Tag: BioZyme

How to Help the Stocker Grower Increase Profitability  

The stocker grower and backgrounder are smart but tough. They obviously love the challenge of raising freshly weaned calves to their next and final production stage, yet several significant challenges are associated with the stocker business.  

As with most in the livestock business, the stocker growers look to their peers and other trusted individuals in the industry for advice and counsel. As a BioZyme® dealer, we want to arm you with the information you need to help these producers grow their stocker cattle. 

Strategies to Help Your Stocker Grower Customer 

Every challenge a stocker grower faces is an opportunity for you to help them while growing your own business. Let’s explore some key strategies to overcome the biggest challenges the stocker grower faces in the cattle business 

  1. Managing Market Volatility 

While we are not market advisors, we can suggest that your stocker growers manage their operations wisely. Tools like futures contracts, options or Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance to protect against price drops. Furthermore, your customers might consider running multiple enterprises, such as combining stocker operations with cow-calf or row crops to spread financial risk. 

Finally, stocker growers sometimes sell cattle at different weights or times of the year to take advantage of favorable market conditions. 

2. Adapting to Weather & Environmental Challenges  

Most stocker growers will use rotational grazing to optimize pasture utilization and maintain forage availability when they have available resources. Since it seems there is a drought every year in some parts of the country, it is key to have a backup plan. Stockpile forage, use cover crops or source alternative feedstuffs. 

Finally, be sure your customers provide windbreaks, shade and adequate water sources to protect cattle from extreme weather. 

3. Improving Health & Nutrition Management 

While we might not be market advisors, we do know a few things about animal health and nutrition. Be sure to recommend to your customers to use the Gain Smart® program featuring Gain Smart and VitaFerm® products.  

Furthermore, stocker growers can purchase preconditioned cattle. Calves vaccinated, weaned and properly managed before arrival are less prone to stress and sickness. Minimize disease introduction by quarantining new arrivals, maintaining clean water sources, and limiting exposure to outside cattle. 

The Gain Smart Difference 

Gain Smart® is a line of free-choice vitamin and mineral supplements for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds. With four different formulas based on your management scenarios, this mineral is designed to maximize efficient gain.    

Gain Smart contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability and hoof health. It also provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system. It can be fed as a loose mineral or mixed into a ration.    

The stocker grower strives for his or her stocker cattle to achieve moderate weight gain while maintaining lean muscle growth. Average daily gain (ADG) for stocker cattle typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per day, depending on forage quality, nutrition and management practices. Producers aim for an efficient cost-per-pound gain by utilizing high-quality forages and optimizing feeding strategies. 

One advantage of feeding the Gain Smart mineral is that it is research-proven to add at least .25 pound of gain per day to stocker cattle. Not only does Amaferm increase the immune response, but it also increases growth and performance. 

Gain Smart Provides Options  

Currently, Gain Smart is available in 4 formulas for various management scenarios. All of which can help your customers stay profitable, regardless of the cost of cattle. The 4 different free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement formulas for stocker cattle include:     

1. Gain Smart Stocker   

Gain Smart Stocker helps your herd maximize efficient gain.        

It is designed for those feeding a medium to high forage diet and works well for both cool- and warm-season grasses. It is the most versatile and can be fed in multiple places under multiple conditions.    

2. Gain Smart Stocker Wheat   

Gain Smart Stocker Wheat maximizes efficient gain on wheat or small grain pasture.        

This product supports a higher-quality forage diet rich in protein and nitrogen, such as wheat, small grains and legumes.   

3. Gain Smart Stocker HEAT®  

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.        

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT is ideally suited for backgrounding and yearling cattle on grass. It contains plant extracts to help maintain circulation and support animal performance and gain in heat and fescue situations. The plant extracts are research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. This mineral is ideal in the hot summer months or any time when grazing fescue. It also includes garlic to deter insects.     

4. Gain Smart Stocker Balancer   

Gain Smart Stocker Balancer RU 1600 maximizes efficient gain and balance high-grain diets when mixing TMR rations. It includes rumensin for improved feed efficiency.        

Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600 is designed for calves being backgrounded or fed in a dry lot situation on a mixed grain ration. It complements the co-products, such as distiller’s grain and cereal byproducts, and works well with fermented feed like silage. It contains no phosphorus but does have rumensin. Gain Smart Balancer can be fed to heavier weights, and it is a good selection when trying to improve feed efficiency.     

Get Gain Smart in your Warehouse Today 

If you know you have stocker cattle operators in your area, make sure they know about Gain Smart mineral. Sometimes, our customers know BioZyme as the VitaFerm® or Sure Champ® brands. However, ensuring that your customers know all brands is vitally important.  

For more information, visit the Gain Smart blog or contact your Area Sales Manager today!  

