GIVE ANIMALS THE STRONG START THEY DESERVE

At BioZyme, care that comes full circle starts in utero for many of our customers’ animals as quality nutrition is partitioned from mother to baby. However, we want to make sure every animal gets a strong start on their own. That’s why we have created products like VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel and Backyard Boost® Defense to help newborn animals get the start they deserve to thrive and survive.

VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is a unique product specifically formulated for calves to support immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period. The BioZyme team worked collaboratively with researchers to develop its Broad Shield Technology, featured in Sure Start Gel, which combines IgY antibodies, MOS, and Amaferm for unparalleled immune and gut health support.

This proprietary blend of functional ingredients, alongside crucial nutrients like vitamin B12, helps ensure a strong start and increased calf vigor.

It comes in a one-dose tube that should be administered after the calf has received colostrum. The bright orange color helps distinguish which calves have been given it in the calving lot.

“I’ve been waiting YEARS for BioZyme to create a newborn calf gel, and they finally delivered! VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is a must-use product for calving in the upper Midwest where we run everything through a barn during winter and early spring. The utilization of IgY’s, MOS, vitamins E and B12, and combining all that with BioZyme’s staple ingredient Amaferm elevates this product above any other calf gel on the marketplace. Period!” — Brett Tostenson, Tostenson Family Cattle in South Dakota.

Make sure you have VitaFerm Sure Start Gel on your shelves and recommend it to your producers with spring calving herds in the coming months. It’s a small investment to ensure their calves get a strong start in the right direction.

Green Water Helps Prepare Chicks for a Strong Start

Just like newborn calves need a strong start, so do freshly hatched chicks. Perhaps even more so without the support of a mother nearby. For dealers with chick days promotions or those who order in chicks for customers, we recommend Backyard Boost Defense to help ensure your customers’ chicks flourish.

Backyard Boost Defense is a liquid supplement for poultry designed to support digestion and a healthy immune response. Like most BioZyme products, it is powered by Amaferm, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. It also provides nutrients needed in times of stress – like moving to a new home or just being hatched – and promotes water intake and hydration.

“Backyard Boost is simply amazing! I picked up chicks from the post office. They were lethargic, droopy eyes, and I thought I would definitely lose some. I dipped all their beaks in water, and they fought me. I then took the water and added Backyard Boost, I walked out and left them. I came back 15 minutes later, and all the chicks were drinking and had drunk half of the water I put in with the Backyard Boost in it. All my chicks are alive, healthy and happy.” — Patti Wood, Oklahoma-based BioZyme dealer

As you prepare for spring Chick Days, Backyard Boost is a great product to have available, and easy to demonstrate in-store, by adding a dose to your in-store waterer. Be sure to visit the SAMM Center to get marketing materials including Backyard Boost Defense Shelf Danglers and download the sell sheets to have answers to FAQ handy for potential customers.

Remember, any in-store displays also qualify you for Dealer Reward points. It’s a win-win-win!

LETTER FROM LISA

Start Strong: Setting Your Business & Animals Up for Success in 2026

The new year brings a familiar rhythm to farm and ranch suppliers: the quiet of January gives way to the spring rush, when customers flood through your doors seeking calf milk replacer and chick feeders. Between now and then lies a critical window—your chance to set up your business for its strongest year yet.

Starting strong isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

From the beginning, the first few hours determine everything—colostrum intake, warmth, strength to thrive. Your business operates the same way. The decisions you make in Q1 set the trajectory for your entire year.

Get the Business Basics Right

The most successful dealers start the year getting the basics right.

• Assess last year’s performance.

Identify what worked, what stalled, and where opportunities exist. Use this insight to sharpen your focus rather than simply repeating last year’s playbook.


• Plan your year (and inventory) with intention.

Align inventory, promotions, education, and customer touchpoints so you are proactive instead of reactive.


• Understand key customers and segments.

Know where you can add the most value, whether that’s cow-calf producers, goat operators, show families, or equine owners.


• Know your margins.

Knowing your margin ensures you’re making money on each sale, not just moving product.

