Category: What’s New

Dealer Spotlight: Roy Umbarger and Sons

Focus on Quality, Family Priorities for Show Feed Manufacturer

Jackson Umbarger is the fourth generation to own and work at Umbarger Show Feeds in central Indiana. Although this family-owned-and-operated feed business has remained in the family for more than 80 years, he said it isn’t just blood that is considered family. The employees, the dealers and the customers are all considered part of the Umbarger family.

“We strive to have that feeling of family. We really do care about your kids and their show livestock. Our company has a family feel and our employee retention rate is high, with a lot of our people having been here 15 plus years. That’s how its always been, and that’s how we like it,” Jackson said.

Jackson oversees the daily operation of the feed company that places its sole focus on show feed manufacturing. A new state-of the-art mill was completed in November to better ensure a consistent, accurate product. All Umbarger feed is manufactured on-site and shipped to its dealer network on a regular basis to deliver accurate, fresh product. For dealers within a two-day driving range, the company uses its own dedicated truck line to deliver to customers. They work efficiently in their dealers’ favor since they are so specialized with low seasonal minimum orders, like this time of year for example. They will also mix products within a pallet.

One of the customer services that Jackson takes great pride in is partnering with like-minded high-quality companies with a show focus whose products they can also distribute to Umbarger dealers. That is one of the reasons their partnership works so well with BioZyme®.

“The BioZyme product line compliments ours. It matches what we believe in. We also put Amaferm® in a lot of our feeds,” he said. Umbarger Show Feeds also distributes Weaver show supplies to its dealers at no additional freight fee – another service to assist its dealers. As Jackson said, if an exhibitor is looking for a big item like a showbox or fitting chute, and his or her local Umbarger dealer can get that item for that person, that person is more likely to build loyalty to that feed dealer instead of taking his or her supply and feed business to a competitor.

One area that Jackson said he would like to focus more on is marketing; however, providing apparel that is trendy and recognizes winners has been effective over time. When he assumed a leadership role in 2008, the company awarded about 40 winners’ jackets that were personalized with the exhibitor name, show name and the Umbarger logo. In 2020, more than 1,500 jackets were awarded, showing the growth of the company and creating even more walking billboards.

Family. Quality. Customer service. For a company whose logo is “we feed champions,” it’s no wonder that they also provide “care that comes full circle.” A partnership like that is just one reason BioZyme values a customer like Roy Umbarger & Sons.

Letters From Lisa – December 2020

At one second past midnight on January 1, 2021, the day will change from Thursday to Friday, usually a transition of no special significance. But this specific change, ending one year and beginning the next, is different. This unique tick of the clock prompts us to celebrate and to reflect.

The end of the year is a good time to celebrate.

If you skip the celebration, you’ll be hard pressed to realize your success, notice the progress you’re making and pivot on challenges in the future. You may always “woohoo” at your own discretion, but do not miss the opportunity to do so at the end of the year.

The end of the year is a good time to reflect.

Reflect on your personal progress AND your business’ progress. “Reflection is looking back so that the view looking forward is even clearer.” – Unknown

After reflecting on the past year, it’s time to plan how you want to develop in the year ahead. Think of the planning as your “business” resolutions. I know, sadly, only about 8% of the 60% of us who make resolutions, achieve them. Let’s be stat stoppers. Let’s achieve the following business resolutions together so we beat those odds:

  1. Promote Your Business Regularly and Consistently
    Too often the task of promoting our business slips to the bottom of the to-do list, crowded out by urgent tasks. But if you want to attract new customers, you have to make promotion a priority.
  2. Make Business Planning a Weekly Event
    Planning is vital if you want a healthy, growing business. Planning lets you assess what worked and what didn’t work, and helps you set new directions or adjust old goals. So why plan just once a year? Set aside time each week to review, adjust and look ahead.
  3. Learn Something New
    What you choose to learn may be directly related or completely unrelated to your business. Learning something new will add to your skills and add a new dimension to your life. Depending on how you choose to learn, you may meet new and interesting people, who may become customers, colleagues or friends.
  4. Set Realistic Goals
    Goal setting is a valuable habit—if the goals lead to success rather than distress. Resolve that the goals you set will be achievable and not so far out of reach that they only lead to frustration.
  5. Don’t Just Make Do
    Is there a piece of equipment in your office that’s interfering with your success? Is there something that you lack that’s making your work life harder? Whether it’s an old computer that’s a pain to use or the need for a new employee to lighten your workload, stop putting off getting what you need.