An Overview of the Stocker Cattle Phase 

The stocker cattle phase is a key segment in the beef production cycle, bridging the gap between the cow-calf operation and the feedlot. This phase is characterized by the growth and development of weaned calves before they enter the feedlot for finishing.  

Stocker cattle programs emphasize forage-based growth, focusing on skeletal and muscle development rather than fat deposition. This period allows producers to add weight to the cattle cost-effectively while optimizing their health and conditioning before the final finishing stage. 

Some might consider stocker cattle the “middle child” of beef production. Stocker cattle don’t offer the glam and glitz of cow-calf production. Furthermore, they don’t hold the title of “feeding the world,” either. Stocker cattle are typically a higher-stressed group of calves. They have been weaned from their mamas, transported many miles and if not managed proactively, require more treatments than most cattle. 

Perhaps this phase can benefit from the BioZyme family of brands more so than other groups of animals. We know that 70% immune response for cattle starts in gut. As BioZyme dealers, if you reach out to your stocker cattle operators, with products that feature AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, those calves are more likely to stay healthy and grow faster. That seems like a win-win! But first, let’s explore more about the stocker cattle phase. 
  

Stocker Cattle Selection 

Selecting the right stocker cattle involves evaluating various factors, including breed, weight, frame size, health and genetic potential for growth. Generally, cattle with medium to large frames that exhibit good growth potential and skeletal development are preferred. 

According to John Jeffrey, BioZyme Director of National Sales, knowing the information on the calves you are about to buy is one of the most important management tools you can employ. Discovering their breed and genetic make-up and what kind of management they have had in the past will give you a better sense of how to care for them. Other history you might want to find out includes any vaccination or health protocol that was used and how long they have been weaned.  

“Knowing if you’re getting in high risk or low risk calves, and the overall history of a source of cattle can help a backgrounder out. This basic information helps you determine how you can best handle the cattle moving forward,” Jeffrey said.  

Stocker cattle are often sourced from cow-calf operations and purchased at livestock auctions or directly from producers. Healthy calves with minimal stress and low instances of disease are ideal for stocker programs. High-risk calves, such as those transported long distances or exposed to multiple stressors, may require additional management and health interventions. 

Nutrition & Grazing Management 

Nutrition plays a vital role in the stocker phase, with most programs relying heavily on pasture and forage-based diets. Common forages used include native grasses, improved pastures, wheat, rye, oats and other small grains. Depending on the geographic location and season, stocker cattle may graze on different types of forage to maximize growth rates. 

Supplemental feeding may be necessary in certain situations, particularly when forage quality is low. Protein and energy supplements, along with mineral and vitamin supplementation, help ensure optimal growth. Water availability and quality are also fundamental, as proper hydration supports digestion and overall health. 

Stocker operations may utilize rotational grazing systems to enhance pasture utilization and maintain forage productivity. Rotational grazing allows pastures to rest and recover, reducing overgrazing and improving long-term sustainability. 

Facilities are Key  

Having a facility that is calf-friendly is vitally important. We often think of stocker cattle out grazing on lush, wide, open pastures. While that is true most of the time, there are still some things to consider when preparing facilities for stockers.  

Stocker operators need to have a receiving pen with a loadout chute, where calves can unload from the semi and load up when it is time to go to the feed yard. The receiving pen should be large enough to hold calves for an adjustment period to get them used to their new environment. It should have a fresh water source and provide a quality vitamin and mineral supplement.  

Additionally, ensure that there is a fresh water source big enough to service the cattle in the pen. Access to clean, fresh water at this stage of their life is vitally important to their overall health and performance.  

Furthermore, the facilities should have a working chute, where you can process cattle upon receiving or if you need to treat a sick one. Jeffrey said one really nice processing perk is having a scale underneath your processing chute, which allows you to more accurately dose your antibiotics and vaccinations to weight.  

“When every penny counts, being able to provide dosage to the animal’s weight, and manage your medicine inventory are ways to provide yourself more income,” he said.  

Finally, make sure the fence line should be secure, and adequate bunk space is available if you are feeding your calves grain.  

Animal Health, Nutrition  

Animal health and nutrition work synergistically. They are a critical component to any producer’s cattle production and management resources. Jeffrey encourages every stocker operator to have animal health and animal nutrition protocols. Those start with building trusted relationships with livestock nutritionists and veterinarians who understand your production goals. Maintain records of every treatment and vaccination you give your animals and find a record-keeping system that works best for you.  

Perhaps the most important way to ensure that your animals stay healthy is to get them started right with the 3-step approach from Gain Smart.  

“If we can get Amaferm into their diet and keep it in their diet early on, it will help those calves maintain a healthy stomach. They will feel better, grow better, have overall better water intake and go to the feedlot growing and gaining more efficiently,” Jeffrey said.  

