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Dealer Spotlight: Bickel Farms

One Iowa BioZyme^® dealer takes the “lead by example” approach to his marketing. And it is working just fine for him. Bickel Farms, located in Southwest Iowa, near Diagonal, became a BioZyme dealer just five short years ago, after selling another mineral for 30 years.

Brian Bickel explained that he had sold and fed another mineral for three decades, but once it was bought by another company, customer service began to fail. He had heard of BioZyme, and was familiar with the products, as his family used Sure Champ^® on its show projects. He did his homework, tried VitaFerm^® on his own herd first, and the rest is history.

“I wanted to see how the product worked for us first,” Brian recalls. “I was one of the last to be a believer in chelated minerals, but you do get a true bang for your buck with them. I definitely see the Amaferm advantage at work in our herd. Our cows are in better shape. Their conversion and consumption is better than ever.”

Once Brian was convinced of the benefits of VitaFerm and other BioZyme products, he became a dealer. He relies on word-of-mouth and lets his herd do the primary promotion for him, rather than advertising. Leading by example comes easily.

Following by Example

Brian is currently the second of four generations living on Bickel Farms. One of the primary ways he and his family stay involved in the industry is through the Ringgold County Cattlemen’s Association – an organization his dad, Dale, helped form 50 years ago. Today, the 6th generation of Bickel family, Cauy and Brady are involved in the beef industry. Brian and his wife, Robyn, just welcomed their first grandchild and the seventh generation to the farm.

The Ringgold County Cattlemen’s honored Dale and Marla as its 2024 Cattlemen of the Year. The multi-generation family and BioZyme dealership continues its involvement, donating VitaFerm products to its annual auction and volunteering for various functions throughout the year. Brian hopes that this new grandson will share the same passion for agriculture, the farm, and give back as the generations before him.

Business Basics

When it comes to selling mineral, Brian says, “There’s no better feeling than hearing your customers’ reproduction success stories!”

He recommends getting to know and working with the BioZyme team, and keeping an inventory management system that works best for the individual.

“We are in hole-hog. Sell products from the same company and believe in what you are selling. It’s hard to sell what you don’t have,” he adds.

Brian is a shorter distance from the Saint Joseph headquarters than some, but he does keep a variety of inventory. He compliments the BioZyme team, saying his truck driver has never had to wait to be loaded, and he can count on anyone from his ASM, Troy Goretska, to the nutritionist, Chris Cassady, when he has a question.

Leading by example. Involvement in local organizations. Bridging the generational gap. Those are great ways to show care that comes full circle, and we’re glad to have dealers like Bickel Farms.

Changes Coming in June

VITALIZE® BLAZIN’ PELLETS ARE HERE

We’re excited to introduce Vitalize® Blazin’ Pellets this month just in time for the summer temperatures. Built on the same proven principles as the liquid formula, these new pellets are designed to:

Deliver enhanced palatability
Support normal recovery from heat stress and exertion
Provide a convenient, easy-to-feed option for customers

The pellet comes in a 10-lb bag and 4 per case. Order yours today in the Dealer Center.

NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON

BioZyme is launching several new products this summer across brands. Watch the Dealer Center Dealer Facebook Page for exciting news about these products.

BIOZYME CLOSES JULY 3

In observance of Independence Day, BioZyme will close on Friday, July 3, so our employees can enjoy time with their families and celebrate the holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6. We wish everyone a safe, fun, and happy July 4 weekend!

Full Circle Spotlight: Landreth Livestock Products

Jenny Landreth, of Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, takes care that comes full circle to an entirely new level. And she uses the profits from her BioZyme^® and Umbarger business to do so.

“Our son (Austin) started showing commercial cattle about 9 or 10 years ago. We’d raised cattle but had never been involved in the show industry. He had some friends who wanted to get involved, too, but had no ag background or place to keep livestock, so my husband said, ‘just show for us.’ We provided the calf, the feed, the hay, the travel, the hotel, the meals, and never expected or wanted anything in return,” Jenny said.

A program was started with the Landreths – as long as the kids showed up and worked with their animals – there would be a calf to show, and someone to mentor them and provide them opportunities. Jenny and her late husband David, who passed unexpectedly in early 2025, used and continue to use the proceeds from their mineral and feed sales to pay for their show kids. Austin graduated from high school in 2024, thus aging out, and assuming many of David’s former responsibilities, but the Landreths still have two young exhibitors showing for them. They attend about 15 shows per year, and travel a four-state area, including the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia.