To a Great Year

If we apply these resolutions throughout the year, we’ll have more energy to put into our business and make it the success we’ve always dreamed it to be. Here’s to a great 2021!

CHANGES COMING IN DECEMBER 2020

HOLIDAY HOURS

  • The BioZyme® offices will be closed December 25, 2020, in observance of Christmas. BioZyme will resume normal business hours on December 28, 2020.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Freight companies will not be picking up any freight on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020, or New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2020.

NEW PRODUCTS

  • Starting December 1, 2020, Vita Charge® HydraBoost™ RTU will be available as a ready to use formula in a 2.5 gallon jug.
  • Cogent Solutions Group has launched Baxyl®GI – the first human product that contains Amaferm®! BaxylGI is a liquid product formulated for maximum absorption, gastric support, and stomach comfort – containing two of the most research-proven, proprietary ingredients on the market: Amaferm & MHB3 Hyaluronan. For more information or to order, contact Courtney Keller at (859) 259-0300.

PRODUCT UPDATES

  • In December, the sewn in tag will be changed to a printed label for all non-pelleted products.
  • Special Until Christmas: The Vitalize® Horse Treats are being packaged in a Christmas gift bag, making them a perfect stocking stuffer for your customers’ four-legged friends.
  • The Vita Charge Stress Tub (50 lb and 200 lb) and Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT have been upgraded to a new and improved formula that now includes a temperature tolerant probiotic to work synergistically with Amaferm® to replenish and stimulate gut bacteria.

MANUFACTURING UPDATES

  • At BioZyme we take great pride in our manufacturing facility and the products we produce. As with any manufacturing facility, maintenance occurs all the time and from time to time repair projects are needed. When you experience growth and a desire for continuous quality improvement, more intensive upgrades need to occur. It is in that vein that we share the news that BioZyme will be undertaking a significant plant improvement project. The project will run from November 16, 2020 through December 4, 2020.

PRICING UPDATES

  • On August 1, 2020, BioZyme® implemented a manufacturer’s minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policy around all of the small package animal products sold by BioZyme and our sister company Cogent Solutions Group. In order to purchase small pack products, you must acknowledge receipt of the policy. Click Here to fill out the Acknowledgement Form. 
  • The MAP column on the big pack products (page 1 of the price list) has been renamed Sugg Retail as it is how it is referred to in the Dealer Agreement as the price at which a Dealer is to use to resell BioZyme products.

CHANGES COMING IN JANUARY 2021

HOLIDAY HOURS

  • The BioZyme® offices will be closed January 1, 2021, in observance of New Year’s Day. BioZyme will resume normal business hours on January 4, 2021.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Freight companies will not be picking up any freight on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2020.

PRODUCT UPDATE

  • On January 1, 2021, we will be changing from Altosid (1-fly claim) to Clarify (4-fly claim) in all of our IGR products. The registration process of the new ingredient requires product name changes to several products:
    • VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S IGR will now be VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S with Clarifly®
    • VitaFerm® HEAT® IGR will now be VitaFerm® HEAT® with Clarifly®
    • VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S CTC 3G IGR will now be VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S CTC 3G with Clarifly®
    • To prepare for this transition, we will not be manufacturing IGR products in December 2020 or January 2021 but will have product on the floor on a first come, first served basis.

DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS

  • On January 1, 2021, VitaFerm® Cattleman’s Blend™ AUREO 3G and VitaFerm® Cattleman’s Blend™ AUREO 3G IGR will be discontinued due to declining sales.

CHANGES COMING IN FEBRUARY 2021

NEW PRODUCTS

  • Stay tuned for our soon to be launched Backyard Chicken products. The timing on these is great as Lebanon, MO, Cackle Hatchery owner Nancy Smith describing the spike in her business since COVID-19 says, “We’ve never seen anything like this, and I have been here since 1964.”

Letters From Lisa – November 2020

Gratitude means “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Being thankful has many positive effects, according to science. It opens the doors to more relationships, improves both your mental and physical health, reduces your ‘fight-or-flight’ reactions, helps you sleep better and increases your self-esteem. All these are obviously worth making sure that we remember to be grateful.

Granted with this month’s holiday, Thanksgiving, it should not be difficult to remember to have gratitude; however, in the middle of a pandemic it may not seem so easy. But at BioZyme®, we have much to be thankful for: you, our amazing team that works so hard every day, our products that take their jobs very seriously, the dedicated animals we have the honor to feed and a country where we can take advantage of the many opportunities if we choose to do so.

Taking advantage of opportunity is something we should do under all auspices, but for sure under the auspices of gratitude. What is the best way to do that?

Be Consistent

Being consistent is one of the most sure-fire ways to continually grow a successful business. Even the best businesses will fail without a dedication to consistency. It’s a long journey to get from where you are to where you want to be, and the only way to do it properly is to never drop the ball.

Be Agile

What customers needed a year ago may not be what they need today. A business needs to be agile and innovative to take full advantage of the opportunities enough that they grow.

Be Available

Customers today are more demanding than ever. Creating value for clients requires more than sitting at your desk and waiting. You’ve got to go to them and say we’ve come up with a new idea, and this is how it’s going to help you. And yes, even during COVID we need to go to them somehow.

Achieve Operational Excellence

Operational excellence manifests itself through performance across revenue, cost and risk. It focuses on meeting customer expectation through the continuous improvement of the operational processes and the culture of the organization.

Find a Game-Changer

Social media has been a real game-changer in our marketing efforts. Use all the game-changing opportunities you can find.

Build a Legacy

Every business should be a good corporate citizen to maximize opportunity. Think “care that comes full circle.”

Know your Industry

You must understand what is going on, not just in your own business, but also in your industry. Knowing what is harming or helping your customers and determining how your business will respond to those factors may constitute at least some of its competitive advantage.

Thank you for all you do for our Company and our industry! Happy Thanksgiving.

CHANGES COMING IN NOVEMBER 2020

HOLIDAY HOURS

  • The BioZyme® offices will be closed November 26-27, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving. BioZyme will resume normal business hours on November 30, 2020.

NEW PRODUCTS

  • Sure Champ® Joint Juice is now available in half gallon and gallon sizes. Our 3-month sales projection for this new product was hit in just 3 days!!! Sure Champ Joint Juice is a joint product for show livestock powered by MHB3® Hyaluronan, the most highly researched and proven hyaluronic acid available. It is carefully crafted to naturally support, promote and enhance joint and soft tissue health.
  • Cogent Solutions Group has launched Baxyl®GI – the first human product that contains Amaferm®! BaxylGI is a liquid product formulated for maximum absorption, gastric support, and stomach comfort – containing two of the most research-proven, proprietary ingredients on the market: Amaferm & MHB3 Hyaluronan. For more information or to order, contact Courtney Keller at (859) 259-0300.

PRODUCT UPDATES

  • Special Until Christmas: Starting November 15, 2020, the Vitalize Horse Treats will be packaged in a Christmas gift bag, making them a perfect stocking stuffer for your customers’ four-legged friends.
  • The Vita Charge Stress Tub (50 lb and 200 lb) and Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT have been upgraded to a new and improved formula that now includes a temperature tolerant probiotic to work synergistically with Amaferm® to replenish and stimulate gut bacteria.