Promote Gain Smart Program as a Cattle Management Tool   

Step 1: VitaFerm® Cattle Drench    

VitaFerm® Cattle Drench is the first step to successfully receiving calves. This drench for cattle is designed to support digestive health before, during and after challenges. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Cattle Drench also contains MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) to help normalize the gut microflora and supports the immune system and enzymes to generate a more rapid digestive response.    

Using this drench as you process the calves at receiving helps keep their gut healthy and functioning. We know that 70% of the immune response starts within the digestive system, so a healthy gut will lead to a healthy animal.    

Step 2: VitaFerm® Stress Tubs   

VitaFerm Stress Tubs help eliminate stress of being in a new environment when offered to calves the first 14 to 21 days post-receiving. This tub for cattle is designed to support digestive health and intake and contains Vita Charge Technology including Amaferm and MOS. It also contains a probiotic to help restore the gut microbiome. The Stress Tubs are not minerals but can work along with your mineral program.  

The Vita Charge Technology, found in the Cattle Drench and Stress Tubs, is comprised of a unique blend of ingredients. These ingredients help support animal health before, during or after the stress. Every product with Vita Charge Technology contains an exact amount of B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, MOS and Amaferm.    

In addition, a precisely defined salt-to-sugar ratio was developed and incorporated into the technology to support hydration. This combination provides an undeniable impact to livestock under stress    

Step 3: Gain Smart    

Gain Smart® is a line of free-choice vitamin and mineral supplements for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds. With four different formulas based on your management scenarios, this mineral is designed to maximize efficient gain.    

Gain Smart contains Amaferm, organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability and hoof health. It also provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system. It can be fed as a loose mineral or mixed into a ration.    

Growth Performance & Weight Gain 

The stocker operator strives for his or her stocker cattle to achieve moderate weight gain while maintaining lean muscle growth. Average daily gain (ADG) for stocker cattle typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per day, depending on forage quality, nutrition and management practices. Producers aim for an efficient cost-per-pound gain by utilizing high-quality forages and optimizing feeding strategies. 

One advantage of feeding the Gain Smart mineral is that it is research proven to add at least .25 pound of gain per day to stocker cattle. Not only does the Amaferm increase the immune response, but it increase the growth and performance. 

Cowboy Math to Help your Customers 

Here’s something you should walk through with your customers to help them see the value of Amaferm. 

With last fall, 5-weights were selling in the $3s, and even 7- and 8-weights brought in the mid $2 range -not an ideal time to buy stocker cattle. However, it was time to buy, and fall moisture meant pastures were ready. 

“The cost of cattle is always going to fluctuate. However, the price of Amaferm hasn’t changed in the 10 years I have worked for the company,” Jeffrey said. “At just 4 cents per head per day, Amaferm can magnify the value of your forages and feedstuffs. It will help your calves gain faster and more efficiently, adding at least an additional quarter of a pound of gain per day to your calves.”   

Let’s look at one example of cowboy math that Jeffrey likes to explain.   

If your calves gain .25 pounds per day extra, that is an extra 25 pounds after just 100 days. With Amaferm at just 4 cents per head per day, you just spent $4 for additional gain you wouldn’t have had before. That potentially leads to fewer total days on feed, for just $4. You can’t even get a soda and a candy bar for $4. Furthermore, the added pay weight of improved gain further amplifies the profitability  

.25 pounds x 100 days = 25 pounds of gain 

100 days x .04 = $4 for additional gain, saving days on feed/feed 

More Cowboy Math  

A backgrounder runs 2,000 calves in the Southern Plains while feeding a mineral from the local feedstore that costs $20/bag delivered. The average death loss is 2% or 40 calves.    

The local BioZyme dealer – YOU – convinces this backgrounder to feed Gain Smart at an investment of $32*/bag delivered, a difference of $12, with $4 of that the Amaferm advantage. Each bag has 200 servings, and the feeder plans to graze for about 110 days, so he or she will need 1,100 bags. Thus, he or she will spend about $13,200 more on the mineral program this year than in the past.    

Healthy, Efficient Pounds   

But wait. Calves are healthier, and the death loss is cut to 1% or 20 calves feeding Gain Smart mineral. Now, let’s look at where the feeder is financially. (*suggested retail price may vary due to freight)    

Initial investment: 1,100 bags x $12 more than previous mineral = $13,200 

Saved 20 calves due to increased health: $1600 each x 20 head = $32,000 

$32,000 – $13,200 = $18,800 profit in live calves 

Another way to look at it is if you save one live calf at $1600, at $32 per bag, that one calf pays for 50 bags of Gain Smart. With 200 servings per bag, that one more calf paid for 100 calves’ minerals over a 100-day backgrounding period—healthy, efficient pounds.    