“At one time I had six kids and nine calves,” Jenny said. “We proudly hang up our Sure Champ and Vita Charge banners wherever we go.”

Outside of helping young exhibitors, Landreth Livestock Products also presents three scholarships at the South Carolina State Fair. One scholarship is presented to a college student pursuing an ag degree. Two other scholarships are given to young people who are interested in showing, but who don’t have direct ties to agriculture. Jenny feels it is important to encourage a “learn by doing” mentality to ensure an agricultural future for our country.

A Rocky Start

Jenny and David started out in the equine business but sold them to start a cow herd 21 years ago. About a decade ago, they preg-tested their fall-calving herd in May to find half the females were open. In the second trimester, another 25% aborted – something they attributed to their nutrition program at the time.

One evening about that same time, they were watching RFD-TV, when a VitaFerm^® commercial caught their attention. They discovered their nearest dealer was three hours away, but David made the trip and returned with a pallet of VitaFerm^® HEAT^®.

“I just laughed when he handed me the bill. You drove six hours and spent what,” she said. “But the next year, we had 90% conception with A.I.; 100% conception with the clean up bull, a 100% calf crop, and the girls slicked off so nice.”

Their good friend, Justin O’Flaherty, then BioZyme ASM, stopped by to visit one day, and noticed the VitaFerm and asked how far they had driven to get the product. She signed them up to be on-farm dealers, something that compliments their A.I. business, their 300-head cow-calf operation, and every other project they have.

“It fell in my lap, and we ran with it,” she said.

Advice to Others

Jenny has a big heart – both for her “show kids” and for customers. Due to urban sprawl, she had to relocate her family about an hour south of their original location. However, her customers followed. She recommends running the numbers for customers to show them how the mineral does pay for itself and show them how it works for your operation if they have doubts.

“Don’t get your feelings hurt if they say no. If they say they want to try another product, they will likely call you back in a year or so, and want to try ours,” Jenny said. “You don’t have to store everything. Get what works for your area and recommend those products. There are a lot of skus, and it can be confusing.”

Thanks, Jenny for being an inspiration to young people and showing care that comes full circle!

Changes Coming in May

LOOK FOR Vitalize® Blazin’ Pellets COMING LATER THIS MONTH

As part of our continued effort to expand and diversify our product lineup, we’re excited to introduce Vitalize® Blazin’ Pellets, launching this month. Built on the same proven principles as the liquid formula, these new pellets are designed to: deliver enhanced palatability, support normal recovery from heat stress and exertion, and provide a convenient, easy-to-feed option for customers. The pellet will be offered in a 10lb bag and 4 per case.

BACKYARD BOOST® MAKES LABEL CHANGES

As we enter into a time of raising spring chicks, look for new, trendier Backyard Boost® labels on both Daily Essentials and Defense. The same great products your customers have come to depend on contain the same great ingredients – we just made the package look more on-trend. This will be a rolling change as the original labels and inventory is depleted but watch for it soon.

BIOZYME UPDATES SMALL PARCEL SHIPPING

BioZyme is continually looking for ways to be more cost-efficient and pass those savings onto our customers. Therefore, we will transition our small parcel shipping to work with a third-party carrier who works more closely with FedEx and UPS and can offer significant savings while providing better tracking for small parcels.

BIOZYME IS CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY

To allow our employees time for reflection and honor, BioZyme will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

Dealer Spotlight: Cow Poke Ranch Supply

“Supporting 4-H is easy. The support always comes back to us from the 4-Hers parents and ranchers. Why wouldn’t we support them?”

Jodi Pauley, store manager for Cow Poke Ranch Supply in Deer Lodge, Montana, understands the philosophy of care that comes full circle. At their store in Western Montana, they are accustomed to giving back to the young people both locally and to the surrounding counties.

According to Pauley, she works to ensure Cow Poke Ranch Supply stocks a current inventory of show feed and supplies for young exhibitors. She also makes sure she has Sure Champ^® Clench Gel, “to help keep their animals the healthiest they can be.”

Pauley collaborates with vendors such as BioZyme^® ASM Justin Doubet to conduct educational clinics at the store. These clinics vary over time but cover topics ranging from feeding and selection to daily care, and they cover multiple species. Furthermore, Cow Poke offers specials for 4-H members, such as buying 10 bags of feed and getting 1 for free, and often recognizes its customers with an appreciation gift certificate at the end of the show season.

County Fair Fun

For the young Cow Poke Ranch Supply customers, much of their work culminates at the Tri-County Fair. Pauley said in 2025, she and Doubet hosted an ice cream social for the exhibitors and their families after check-in, where they also handed out some shirts and caps.

