typical work day or an 8-5 shift. The Director of Fermentation for BioZyme® oversees the growth and development of the cells that make up Amaferm® and AO-Biotics®. And although the fermentation plant only runs one shift per day, there isn’t a “normal” routine for each day. What needs done today, must be done today because if it doesn’t get done, then tomorrow won’t happen.

“We are flexible on our hours because microbes grow 24/7; they don’t go home,” Tyson said, “They have got to have what they need when they need it.”

Tyson has an extensive background in microbiology and the fermentation process. He grew up on a farm in south central Nebraska, and always took an interest in science, including the mechanical side of science. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology-Health Science Emphasis with a Chemistry minor from Missouri Western State University, and his senior year of college was given an opportunity to intern in a lab of a fermenter operation in microbiology. He said out of four interns, he was one of two offered full-time jobs, and thus began a career in fermentation.

Fermentation is really the initial step in developing the Amaferm, the key ingredient to every product that BioZyme markets. But fermentation doesn’t just happen.

Each week Tyson sets a schedule of what needs to be produced for the week, mixes and sterilizes media for the next batch, prepares and steams lines for the harvest, assures accurate water filtration, and makes sure the totes are ready to contain the blocks that will be harvested. There is also extensive data entry and records to keep. And of course, maintenance and cleaning the equipment is of utmost importance.

So, how big is a “batch” of Amaferm? Currently BioZyme is home to two 10,000-liter tanks. According to Tyson, each tank is the equivalent of 2,800 gallons or nearly 20,000 pounds. He said this summer they will add another tank, but this one will be 15,000 liters.

From fermentation to drying to bagging, it takes approximately five days to produce a batch of Amaferm.

With 3 ½ years with the company, Tyson says he enjoys the process that he is involved with each day, and the ability to be heard in a smaller company. He said having a hand in setting up the process and knowing it works and the ability to make suggestions on improvements and adjustments makes his job enjoyable.

“The work force and the leadership are very dedicated to the company. You matter, the workers matter and the outcome matters,” he said.

At The Heart Of Keeping Biozyme In Gear: Ignacio Ipharraguerre

Ignacio Ipharraguerre works to make products better for the users.

BioZyme Inc., takes pride in the research-proven products that it offers. And that research is taken very seriously by the Director of Research and Innovation Dr. Ignacio Ipharraguerre. Ignacio said he has two responsibilities within BioZyme. His primary function is to provide leadership and oversight to the research, development and innovation of the various product lines. He also provides technical support and strategy on market development to the International Division.

“We are gaining knowledge that helps us understand how to use our products better and how end-users will get the best response. We look for a consistent response because we want the products to work today, tomorrow and the next day,” Ignacio said.

He said that 2018 is a year of ambitious efforts with a focus on a growing portfolio of research projects. He said the research portfolio has two parts – the internal part that is tangible and exists within BioZyme and an idea or technology portfolio that exists outside of the company.

Internally, Ignacio spends time guiding product testing to evaluate how each one will work and what information will need to be provided to the customer. He also spends time working with the other staff to research what the needs are for new products in the future.

Most of his time is dedicated to research, not only internally, but also working with external sources helping find outside contacts that BioZyme can create partnerships with on their research and to discover what is happening in the industry.

In addition to working on research and development on current and new products, Ignacio also leads analytical research for improving and monitoring the fermentation process. Through a partnership with the Missouri Western State University Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator, lab space and equipment are available for the analytical research BioZyme conducts for additives like Amaferm® and AO-Biotics®.

“We are continually working to improve formulation and quality control of the fermentation process,” Ignacio said.

Currently, he is leading numerous research projects for the company that focus on animal health and nutrition, which are conducted in collaboration with various universities in the USA and Europe.

“We try to anticipate what our customer base will need in the future by thinking outside of the box or ahead of the wave,” he said. “We want to be able to answer those needs in an efficient and cost-effective matter.”

Ignacio has been working on BioZyme research for about 3 years, previously at the University of Kiel in the northern part of Germany. While he still is affiliated with the University’s Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, he now resides in the USA where also works closely with the sales team and product development team to answer any questions they have about the products or how they work.

Ignacio received the foundation for his agricultural training in Argentina and earned both his master’s and Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in Nutrition Physiology of Dairy Cattle from the University of Illinois.

He was the first researcher to study the impact of BioZyme’s products on intestinal health at the University of Kiel and was excited about the tremendous potential that products derived from Aspergillus oryzae offer to help animal health and performance. He also appreciates BioZyme’s ambition for the future as a growing company.

“I enjoy the family-based values of the company and that it cares for its people and its community. It has a big ambition for the future,” he said.