Your customer’s initial investment has more than paid for itself, plus the Amaferm advantage helps calves gain potentially fewer days on grass. Calves should stay healthier, meaning fewer dollars spent on treatments. It’s an investment that will continue to offset the cost of gain in challenging times.     

“Gain Smart improves feed efficiency and health, which is more money in your customer’s pocket,” Jeffrey said.   

Gain Smart Provides Options  

Currently, Gain Smart is available in 4 formulas for a variety of management scenarios. All of which can help your customers stay profitable, regardless of the cost of cattle. The 4 different free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement formulas for stocker cattle include:     

1. Gain Smart Stocker   

Gain Smart Stocker helps your herd maximize efficient gain.        

It is designed for those feeding a medium to high forage diet and works well for both cool- and warm-season grasses. It is the most versatile and can be fed in multiple places under multiple conditions.    

2. Gain Smart Stocker Wheat   

Gain Smart Stocker Wheat maximizes efficient gain on wheat or small grain pasture.        

This product is formulated for a higher-quality forage diet rich in protein and nitrogen, such as wheat, small grains and legumes.   

3. Gain Smart Stocker HEAT®  

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.        

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT is ideally suited for backgrounding and yearling cattle on grass. It contains plant extracts to help maintain circulation. That supports animal performance and gain in both heat and fescue situations. The plant extracts are research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. This mineral is ideal in the hot summer months or any time fescue is grazed. It also includes garlic to deter insects.     

4. Gain Smart Stocker Balancer   

Gain Smart Stocker Balancer RU 1600 maximizes efficient gain and balance high-grain diets when mixing TMR rations. It includes rumensin for improved feed efficiency.        

Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600 is designed for calves being backgrounded or fed in a dry lot situation on a mixed grain ration. It complements the co-products, such as distiller’s grain and cereal byproducts, and works well with fermented feed like silage. It contains no phosphorus but does have rumensin. Gain Smart Balancer can be fed to heavier weights, and it is a good selection when trying to improve feed efficiency.     

Get Gain Smart in your Warehouse Today 

If you know you have stocker cattle operators in your area, make sure they know about Gain Smart mineral. Sometimes, our customers know BioZyme as the VitaFerm® or Sure Champ® brands. However, it’s vitally important to ensure that your customers know all brands.  

For more information, visit the Gain Smart blog or contact your Area Sales Manager today!  

2024 is a Year to Remember for BioZyme® and its Dealers 

As the last weeks of the year wind down and we make plans for a new year, it is often fun to reflect on the year’s accomplishments. 2024 has definitely been a busy and successful year at BioZyme®, and we have much to be grateful for. 

Let’s stroll down memory lane to reflect on some of the exciting new products and partnerships that this year has brought to our team. 

2024 Brings New Products, Exciting Collaborations 

A business simply can’t grow if it continues to do the same thing, day after day and year after year. With sales growth and diversification as two of BioZyme’s five goals, our team has been busy launching new products for you to share with customers this year.  

Remember, these products are formulated around our research-proven prebiotic, AO-Biotics® Amaferm®. Amaferm is the flagship prebiotic that BioZyme is known for. At BioZyme, we understand that digestion and absorption help all animals stay healthy and perform to their optimum. 

Transition Vita Charge® to a Technology 

The first thing we did in 2024, from a brand perspective, was transition Vita Charge from its own brand line to a technology. All Vita Charge products either transitioned into the popular VitaFerm® or Sure Champ® lines. 

The Vita Charge Technology is comprised of a unique blend of ingredients to help support animal health before, during or after the stress response. Every product with Vita Charge Technology contains an exact amount of B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, MOS and Amaferm. In addition, a precisely defined salt-to-sugar ratio was developed and incorporated into the technology to support hydration. This combination provides an undeniable impact to livestock under stress, embodying BioZyme’s overall purpose to provide “care that comes full circle.” 

New product names include:  

VitaFerm One 

On February 1, we introduced the VitaFerm ONE line to the world at the Annual Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando. This “One Solution for All Seasons” mineral initially came as a loose mineral and a 35-pound mineral block. We have also added the following options:  

Mid-year, when we added VitaFerm ReproMaxx™, VitaFerm ONE became the first level of mineral in the VitaFerm line’s Good, Better, Best marketing structure we introduced at the Dealer Retreat.  

Good: VitaFerm ONE provides one solution to conveniently and consistently promote cattle performance in all seasons.  

Better: VitaFerm Concept•Aid® promotes effective, easy breeding when fed at least 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post-breeding.   

Best: VitaFerm ReproMaxx provides maximum performance within intensive reproductive systems.  

DuraFerm® ONE Sheep 

We understand that sheep producers are also looking for a simple year-round solution. That’s why we introduced DuraFerm ONE Sheep. DuraFerm ONE is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for sheep that promotes performance year-round.  