“We also like to purchase one or two animals in the 4-H auction each year, depending on our budget,” Pauley said. “Our sister store in Corvallis also participates in the 4-H activities.”

Education Beyond the Youth

In addition to the youth education and support that Cow Poke Ranch Supply provides, Pauley said they have offered different producer educational opportunities. The most recent – Calving Day – proved some long-term success.

The store invited several vendors to set up displays that promoted calving time supplies. Doubet promoted the VitaFerm^® Sure Start Gel. Customers received a sign-in card and were required to get signatures from each vendor to enter into a drawing. The customers also received 10% off calving supplies purchased that day and a complimentary lunch.

“It was a great way to expose our customers to everything we have to offer in-store and enjoy a good, hearty stew lunch. If they had not been in for a while, they could look around and learn more about the products we carry,” Pauley said. “They went home, thought about what they saw and what they wanted, and came back and made their purchases, so the Calving Day did pay off later.”

Cow Poke Ranch Supply has been a BioZyme dealer since 2021. It carries every supplement line that BioZyme offers, ensuring that its customers’ animals are getting the best nutrition possible.

“Jodi and her team always have the customer’s best interest in mind,” Doubet said.

From 4-H exhibitors to the cow-calf producer, Cow Poke Ranch Supply knows how to show care that comes full circle.

CHANGES COMING IN APRIL

CHECK OUT TRAINING VIDEOS

Knowledge is power. Our team has been working to provide updated and new training videos in the Dealer Center. Watch the videos, take quizzes, and earn rewards points — which are now redeemable for free product, marketing materials, and more.

BACKYARD BOOST SWAG DEEPLY DISCOUNTED

We are in the process of preparing to introduce a new Backyard Boost logo later this spring, so all Backyard Boost merchandise in the SAMM Center has been marked down by 50%. Now is a great time to shop for shirts, hoodies, hats, and koozies to show appreciation for your volume chick day customers! Check out the Backyard Boost merch and apparel in SAMM Center.

NEW VITAFERM LEGACY HOODIES AVAILABLE IN SAMM CENTER

Don’t forget to visit the SAMM Center for all your shopping and promotional needs. We do have a new VitaFerm® hoodie and Vitalize® ¼-zip in, as well as a variety of caps and t-shirts in stock.

UPDATES MADE TO OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS

To provide the most efficient customer service, we have updated our Supplement Terms & Conditions, which you see each time you place an order.

Payment Terms

Please be aware that our payment terms have updated from 2%15 days net 30. They are now 2%10 days net 30.

Overweight Trucks

If a truck returns or refuses the complete order due to being overweight, the customer will be subject to an unloading and restocking fee. This fee will be a minimum of $250 and will be assessed based on the resources required to complete the unloading and restocking process.

• All orders may be changed in the first 24 hours after they are received. After 24 hours have passed, orders may not be changed without a significant fee.

• All orders must be a minimum of 2.5 Tons or 2 full pallets. All VitaFerm® and Gain Smart® products are subject to full pallet quantities. The only bagged products that can be ordered in less than full pallet quantities are DuraFerm®, Sure Champ® and Vitalize® branded products. All tubs are subject to full pallet quantities.

• A minimum order of 1 pallet of bagged products will be accepted if the order contains a pallet topper. Pallet toppers with a pallet topper item total > $300 will ship for free. Orders that do not meet the $300 pallet topper requirement will be subject to a $30 pallet topper fee. Please note that Pallet Toppers CANNOT ship on Flatbeds.

Dealer Spotlight: Timmons Feed & Farm Supply

For some young livestock exhibitors, success is defined by a shiny belt buckle or a big purple banner. However, the owner and CEO of Timmons Feed & Farm Supply, Chad Timmons, encourages each young exhibitor to define success for their own project, their own way.

“We want people to be able to take two goats to the county fair, have them behave for the exhibitors, and have them feel they have succeeded, just as much as the family who travels to Louisville and captures that purple banner,” Timmons said. “It’s okay for each family to define success for your family and celebrate your own wins, both big and small.”

Something for Everyone

Timmons said his family-owned and operated business offers feed and show supplies for every level of livestock exhibitor, from first-year novices to experienced showmen. He and his wife started Timmons Feed & Farm Supply in Lebanon, Indiana, in 2010 and became BioZyme® dealers shortly after to offer high-quality nutritional products to their customers. Not only do they sell feed and other show supplies, but Timmons said it is important to offer advice and help their customers succeed every step of the way.