Reproductive Success Report Webinar Recording

We have completed the first round of data in the Reproductive Success Report that compares cows fed VitaFerm Concept•Aid to the industry average in areas of conception rates, calving rates and weaning weights.

In the video below, Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition discusses the results. This is great data we want each of you to be able to use to fully explain the benefits of our best selling product!

Clone Yourself: Master Dealer Program

You just can’t be everywhere at once. Sometimes it seems nearly impossible to get everything accomplished when there is just one of you. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a clone? That is one reason why it is important to have a highly-trained sales team in place.

In a 2015 Facebook survey of nearly 580 livestock producers who use supplements, 48% of them said they expected their dealers to have product knowledge and rely on them for their recommendations.

Since research has shown that employees are happier and feel more like part of the team when they are knowledgeable about the product, it makes sense to provide them the necessary training to increase rapport and productivity.

According to Lessonly, productivity increases by 22% when employees are properly trained. That means productivity of one employee who makes $30,000 per year, could increase $6,000. Taking the time to train your employees is a good investment, especially if you multiply that $6,000 by the number of employees you have.

“The Master Dealer program is an easily accessible place to log on and learn about our products and the industry at your own speed,” says Erin Creason, BioZyme® Inside Sales Coordinator. “The consumer has asked that when they go to purchase product that the dealer has product or will order product in a timely manner and has product knowledge and is able to make a recommendation. By becoming a Master Dealer, you’re able to do both at the same time! Whether you sit down and complete the training yourself or have your staff go through our training modules, you’re multiplying your efforts.”

To educate dealers and keep them properly trained – the next best option to cloning – BioZyme introduced its Master Dealer Program in June. The program, which provides online training is one way to keep dealers knowledgeable about the various products, their uses and BioZyme services. Located on the Online Dealer Center, the Master Dealer Program offers a variety of learning modules covering topics from Amaferm® and stocker cattle to commercial poultry and horses. After each brief training video, there is a quiz for the participants to take. After all quizzes are passed and all other requirements are completed, the dealer will receive Master Dealer recognition.

In addition to completing the training modules, other requirements to meet the Master Dealer designation include having at least two employees for each dealership complete the training (unless there is just one person involved with the dealership); stocking four of the five following brands or products: Sure Champ®, VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® or VitaFerm® HEAT®, Gain Smart® , Vita Charge® or Vitalize®; and completing two courses in continuing education training each subsequent year.

Once a dealership has completed all the requirements for Master Dealer, it will be recognized and marketed as such. It will receive a special designation on the Dealer Locator page, signage with the Master Dealer designation will be provided to the store; and employees who complete the training will be given a special jacket with the BioZyme Master Dealer logo on it.

While cloning yourself, as nice as that sounds, may not be possible, taking the time to train yourself and your employees is something you should definitely invest in! Your employees will feel more like a team, and your customers will feel like they are being treated by knowledgeable staff every time they contact someone about BioZyme products.

Superior Livestock Partners with BioZyme to Form Value-Added Program

The leader in livestock marketing, Superior Livestock Auction, has teamed up with BioZyme® Inc., to add the first ever nutrition-based program to its list of value-added programs. The VitaFerm® Raised and Gain Smart™ programs will add value at marketing for those consignors selling their calves through Superior.

“Most of our consignors are using a mineral program already, and it made sense to partner with a progressive company who thinks like we do when it was time to choose a nutrition partner to add to our value-added programs,” says Jason Barber, Superior’s purebred division manager. “Since most consignors already feed mineral, this doesn’t cost our customers a dime. If they are already feeding VitaFerm or start feeding Gain Smart, they are going to see healthier cattle that bring more money.”

Producers work hard for their profit, and it makes sense to partner with a leading nutrition company to see faster gains while receiving premiums at sale time. More information typically means more profit for the producer. Healthy cattle gain faster, and cattle that have been fed a BioZyme product will handle stress and transportation more effectively while acclimating faster to a new environment.

Barber says BioZyme was a natural fit for the value-added partnership since BioZyme is a progressive company that also likes to create value for its customers and moves quickly to put plans into motion. Another added advantage is many of the producers who market on Superior already feed a BioZyme product. Barber adds that the great staff at BioZyme, from its nutritionists, marketing staff and sales force is another benefit. The two companies have been building relationships between staffs since some summer meetings to provide education about BioZyme products to the Superior reps. And those relationships can only grow stronger as BioZyme dealers reach out to the Superior reps in the area to work together to educate the producers about the benefits of VitaFerm Raised or Gain Smart.

“We encourage our customers to do business with companies that do business with us,” Barber says. “This is a partnership that is going to work and is going to be a long-term partnership. If there is ever a chance for us to add value and create a premium when a customer sells cattle with Superior, we are all about it. It doesn’t cost the consignor anything extra. They just check a box on their contract.”