This was our only new small ruminant product this year, but we have had several requests for other sheep and goat products, so stay tuned. 

VitaFerm® ReproMaxx™ 

This summer, we were able to announce our first exciting collaboration of 2024, with the launch of VitaFerm ReproMaxx. ReproMaxx is one of few minerals designated as Zinpro® Availa 4 Verified. 

VitaFerm ReproMaxx products provide high vitamin and mineral fortification and research-proven components. The new line of products maximizes reproductive success by leveraging the benefits of Amaferm and Zinpro Performance Minerals. 

“Zinpro is as committed to research and technology as we are,” said Lisa Norton, BioZyme President and CEO. “This is an exciting time for our company, our dealers and our customers.”    

In addition to the traditional formula, we also provide a formula to protect against anaplasmosis:  

ReproMaxx provides the “premium” mineral in the VitaFerm Good, Better, Best marketing model. Remember, the difference between the three minerals is the intensity of nutrition. ONE provides great nutrition, Concept•Aid provides better nutrition, and ReproMaxx provides the best nutrition.  

Partnership with Four Sixes Ranch™ Leads to Legendary Nutrition™ Product Line  


This line combines the best of both brands’ expertise to provide comprehensive nutritional solutions designed to enhance the health and productivity of resilient commercial cattle herds.  

“I wanted BioZyme to develop a product that works in the real world, not just on an improved small pasture. It has to work in a big pasture. It has got to work in big country. There are still a lot of places in the United States that have ranches that you can’t drive to every corner. You have to have something that works for that,” said Joe Leathers, General Manager at the Four Sixes Ranch. 

From One Legend To Another

“I have worked with BioZyme over the years and operated nine different ranches in five different states. The nutritional needs in every one of those states were different. I saw a need for a tub or a product that would work for normal ranchers in different areas to meet the nutritional needs in all those different states. The partnership we have with BioZyme to develop this product would do just that. Not just smaller ranchers, not just purebred operators, but day-in-day-out ranchers that make a living off the land.” 

Those words from Leathers summarize BioZyme’s partnership with the Four Sixes. The legendary ranch has been feeding BioZyme products fueled by Amaferm for years. They know the benefits Amaferm offers their 7,000-head cow herd in big country. They want others to get those same benefits when forage is the primary feed source. 

The Four Sixes Ranch has worked with the BioZyme Team for 16+ years to provide their herds with industry-leading nutrition. After all, you don’t become a legend by settling for anything less than the best products on the market. And at BioZyme, our relationship isn’t just a partnership— it’s a shared commitment to excellence. The Four Sixes’ trust in us is what ultimately led to our exciting new product collaboration. 

Introducing Four Sixes™ x VitaFerm® Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub  

The Four Sixes x VitaFerm Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub is a ranch-tested 20% all-natural protein tub with vitamins and minerals designed to support beef cattle health and productivity when grazing moderate to low-quality forage. Furthermore, it:  

  • Carefully crafted specifically for the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, Legendary Nutrition is now available for operations of all sizes. 
  • Provides quality nutrition and industry-leading organic copper and zinc proven to deliver real-world results on the ranch. 
  • Contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. 

Ranch-Tested 

Forage utilization is vital to the ranch, which depends on the grasses to feed all 7,000 cows. Amaferm, the key ingredient in every VitaFerm product, helps cattle get the most out of the forage. Amaferm is a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility and increase the energy available to the animal.  

“We’re grass farmers with a cow problem… This tub is another tool in our toolbox to give us the ability to take care of our country. To scatter our cows so we don’t overgraze any one area of our country. So, we don’t beat it out, so invasive species don’t come in, all the while maintaining the health and nutritional needs of our cattle,” Leathers said.  

Research-Proven  

At BioZyme, research is a core value. It’s been this way for more than 7 decades. Why? Because of our motto: care that comes full circle. We believe that every animal we care for ultimately takes care of us in return. Doing what’s right for our animals, our land and our producers comes back around in the end.  

Developed using the latest research in animal nutrition, the Four Sixes x VitaFerm Legendary Nutrition product line provides quality nutrition to deliver real-world results. The flagship protein tub combines essential vitamins, minerals and organic trace minerals that are crucial for the overall health, growth and reproductive performance of cattle.   

“The collaboration makes perfect sense for cattle producers across the country and for the two companies, who have been doing business together for a long time. We are so pleased to partner with the Four Sixes on the Legendary Nutrition line,” said John Tucker, BioZyme Large Beef Accounts Manager. “With industry-leading organic trace minerals, 20% protein, and Amaferm, the tub is a great and convenient option for operations of all sizes.”  