Just as a calf that receives proper colostrum and nutrition in its first 60 days will outperform its peers for life, a business that invests time in planning, inventory management, and preparation during the first months of the year will outperform its competition all season long. In both cases, you can’t go back and fix a weak start—but you can commit to making this year different by starting strong right now.

When your business starts strong—with the right products in stock, knowledgeable staff trained and ready, and systems running smoothly—your customers get what they need to start their animals off strong too. A dealer who has VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel on the shelf when a calf is born, or Backyard Boost® Defense ready when chicks arrive, becomes the partner that helps ensure those critical first hours go right, setting both the animals and their owners up for success. Start Strong!

Dealer Spotlight: T&M Ag Supply 

When one chapter ends, another is always waiting to be told. Tyler and Mackenzie Myers are proof of that. Tyler and Mackenzie took ownership of a feedstore and BioZyme® dealership on January 2, 2026, T&M Ag Supply (formerly D&M Ag Supply) in Rapid City, South Dakota. Their story as BioZyme dealers is just beginning. 

Both Tyler and Mackenzie have experience in the livestock feed industry. However, nearly three years ago, Tyler went to work for D&M Ag Supply and discovered the joy of a smaller feedstore.  

“I get to take care of people here, not chase dollars, like we did in corporate sales,” he said. “I get to call our customers by their names while working at the store. I know their kids’ names and their pets’ names and what they need for their operations.” 

When former D&M owners were ready to make a change, they knew that Tyler and Mackenzie had the ambition and ideas that aligned with their own to keep the 50-plus-year family business thriving. 

Why BioZyme? 

Although D&M had a long history in agricultural sales, they had only been BioZyme dealers for a few short years. However, that was one product line the Myers duo knew had a place in their Western South Dakota storefront. Tyler knew VitaFerm® as a high-level competitor to the brand he had previously sold, and he had researched VitaFerm and BioZyme. 

“I wanted to work with BioZyme any way I could. No one was offering its products in Rapid City, and it is a great fit for our area,” he said. “I appreciate the care and thought process that goes into the products. We know that healthy animals produce more efficiently, and more efficient animals produce more wealth for the producer. We love seeing our customers succeed!” 

Today, T&M sells all product lines: VitaFerm, DuraFerm®, Vitalize®, Gain Smart®, Backyard Boost®, and Sure Champ®. They are a BioZyme Master Dealer and recognize the importance of stocking all brands to meet customers’ needs. 

“Everybody has a different story, but it doesn’t matter if they buy VitaFerm, Vitalize, DuraFerm, or Backyard Boost; all the customers are happy with their products, and they all talk about the success that they have had.”  

Looking Back & Going Forward 

Tyler and Mackenzie are not native to Rapid City or even South Dakota. Tyler is from Ohio; Mackenzie is from Minnesota. They met at South Dakota State University, where they both earned bachelor’s degrees; he in Ag Science, she in Animal Science. They fell in love with each other and the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

Today, in addition to T&M Ag Supply, they own a house and some acreage that allows them to run a flock of sheep and about 40 chickens. This further allows them to use BioZyme products. 

“This helps separate us from a big-box farm store. We don’t offer products that we don’t believe in. We use the products ourselves, we know how they work, and we believe in them,” Tyler said. 

Although relatively new to the area, they are heavily involved with the agricultural community and giving back. Tyler is a member of the Pennington County 4-H Advisory Board and a former member of the Western Junior Livestock Show livestock committee. He and Mackenzie are also active on the Central States Fair Foundation and volunteer with the Central States Fair and Black Hills Stock Show. 

“Tyler has been a good supporter of BioZyme as the manager (of D&M), and as the new owner, he wants to try to grow and expand the business. They are a smaller store with big opportunities,” said Area Sales Manager Steven Stone. 

Thanks for believing in the products, Tyler and Mackenzie, and for giving back to your community! 

CHANGES COMING IN FEBRUARY

NEW ITEMS ADDED TO SAMM CENTER

Look for new items added to the SAMM Center recently. NEW Vitalize® feeding cups with the updated logo are now available. Other items are added as they become available.

CHANGES MADE TO CUSTOM ORDERS

To improve production flow and freight efficiency, BioZyme Customs will be changed from 40 bags per pallet to 50 bags per pallet starting in February. Minimum order quantities will be adjusted accordingly. This change helps maximize truck space and production efficiency.