MANUFACTURING UPDATES

  • At BioZyme we take great pride in our manufacturing facility and the products we produce. As with any manufacturing facility, maintenance occurs all the time and from time to time repair projects are needed. When you experience growth and a desire for continuous quality improvement, more intensive upgrades need to occur. It is in that vein that we share the news that BioZyme will be undertaking a significant plant improvement project. The project will run from November 16, 2020 through December 4, 2020.
  • In October, the shrink wrap used to wrap pallets during manufacturing was changed from clear to orange. This was done to lessen freight issues with the companies repalletizing our product without permission.

PRICING UPDATES

  • On August 1, 2020 BioZyme® implemented a manufacturer’s minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policy around all of the small package animal products sold by BioZyme and our sister company Cogent Solutions Group. In order to purchase small pack products, you must acknowledge receipt of the policy. Click Here to fill out the Acknowledgement Form. 
  • The MAP column on the big pack products (page 1 of the price list) has been renamed Sugg Retail as it is how it is referred to in the Dealer Agreement as the price at which a Dealer is to use to resell BioZyme products.

EMPLOYEE UPDATES

  • Kori McLaughlin has joined BioZyme as our new Area Sales Manager for Iowa.
  • Kelley Weber has joined BioZyme as our new Plant Maintenance/Operations Specialist.
  • Maddie Dollar will be transitioning from the Organizational Development Intern to an Organizational Development Coordinator.

CHANGES COMING IN DECEMBER 2020

HOLIDAY HOURS

  • The BioZyme® offices will be closed December 25, 2020 in observance of Christmas. BioZyme will resume normal business hours on December 28, 2020.
  • The BioZyme® offices will be closed January 1, 2021 in observance of New Year’s Day. BioZyme will resume normal business hours on January 4, 2021.

NEW PRODUCTS

  • Starting December 1, 2020, Vita Charge® HydraBoost™ will be available as a ready to use formula in a 2.5 gallon jug.
  • Stay tuned for our soon to be launched Backyard Chicken products. The timing on these is great as Lebanon, MO Cackle Hatchery owner Nancy Smith describing the spike in her business since COVID-19 says, “We’ve never seen anything like this, and I have been here since 1964.”

CHANGES COMING IN JANUARY 2021

PRODUCT UPDATE

  • On January 1, 2021 we will be changing from Altosid (1-fly claim) to Clarify (4-fly claim) in all of our IGR products. The registration process of the new ingredient requires product name changes to two products:
    • VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S IGR will now be VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S with Clarifly®
    • VitaFerm® HEAT® IGR will now be VitaFerm® HEAT® with Clarifly®
    • To prepare for this transition, we will not be manufacturing IGR products in December 2020 or January 2021 but will have product on the floor on a first come, first served basis.

PRODUCT UPDATE

  • On January 1, 2021, VitaFerm® Cattleman’s Blend™ AUREO 3G and VitaFerm® Cattleman’s Blend™ AUREO 3G IGR will be discontinued due to declining sales.

Dealer Spotlight: Valley Vet Supply

Valley Vet Supply is a name recognizable to many in the livestock and equine business as a go-to for their animal health and nutrition supplies. And rightfully so. A pair of veterinarians recognized the need of its customers and created the mail-order retailer for veterinary supplies in the small north central Kansas town of Marysville in 1985. In 1999, their online store, www.valleyvet.com went live, making them one of the early adapters of e-commerce, and today, they sell livestock, equine and pet products from coast-to-coast, including BioZyme® small pack products.

Keeping at the forefront of their customers has always been a priority for Valley Vet and is one reason they have adapted so well to technology. Although this nationally recognized company has a massive web and social media presence, personal service has always been a priority, explains Kori Simmons, Director of Marketing. She said that the veterinarians, Drs. Ray Shultz and Arnold Nagely, still come to work daily, and are available to answer customer phone calls, something they both enjoy. 