The American Rancher 

A December 16 episode of The American Rancher on RFD-TV featured The Four Sixes and this new ranch-tested, research-proven protein tub. On a beautiful fall day, our team and the Sixes Crew filmed a great episode for you to learn more about their ranch philosophy and why the convenient nutrition of a tub is important to them. Tune in to YouTube to watch this episode of The American Rancher. 

“The thing about the tub is it’s a complete package. The nutritional needs of the cows shift throughout the year. This is a product you can put out year-round. It will regulate itself. We’ve seen it regulate itself. Therefore, you have a comfort level that is economically feasible. The cows will consume when they need it and won’t when they don’t,” Leathers said. 

BioZyme® Earns AFIA Feed Facility of the Year Honor 

New products and collaborations are exhilarating. However, the most exciting announcement of the year was that BioZyme’s Stockyards location earned the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs 2024 Feed Facility of the Year.  

This prestigious award is presented annually to a feed facility demonstrating an outstanding commitment to quality, safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, employee development and customer relations. Additionally, BioZyme received the highest productivity and efficiency score.  

BioZyme hosted a special event with employees, customers and special guests on October 31 to celebrate the achievement.  

“I am very proud of our team’s shift to a data-minded, continuously improving production facility. We make continuous improvement for our customers a priority every single day,” said BioZyme president and CEO Lisa Norton.  

This has been more than a decade-long goal of Norton. She said AFIA positioned the program as a recognition as well as a benchmarking opportunity to enhance continuous improvement. 

 “We put in a lot of effort through the pandemic and over the last several years to change our culture and data use to be considered,” she said. 

A Point of Pride

One of the items that Norton is most proud of is that the entire production team is PCQI (preventative control qualified individual) certified. Although the requirements are that one team member receives this certification, the BioZyme leadership ensured everyone on the production team received certification. The team certification helps ensure the production of safe, accurate product that moves through the plant daily.  

“It is such an honor to be a part of this team! We hear all of the time how impressed visitors are with the cleanliness of our facilities. This award means so much more . . . In addition to cleanliness, this award encompasses our commitment to quality. This is only achievable with the quality culture we have created with all of our employees. It’s an honor to work with a team that makes every effort to achieve ‘Care that comes full circle.’ If we didn’t have this team, we wouldn’t be able to achieve this award,” said Robert Cortez, Director of Quality. 

BioZyme, an animal nutrition and fermentation company, has been driving innovation since 1951. Founded by Larry Ehlert, BioZyme began as Ehlert’s Guaranteed Feeds with just a $2,500 loan and a small feed store in the St. Joseph Stockyards.

Today, BioZyme’s product line includes high-quality vitamin, mineral and protein supplements enhanced with AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic. The Stockyards plant produces 31,000 tons of supplements annually.

Nationally Recognized

“We were extremely impressed with the BioZyme Stockyards facility, as it is evident that the company and its staff exemplify the core values of the Feed Facility of the Year program,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. “The plant is a shining example of manufacturing excellence in the animal food industry.” 

The lengthy application of nearly 180 questions gave employees the opportunity to increase their already high standards in areas such as occupational and safety hazards, sustainability, and utility usage, according to Jill Vanover, Vice President of Quality and Regulatory. She recalls a previous FAMI-QS auditor commenting on BioZyme’s commitment to quality from the top down and noted it as the best he had ever seen. 

“This award is possible because of the tremendous pride that all our employees demonstrate throughout the company. They have a love for animals, a belief in the products and understand the importance in the roles they are playing to make safe, accurate products,” Vanover said. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

As we reflect on 2024, we can’t help but be a little nostalgic. A lot of WOWing things happened to BioZyme. But the windshield is larger than the review mirror for a reason. We look forward with great anticipation and know that 2025 will also bring new excitement!  

Six Tips How to Grow Your Business, Drive Customer Engagement 

In today’s competitive business environment, sales growth and customer engagement are more intertwined than ever. A successful strategy on how to grow your business focuses on converting leads into sales and building long-term relationships with customers.  

There are numerous livestock and animal vitamin and mineral supplements on the market. How do you distinguish yourself from the competition? Is it value for the product offered? Customer service? You want to remain competitive and still grow your business, regardless of whether you are selling BioZyme® products or hedge posts. 

We know that action equals growth. If you complete certain actions, you will grow sales, and increased sales typically lead to increased profitability. 

Our team has created this blog with 6 actionable pieces of advice to help your business increase sales and foster meaningful engagement with your audience.  

1. Prioritize Personalized Customer Experiences 

In the age of big data, customers expect businesses to offer personalized experiences. Tailoring product recommendations, promotions and communication to individual customer preferences can significantly boost sales.  

Use data from past purchases, browsing behavior and demographics to craft offers that resonate on a personal level. Personalization makes customers feel valued, which increases the likelihood of conversion and long-term loyalty. 