CHECK OUT UPDATES TO DEALER REWARDS PROGRAM

Changes have been made to the Dealer Rewards Program for 2026, including the action items that dealers can earn points for, point values and prizes that points can be redeemed for. For full details, visit the Dealer Center and click on the Rewards Tab.

ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCT PRICING UPDATES

We want to give you a heads-up that animal health product pricing changes will take effect March 1. These adjustments reflect evolving costs in raw materials and manufacturing, and help us continue delivering the quality you expect.

LOOK FOR DURAFERM PACKAGING CHANGES

To keep all customers informed and safe, we have updated the DuraFerm® 50-pound bags and 12-pound labels to clearly differentiate between sheep and goat products. 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. New bags will have an animal headshot, similar to the ReproMaxx bags.

Watch for the new packaging as it is rolled out in the coming months.

ORDER CHANGES MUST BE MADE WITHIN 24 HOURS

Starting January 1, 2026, orders may only be changed within 24 hours of being entered.

This update helps us keep orders moving efficiently and reduces last-minute disruptions that create unnecessary stress and delays across our team. After the 24-hour window, orders will be processed as submitted.

We appreciate your partnership and cooperation as we work to serve you faster and more efficiently. If you have questions or need help before placing an order, our team is always happy to assist. Thank you for understanding. We’re looking forward to our best year yet!

Full Circle Spotlight: Bouse Mercantile Inc. 

In their efforts to create access for VitaFerm® and other products, Heather and Cary Bouse created a labor of love that now serves as a valued cornerstone of the community.  

“He called me at work and said, ‘I bought you a feedstore,’” Heather recalls with a laugh. “It was supposed to be a small business to give us access to what we needed for our herd and show feeds for the local 4-H kids. The people in town have commented that they are glad to have the business back.” 

Once a fairly large feed mill, located adjacent to the railroad tracks, Bouse Mercantile was purchased in 2023. It is home to a large warehouse, but it has already outgrown its retail space. However, Heather said they have plans for an expansion.  

Giving Back, Building Leaders 

Helping others comes naturally to the Bouse family. Heather’s mom is the long-time leader of a local 4-H club. Heather has been the swine leader and is now transitioning to the club’s beef leader. In addition to helping young people with their livestock projects, the feed store serves as an outlet to help young people in other ways. They know livestock projects are important; however, building leaders and developing youth are just as vital to the community. 

The Royal 4-H club sets up a lemonade stand at Bouse Mercantile to raise awareness and funds during the “Take a Stand Against Child Abuse” campaign.   

Recently, through some of their part-time student workers who have parents employed at the local school, the Bouse family discovered the need for basics like peanut butter and jelly. Nearly 90 backpacks are filled with weekend meals each Friday, and according to Heather, some of the costliest items are PB & J, so the store decided to turn a food drive into a fun, friendly competition. 

“Fill a feed trough” benefited the local elementary school. People were incentivized with raffle tickets to bring peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and blankets to the feed trough. The St. James FFA Chapter won the drawing, still giving back to yet another group of students. 

Thank you! 

Heather, Cary and their daughter Brooklyn, take a proactive role in growing their business – they were the 2024 BioZyme Rookie Dealer of the Year. They also strive to fulfill the BioZyme motto. Although just entering their third full year of business, Bouse Mercantile is already thriving when it comes to showing care that comes full circle. From working with their local 4-H youth, orchestrating necessary food drives, and employing high school students to work part-time, we can feel good about the future of agriculture in St. James, Missouri. 

“Heather and Cary do a wonderful job not only representing the BioZyme brands in-store and online, but working with people and customers of all ages,” said Kevin Glaubius, BioZyme ASM for Missouri. “They are the epitome of care that comes full circle.” 

CHANGES COMING IN JANUARY

ORDER CHANGES MUST BE MADE WITHIN 24 HOURS

Starting January 1, 2026, orders may only be changed within 24 hours of being entered.

This update helps us keep orders moving efficiently and reduces last-minute disruptions that create unnecessary stress and delays across our team. After the 24-hour window, orders will be processed as submitted.