“We don’t care if you are feeding and showing a $15 rabbit or $15,000 steer, if a family wants and needs help, we want to be there for them, every step of the way,” Timmons said.

Timmons, who is passionate that livestock is a great tool to raise kids with, has a special place in his heart for the less experienced kids, who are still learning the ropes, but can “define their own success.” He knows the hours and dedication it takes to hang a banner, and he appreciates the business that he receives from those customers. However, he knows the majority of young people are still learning the ropes, and he hopes their ultimate rewards are the networking, responsibility, work ethic, and ability to handle the ups and downs that life hands them.

A Business Built on Relationships

Most would think of a feed and farm supply store as a place to purchase feed and farm supplies. Yet, Timmons wants to be known as the place where values are held high, relationships are important, and a customer can come for help or advice.

Kaylee Tepe, the office manager, tells about the initiatives Timmons Feed & Farm Supply has taken to encourage community involvement within their business.

“Brock (Timmons) has encouraged people to grow their own food. We even sell local milk and dairy products from a farmer in the store because we believe in the local food movement. We also have a chicken plucker that our customers can borrow if they raise their own chickens,” Tepe said.

Regardless of if its local food or working with customers, the Timmons’ hearts always come back to the youth. They started a Feed Success Essay program for young people to write a small essay to explain what they learn from their project. They were also one of the title sponsors for the inaugural 2025 Indiana Youth Expo, giving area youth one more chance to showcase their livestock each summer.

Timmons Feed and Farm Supply might not define its true success with a purple banner. However, in our books, they are the epitome of care that comes full circle, and that’s a success for BioZyme!

CHANGES COMING IN MARCH

UPDATES MADE TO OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS

To provide the most efficient customer service, we have updated our Supplement Terms & Conditions you can see when you place your orders.

Payment Terms

Payment terms have been updated from 2% 15 days net 30 to 2% 10 days, net 30.

Overweight Trucks

Other Reminders

After 24 hours have passed, orders may not be changed without a fee.

A minimum order of 1 pallet of bagged products will be accepted if the order contains a pallet topper. Pallet toppers with a pallet topper item total > $300 are added for free. Orders that do not meet the $300 pallet topper requirement will be subject to a $30 pallet topper fee. Please note that pallet toppers CANNOT ship on flatbeds.

NEW DURAFERM PACKAGING IS HERE

To keep all customers informed and safe, we have updated the DuraFerm® 50-pound bags and 12-pound labels to differentiate between sheep and goat products clearly. With one of our key benefits, species-specific nutrition, we want it to be simple for dealers and end-users to distinguish between the goat and sheep products without having to squint to read a label.

VITALIZE MEASURING CUPS, LITERATURE ADDED TO SAMM CENTER

New items, including a NEW Vitalize® feeding cup with the updated logo, are now available in the SAMM Center. Other items are added as they become available, so check back.

NEW DEALER REWARDS PROGRAM UNVEILED!

Updates to our dealer rewards program are underway, with improvements designed to better serve our dealers and recognize your partnership and performance.

Available Rewards

Giving you more ways to redeem points—including free product, SAMM items, or charitable donations.

• 2000 pts | $100 SAMM Center gift card

• 2000 pts | $100 Product credit

• 2000 pts | $100 Charitable Contribution to Ag Youth Program

New Ways to Earn Points

★ 100 points | State Trade Show

Must help with funding and must have a marketing request put in by your Area Sales Manager.

★ 100 points | Sure Champ Clinic

Must help with funding and must have a marketing request put in by your Area Sales Manager.

★ 100 points | Testimonials

Submit producer or dealership for testimonials. Required to reach out to Customer Development Team with names for testimonials for points to be awarded. Reach out to your Area Sales Manager to use as a resource as they have the tools to help you facilitate these testimonials.

★ 100 points | $5,000 Purchase of DuraFerm Big Pack Products (No Tubs)

Points awarded for every $5,000 purchased in DuraFerm Big Pack products (50 lb bags). No tubs will be accepted for rewards points.

★ 100 points | $5,000 Purchase of Vitalize Big Pack Products

Points awarded for every $5,000 purchased in Vitalize Big Pack products.

★ 100 points | $5,000 Purchase of Sure Champ Cattle

Points awarded for every $5,000 purchased of Sure Champ Cattle.

★ 100 points | $2,500 Purchase of Small Pack Products

Points awarded for every $2,500 purchased of Small Pack Products. Products include all gels, liquids 2.5 gal or smaller, or 12 lb bagged mineral.