Business Tip 

Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) to manage your interactions with customers and potential customers. The goal of CRM is to improve relationships with customers to grow the business.  

CRM systems can:  

  • Unify data: Combine customer and company data from various sources  
  • Track interactions: Record interactions with customers, such as sales calls, customer service interactions, and marketing emails  
  • Improve efficiency: Streamline processes and help teams align their efforts  
  • Improve profitability: Help businesses stay connected to customers and improve profitability  
  • Improve customer retention: Help businesses identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities and address issues promptly  

BioZyme Tip 

One way to personalize your customers’ experience through the BioZyme Marketing Team is to participate in the quarterly mailers. For instance, this quarter we focused on the Four Sixes™ x VitaFerm® Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub. If you have beef-producing customers who need extra year-round protein supplementation, this would have been a great mailing to opt in for. All postcards are addressed directly to your customers and look like they come directly from you, not BioZyme! 

2. Leverage Social Proof to Build Trust 

Customers are more likely to engage with and purchase from businesses they trust. Social proof, in the form of reviews, testimonials and case studies, plays a critical role in building that trust. Showcasing how other customers have benefited from your products or services helps potential buyers feel more confident in making a purchase. 

Business Tip 

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and share testimonials. You can also collaborate with influencers or brand advocates to expand reach and credibility. 

BioZyme Tip 

Ask some well-known and respected customers to share their experiences with your products at a producer meeting. People buy from people. If one potential customer hears a testimonial that his/her neighbor has had exceptional conception rates using a product you sell, perhaps that will be just the encouragement to move that person from “potential” to “customer.” That is just one way how to grow your business!  

3. Optimize for Mobile Commerce 

With the majority of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices, businesses that fail to optimize for mobile are missing out on significant opportunities. Ensuring your website and online store are mobile-friendly isn’t just about aesthetics; it impacts sales and engagement directly. A seamless mobile experience is crucial for converting casual browsers into buyers. 

Some may argue that it isn’t necessary to have a mobile-friendly website for farmers and ranchers. However, studies report that 94% of agricultural producers use smartphones regularly. 

Business Tip  

Simplify the mobile shopping experience by improving page loading speed, offering easy navigation and integrating mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.  

BioZyme Tip 

Perhaps you don’t sell your products online. That’s okay. However, it is still important to have a website so your customers can find you! Include your contact information, address and hours of operation.  

Even if you don’t sell products online, it is still a great idea to list the products you do offer on your website. If your customer is in a rural area looking for a particular product, it will make the decision easier for them to come buy from you, if they see the product they desire on your website. 

4. Implement a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy 

Your customers are everywhere—on social media, checking emails, browsing websites, listening to the radio and reading publications. To maximize your sales potential, you need to meet them where they are. A multi-channel marketing strategy ensures you’re present on all relevant platforms, giving you multiple touchpoints to engage and convert customers. 

You have likely heard of the Marketing Rule of 7. This strategy is over 100 years old. It says that a person must be exposed to a message at least 7 times before they engage or make a purchase. But think about it – in the 1930s, the marketing channels were print and radio. Today, with so many mediums, a customer or potential customer needs to be exposed many more times. Most modern marketing research suggests it takes over 21 touches to have that same effect! That is why it is so vital to implement a multi-channel marketing plan as you determine how to grow your business.  

Business Tip 

Use email, social media, and SMS campaigns to nurture leads and promote special offers. Ensure consistent messaging across all channels to reinforce brand identity and trust. 

BioZyme Tip 

Rely on our Marketing Team to create ads—print, social, radio—that align with our national campaigns for each brand. If you are planning to promote DuraFerm® just before breeding season, we likely have some branded collateral ready. The same is true for every brand during each quarter. Reach out to your Area Sales Manager to find out how to use our marketing expertise to your advantage.  You can also submit a marketing request for customized social content by submitting a marketing request through the Online Dealer Center. 

5. Harness the Power of Data Analytics 

Businesses that understand their data can make informed decisions that drive growth. By tracking customer behavior, sales trends and engagement metrics, you can identify what works and where improvements are needed. Data analytics allows you to refine your sales funnel, improve conversion rates and enhance the overall customer experience.  

This is why we suggested the CRM software in our first bullet above.  

Business Tip 

When you invest in CRM software and other analytics tools, you can see just how powerful your marketing strategy truly is. You can use these tools to monitor your sales pipeline, customer interactions and marketing effectiveness. Additionally, your data analytics can help you determine which marketing spend leads to the most sales conversions and is a great way to plan for future marketing plans and budgets. 