However, with the number of clients that Valley Vet serves and the diversity of their products, it has adapted its marketing program to include more information through video on its social media platforms. Simmons said this has proven to be a successful way to partner with its vendors and reach its customers. 

“Do not underestimate the power of video. In today’s day and age, people are less apt to read and more apt to watch a 30-second video – short, quick and to the point. It’s better to have five 30-second videos that are broken up than to have a five-minute video,” Simmons said.

Simmons said their marketing team realized the power of video compared to a typical post when they were analyzing engagement. So, they started using more video with simple giveaways and sweepstakes by partnering with some of their vendors. However, with COVID-19, the realization that their customers were looking for information, helped them transition their video content, and they saw an even greater boost in their customer engagement.

Prior to COVID, Simmons said their vendors and partners would come in to train the Valley Vet call center and marketing teams to ensure everyone was saying the right things to end-users. Once that came to a halt, they realized the need to continue to get their messages out to their customers, so they started producing Facebook Live sessions with their vendors.

“We started partnering with our vendors, and what we started doing was less of an infomercial and more of an educational focus. With a product focus versus topic focus that fills in with some product information, the engagement was night and day different. Since COVID, our engagement is up about 50%, and really and truly the only thing that has changed is our video engagement,” Simmons said.

Valley Vet typically has between 50 to 100 people watch each Live video, with a growing number of those being a regular following. She said it is not unusual for them to have 30,000 views after the Live is over. They have had great success keeping a regular time and day for their Facebook Lives, Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. This helps them measure and compare engagement by keeping a consistent time and cadence.

Simmons recommends getting all speakers online about 30 minutes before your Facebook Live to test sound, lighting and background. Make sure that the background isn’t distracting; you might need to clean your office or go to a room with fewer windows if it is too bright. Make sure you have a speaker with a good personality, and one that can answer the questions that are asked. And make sure you have a person to monitor questions, even after the Live program.

“Make sure to actively monitor customer questions. Put yourself out there to answer questions. Make sure it happens,” Simmons reminds.

Although Valley Vet sometimes does prerecord and edit videos to post, the engagement on their live videos is just too good. Simmons said their engagement is usually quadruple on a live video what it is on a prerecorded video that they put on social media. She advises keeping prerecorded videos for product focus on your website, but to keep them short and to make sure they are updated as any changes are made.

Regardless the size of your business, you can make a big impression with Facebook Live and prerecorded videos. Follow the advice that Simmons offers to grow your customer engagement. Video is a tool that is here to stay! 

Upcoming BioZyme Plant Improvement Project

At BioZyme we take great pride in our manufacturing facility and the products we produce. As with any manufacturing facility, maintenance occurs all the time and from time to time repair projects are needed. When you experience growth and a desire for continuous quality improvement, more intensive upgrades need to occur. It is in that vein that we share the news that BioZyme will be undertaking a significant plant improvement project. 

The project will run from November 16, 2020 through December 4, 2020.

What does this mean for you? 

  • Amaferm and Amaferm Liquid will be available during this down time through BioZyme and our Key Partners – Consumers Supply Distributing and Nutra Blend.
  • All page 2 Price List products (Vita Charge & Vitalize brands) will be available during this down time as normal.
  • Due to receiving bin replacements, mixing upgrades and limited warehouse space BioZyme will have limited capacity of page 1 Price List products (VitaFerm, Gain Smart, DuraFerm, etc.) in our St. Joseph manufacturing plant; HOWEVER, we have worked closely to have sufficient inventory of all of these stock items throughout this time with our distribution partners. These include:
    • Consumers Supply Distributing at 800-383-6927
    • Roy Umbarger & Sons at 317-422-5195
    • BWI Companies at 903-838-8561
    • Eldon C. Stutsman Inc. at 319-679-2281

We have and will continue to work hard to meet your needs in every way that we can. Please feel free to contact your BioZyme representative, with any questions about this time.