We appreciate your partnership and cooperation as we work to serve you faster and more efficiently. If you have questions or need help before placing an order, our team is always happy to assist. Thank you for understanding. We’re looking forward to our best year yet!

GAIN SMART BALANCER RU1600 RETURNS TO BRANDED BAGS

Gain Smart® Balancer RU1600 is moving back to the Gain Smart-branded bag in direct response to customer feedback. Watch for the new bags as they are rolled out in the coming months.

VITAFERM PRODUCTS DISCONTINUED

Due to low sales volume, the following VitaFerm® products have been discontinued:

• VitaFerm Conserve®Mag
• VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 10
• VitaFerm Conserve®CTC 3G with ClariFly® – available only as a custom

The first two will no longer be available, and we encourage you to offer an alternative product to your customers.

CHANGES COMING IN DECEMBER

NEW ITEMS ADDED TO SAMM CENTER

To keep inventory fresh and in stock, watch for continual updates to the SAMM Center, where new promotional and marketing items are added regularly. New this month: we have added a Sure Champ® long-sleeve T-shirt and an all-brand can coolie, to promote the diverse brands BioZyme offers.

SURE CHAMP® BIRTHDAY FLAVORS, PACKAGES DISCONTINUED

Although we have one more month to celebrate Sure Champ’s 40th Birthday, we have begun converting the Sure Champ birthday-flavored and packaged products back to their original flavors and packages. Sure Champ® Cattle is now formulated with its regular flavor and packaged in its purple bag. Sure Champ® Appetite Plus® Gel is also returning to its regular flavor and package.

We hope your customers and their show stock enjoyed the birthday cake flavor and festive packaging as much as we enjoyed producing and packaging it.

VITAFERM PRODUCTS DISCONTINUED

Due to low sales volume, the following VitaFerm products are being discontinued:

• VitaFerm Conserve® Mag
• VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 10
• VitaFerm Conserve® CTC 3G with ClariFly® – available only as a custom

Once the current inventory is depleted, the first two will no longer be available, and we encourage you to offer an alternative product to your customers.

BIOZYME® HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

The BioZyme offices and plant will close on Wednesday to Friday, December 24-26, to allow its employees to celebrate Christmas, and Thursday, January 1 for the New Year. No orders will ship on any of these days. Please be aware of any shipping updates due to holidays or adverse weather. We wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season.

CHANGES COMING IN NOVEMBER

NEW ITEMS ADDED TO SAMM CENTER

Are you looking for new educational and promotional items for your dealership? Perhaps you’d like to purchase some new shirts or caps for employee or customer appreciation gifts. Check out the SAMM Center for new promotional and marketing items added regularly. You asked; we listened! We have added several swag items to the DuraFerm® line, including a cap, hoodie and post it notes.

GAIN SMART® RU1600 SHIPS SEPARATE

Beginning in October, Gain Smart® Balancer RU1600 is no longer stored at our Stockyards location and will ship separately from all other orders. The minimum order quantity for this product is now 40 bags per order.

VITAFERM® ONE MINERAL BLOCKS DISCONTINUED

The VitaFerm® ONE Mineral Block is now discontinued. Be sure to recommend other VitaFerm ONE options to your customers looking for one mineral solution for all seasons.

BIOZYME® OBSERVES THANKSGIVING

The BioZyme offices and plant will close Thursday and Friday, November 27-28, to allow its employees to celebrate Thanksgiving. No orders will ship on either day. We hope you can enjoy the holiday and count your blessings, as we count each dealer as one of ours!

Gratitude Can Strengthen the Bond Between BioZyme® Dealers and Customers

In any business, relationships matter. However, in the livestock and animal health industries, relationships are everything. Customers aren’t just numbers; they’re neighbors, producers, and friends who trust you to help them care for their animals and livelihoods. As a BioZyme® dealer, showing appreciation to your customers strengthens those relationships, builds loyalty, and helps ensure long-term success for your business, the BioZyme brand, and any other brands you sell. 

In a season of gratitude and as we continue to spread appreciation on our Sure Champ Birthday Tour, we wanted to share ways that you and your business can show appreciation to your customers. Remember, people buy from people they trust. As we close out the year, and the holidays approach, here are 6 ways to show appreciation—but remember, appreciation is welcome any time of the year. 