★ 100 points | $1,500 Purchase of Human Products (Baxyl or HyaGlo)

Points awarded for every $1,500 purchased of Human Products in either the Baxyl or HyaGlo brands. A Cogent dealer account is required to place an order and purchase these products. Contact orders@biozymeinc.com for assistance.

★ 300 points | Producer Meetings

Must help with funding and must have contact cards or provide customer list of meeting attendees.

THREE BUSINESS STRATEGIES TO START STRONG

Business growth rarely comes from one big, dramatic decision. More often, it is built quietly through smart habits, clear priorities, and disciplined execution. Businesses that flourish successfully tend to do a few fundamentals exceptionally well. Three of the most impactful strategies are effective inventory management, a deep understanding of customers, and a deliberate focus on high margin products.

Individually, each supports profitability, which is the ultimate goal of every business. Together, they create a foundation for sustainable growth, which should ensure your business’s long-term success.

#1: Effectively Manage Inventory

Inventory is one of the largest investments manybusinesses make, yet it is often one of the leastoptimized. Too much inventory ties up cash,increases storage costs, and raises the risk ofspoilage or obsolescence. Too little inventoryleads to missed sales, frustrated customers, andstrained relationships.

Strong inventory management starts with good data. Businesses need accurate information on what they have, what is selling, and what is sitting still. From there, purchasing decisions can be aligned with actual demand rather than habit or guesswork.

“At first we didn’t start out with purchase orders, then we found out how important they are,” said Heather Bouse. “Inventory is the hardest thing to track accurately, but most of our products have bar codes now.”

Even with barcodes, inventory tracking requires discipline. Knowing what they have on hand and what their top sellers are helps Bouse and every business know what products to order and when.

Once you have good visibility, consider setting a reorder point for each item. This is the quantity at which you need to place a new order to avoid running out. The basic formula is simple: multiply your daily usage by your supplier’s lead time, then add a safety buffer.

For example, if you sell 10 bags of feed per day and your supplier takes 7 days to deliver, you’ll use 70 bags while waiting for the next shipment. Add a 30- bag safety buffer for unexpected demand or delays, and your reorder point becomes 100 bags. When inventory hits 100, it’s time to order.

Tracking reorder points doesn’t require expensive software. A simple spreadsheet listing each product’s current stock, daily usage rate, and reorder point works for many businesses. There are also some free softwares available, like Zoho Inventory or Sortly.

#2: Know Your Customer Base

Businesses don’t grow by selling products. They grow by offering solutions to people.

Understanding your customer goes far beyond basic demographics. It means knowing why they buy, how they make decisions, what challenges they face, and what value truly matters to them. The more clearly a business understands its customers, the more confidently it can shape pricing and product offerings.

Strong customer insight allows businesses to move from reactive selling to proactive strategy. Businesses can recommend solutions instead of simply filling orders. Marketing messages become sharper and more relevant. Product assortments can be refined to reflect what customers actually want, not what the business assumes they want.

This is where a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system becomes invaluable. A CRM tracks purchase history, preferences, and timing patterns. Did a customer order VitaFerm® Concept•Aid in preparation for spring calving last year? Your CRM can remind you to reach out, reorder Concept•Aid, and introduce them to VitaFerm Sure Start Gel. You’re not just making a sale—you’re providing timely solutions.

Customer knowledge also strengthens loyalty. When customers feel understood, they return more frequently and trust your recommendations. In competitive markets, that trust becomes a powerful differentiator.

Much like inventory management, a simple CRM doesn’t require expensive software. Even a spreadsheet tracking customer names, purchase dates, products bought, and notes about their operation helps you serve them better.

#3: Understand High Margin Products That Help Drive Profit

Revenue growth does not always equal profit growth. One of the most common mistakes businesses make is chasing volume without considering margin.

High margin products provide breathing room. They absorb overhead costs more easily, protect profitability during market fluctuations, and give businesses flexibility to reinvest in growth initiatives. Identifying and prioritizing these products should be a core strategy, not an afterthought.

This does not mean abandoning lower margin products entirely. Often, they play an important role in attracting customers or rounding out an offering. However, businesses should clearly understand which products drive profit and ensure those items receive appropriate attention in sales training, marketing, and inventory allocation.

You Only Get One Chance to Start Strong

Inventory management, customer insight, and margin focus are not flashy strategies. They are practical, repeatable, and proven. Businesses that commit to these fundamentals will undoubtedly start the year off strong.