Introducing BioZyme’s 3-Step Gain Smart Program: 3 steps to draw stockers/backgrounders to you

The job of stocker cattle is to turn cellulose into red meat, by putting on weight in the most cost effective way – gaining smart.

steps

The Gain Smart Stocker Program provides a 1-2-3 punch to get calves eating and staying healthy. It includes 2 products to jump start appetite and a line of vitamin and mineral supplements with the Amaferm® advantage that promotes health and economically produces pounds by maximizing the natural energy and protein available in forage.

Feeding the Gain Smart program with the Amaferm advantage:

  • Makes the most of the cheapest feed available to any stocker operation: forage
  • Accelerates gain by stimulating the calf’s rumen to function at top efficiency
  • Improves health by reducing the impact of stress, the largest sucker of immunity
  • Pays a 2 to 1 return through more gain, more health

superiorExciting news!!
This program will easily draw stockers to your doorstep due to its effectiveness on gain and health. However, to add icing on the cake, we have launched an exclusive partnership with Superior Livestock Auction. Beginning October 2016, calves selling through Superior Auction will be able to add a value-added emblem (see below) if they have been fed Gain Smart for the 45 days prior to the sale or have been on a VitaFerm mineral for the 45 days prior to sale. This program will be heavily marketed to bring new business to your door.

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Click Here for details on the Gain Smart Program. Call your ASM today to order Vita Charge Drench, Stress Tubs and the Gain Smart Mineral that is best for your customers.

BIOZYME/SUPERIOR REP PREFERRED PARTNER MINERAL PROGRAM
FYI :: We have developed a program for Superior Reps to be able to purchase VitaFerm and Gain Smart products at a discounted rate. Seeing is believing, and we hope to encourage any Superior Rep to try our products first-hand. If you have a relationship with a rep in your area, please make sure they are aware of this program! Contact your Area Sales Manager for assistance in filling out the required form for this program.

Introducing Feed the Future: Investing in youth by bringing Hereford breeders to your door

BioZyme® is excited to launch the new “Feed the Future” program in partnership with the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The program contributes $1 to HYFA for every bag/tub of eligible BioZyme supplement any American Hereford Association member buys during the year. This program will be marketed all year long by both HYFA and BioZyme. BioZyme does all tracking and contributing, you just say, “Thanks for the sale.”

Share these Feed the Future Program Details with your Hereford Breeders

Step 1. Select the correct VitaFerm supplement to maximize the potential of your cow herd. Contact Erin Creason, Inside Sales Coordinator, at 816-238-7084, visit www.vitaferm.com or speak with your dealer to learn more about these products.

Eligible VitaFerm products and product lines include: Concept•Aid®, Heat and Cattlemen’s Blend™, the Mineral Lyk Tub, 30:13 Protein Tub™, Roughage Fortifier and Sure Start® Pellet.

Step 2. Each time you purchase an eligible VitaFerm product, take a picture of your invoice with your smart phone or camera and email a copy of the invoice to hereford@biozymeinc.com or text it to the BioZyme office at 816-383-3109.

Step 3. BioZyme will donate $1 per bag or tub with the proof of purchase to the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. Donations will be made annually.

Feed the Future Program Details for the BioZyme Dealer

Identify Hereford breeders in your area and send a list to BioZyme to connect to new customers by “Feeding the Future.”

At BioZyme, we believe in the value of partnerships. This starts with the one we have with you, but will certainly be impacted by the ones we are starting with Superior and HYFA. We believe programs backed by powerful partnerships are the key to improving sales, margins and profits, to exponentially increase business success.

Welcome Sure Champ® Summer Interns

BioZyme is excited to announce our 2016 Sure Champ summer interns: John Reasor, Sales Intern, and Victoria Osburn, Public Relations Intern. The Sure Champ summer internship program offers college juniors and seniors a variety of experiences related to sales and marketing in the livestock nutrition business, both in an office and field setting. Interns travel to various junior nationals and trade shows across the country promoting BioZyme’s supplement brands, as well as spend time working with current dealers.

John grew up outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Wildwood, Georgia. John is heavily involved in his family operation, Reasor Farms. The operation started as just a small commercial cow-calf operation but quickly grew into a Shorthorn and Angus herd that relies on embryo transfer technology for continue growth. John is expected to graduate from Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal Science in May of 2017.

Victoria hails from Celina, Texas, and has shown cattle for more than 10 years. Primarily showing Shorthorns, she has served as the National Shorthorn Lassie Queen and President of the Texas Junior Shorthorn Association. Victoria is currently attending Texas Tech University working toward a degree in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Animal Science.

If you see John and Victoria at events throughout the summer, please introduce yourself and say hello!