1. Personal Touches Go a Long Way 

A simple “thank you” means more than you realize. Handwritten thank-you notes after a purchase or a short text checking in after a busy season show customers you value them as people, not just business associates. Take time to learn their operation and goals—whether that’s raising club lambs, managing a large cow-calf operation, or keeping horses healthy. Tailoring your interactions builds trust and demonstrates your genuine investment in their success. 

Get to know their family, too. A lot of us are from small towns, so high school sports are king. Did your customer’s grandson score the winning touchdown in a recent football game? Offer some congratulatory words. Perhaps another’s child did well in the scholastic bowl. Customers will be impressed and appreciate the extra effort you put into recognizing their kids and grandkids. 

2. Host Customer Appreciation Events 

Nothing brings people together like good food and conversation. Hosting a customer appreciation event, such as a BBQ, pasture walk, or open house, gives producers a reason to stop by, connect, and learn more about your product lineup. You can highlight BioZyme’s innovative solutions, such as Amaferm®-based products, while creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Consider partnering with a local feed mill or another ag business to share costs and draw a larger crowd. 

3. Recognize Customer Success 

Your customers’ success stories are also your success stories. When a customer achieves great results with products like VitaFerm®, Sure Champ®, or Vitalize®, celebrate that win. Feature them on your social media pages or in your local advertising. Not only does this recognition make customers feel appreciated, but it also demonstrates product effectiveness to potential buyers. 

4. Offer Educational Opportunities 

Providing value beyond the sale shows customers you’re committed to their long-term growth. Consider hosting producer meetings on topics like winter supplementation, gut health, or calving readiness. You can work with your BioZyme Area Sales Manager or the marketing team for support materials. Sharing knowledge builds your credibility and positions you as a trusted advisor. 

5. Give Small, Meaningful Gifts 

Tokens of appreciation— branded caps, cups, calendars, or product discounts—are simple gestures that leave a lasting impression. Timing these around holidays, major events, or at the close of a season adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. Something useful like a sorting stick, cap or gloves is always appreciated by livestock producers and enthusiasts. Visit the SAMM Center to see what BioZyme-branded items are available. 

6. Stay Consistent Year-Round 

Customer appreciation shouldn’t happen only once a year. Small, consistent efforts—remembering birthdays, checking in after calving season, or sharing timely management tips—create a reliable connection. Consistency reinforces your commitment and keeps BioZyme top of mind when they’re making purchasing decisions. 

Build Loyalty Through Gratitude 

When BioZyme dealers show appreciation to their customers, it creates more than goodwill; it builds a partnership based on mutual respect and shared success. Every handshake, every conversation, and every thank-you note is an investment in the relationship that drives your business forward. Share a little gratitude with your customers. Say thank you. Go the extra mile, and watch your business grow. 

CHANGES COMING IN OCTOBER

BIOZYME® INTRODUCES VITALIZE GUT GOODIES

With the suspension of Vitalize Horse Treats, Vitalize introduces something even more enticing – Vitalize® Gut Goodies! These deliciously functional horse treats blend powerful prebiotic support with a bold flavor—a smart go-to for a reward that delivers a good gut feeling.

The 4-pound bag contains treats that are:

  • Packed with AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, so they’re formulated to support a healthy gut.
  • Made with a bold and sweet licorice flavor, even the pickiest eaters find them irresistible.
  • Pocket-friendly design won’t crumble, and a resealable bag makes them easy to keep fresh or take on the go.

Look for the Vitalize Gut Goodies on the October Price List or order on the Dealer Center.

GAIN SMART RU1600 SHIPS SEPARATE

Beginning in October, Gain Smart® Balancer RU1600 will no longer be stored at our Stockyards location and will ship separately from all other orders. The minimum order quantity for this product is now 40 bags per order. 

BIOZYME PRODUCTS DISCONTINUED

Due to a lack of demand, two products have been discontinued. VitaFerm® ONE Mineral Blocks and the 10-pound Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials are no longer available.

The 2.5-pound bag of Backyard Boost Daily Essentials is still available, as is the VitaFerm ONE loose mineral.