BioZyme Tip 

Let our team at BioZyme help walk you through the analytics you’ve collected. Sometimes, a fresh perspective through a different set of eyes is what you need to fully appreciate where you’ve come and where you’re going. Lean into your ASM or call on the Marketing Team to help you analyze your data and plan the next steps of your marketing strategy. 

6. Engage Customers with Value-Driven Content 

Content is still king when it comes to engagement. By offering value-driven content, such as how-to guides, industry insights or interactive tools, you can position your brand as a trusted authority in your field. This not only increases customer engagement but also fosters loyalty. Valuable content keeps customers coming back, even when they’re not actively shopping. 

Business Tip 

Regularly publish blog posts, create engaging social media content or offer free webinars that educate and inform your audience. This not only boosts engagement but can also lead to more qualified leads. You don’t need every social media platform, but one expert suggests focusing on 1 or 2 that your audience uses regularly and using them well.   

The following numbers might seem like a lot, especially when running your full-time business is your true priority. If you can post this frequently, that’s great, if not, whatever you can do will be plenty. A few posts when you’re able is always going to be better than no posts at all.  

Here is a suggested frequency for posting to social media:  

  • Facebook: 1–2 posts per day, or 5 times per week  
  • Instagram: 1–2 posts per day for in-feed posts, and 2 posts per day for stories  
  • Twitter: 3–4 tweets per day  
  • LinkedIn: 1–2 posts per day  
  • TikTok: 1–4 posts per day  
  • Pinterest: 15–25 pins per day  
  • YouTube: 1 video per week, or 1–3 videos per week for shorts  

Posting too frequently can annoy followers, and users want to see what their friends and family are doing in addition to interacting with their favorite brands. Some suggest that the best times to post are between 9 -10 a.m. or 7 p.m. in your target audience’s respective time zone. 

BioZyme Tip 

BioZyme creates content you can use, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel! You are invited and welcome to share the blogs that we post on any of our brand websites. Each quarter, we also create social media posts that you can share on your own social media platforms for each brand. These posts are currently found on Promoboxx and are easy to share on your own platforms as pre-created posts that align with our current campaigns. 

By applying these 6 strategies, your businesses can enhance customer engagement and ultimately drive more sales. Focusing on personalized experiences, building trust, optimizing for mobile, leveraging multiple marketing channels, using data analytics, and providing value-driven content will give any company a competitive edge in today’s market. 

BioZyme Offers Marketing Assistance 

BioZyme is built on great products and even great dealers. We want our dealers to succeed with the BioZyme products and in business in general. That is why we provide these educational resources on how to grow your business and guide you to take action for your business. As we know, action equals growth, and growth equals success. If you don’t succeed, we don’t either. 

When you are in the Online Dealer Center, check out the Marketing Tools tab in the upper right side of the screen. Here, you will find our brand logos, a link to Promoboxx, the SAMM Center and the online form to submit marketing requests. The SAMM Center is where you can request literature, wearables and more to help promote your business. If you are looking for personalized signage, a specific print or radio ad or want to host a producer meeting, you will need to submit a marketing request. 

We hope these 6 strategies have helped you determine how to grow your business. We want you to drive customer engagement and we want you to succeed!  

How Digital Marketing Helps to Grow Your Business 

how digital marketing helps to grow your business

In today’s fast-paced world, digital marketing has become a fundamental tool for businesses of all sizes. With the rise of the internet, smartphones and social media, traditional advertising methods are no longer sufficient to capture the attention of potential customers. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, businesses can grow their reach, engage more effectively with their target audience and ultimately boost revenue.  

Don’t get us wrong. At BioZyme®, we still believe in traditional marketing methods. Print advertising, invoice stuffers and radio are still viable marketing methods – especially in rural areas, where many of our dealers operate.  

We want to offer advice on how to grow your business. We’ve compiled our best advice on how digital marketing helps to grow your business. 

 1. Expanding Your Reach Through Targeted Advertising 

One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is its ability to expand your business’s reach far beyond local borders. Using platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads or Instagram, businesses can reach millions of potential customers with precision targeting. Unlike traditional advertising, which might cast a wide net with no guarantee of reaching your ideal audience, digital marketing tools allow you to target specific demographics, interests and behaviors. 

This ensures that your advertising efforts are seen by more people and by the right people. With real-time analytics, you can track your campaign’s performance and adjust as needed to maximize its effectiveness. 

 2. Improving Engagement with Content Marketing 

Content marketing is an essential aspect of digital marketing that focuses on creating valuable and relevant content for your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media updates, high-quality content helps you build trust with your target audience and keep them engaged. Regularly publishing helpful content also positions your business as a thought leader in your industry, making you the go-to source for information. 

When consumers trust your brand and find value in what you offer, they are more likely to become loyal customers and recommend your business to others. Digital platforms empower businesses to share and amplify content, ensuring it reaches a wide audience. 

Watch for upcoming news in the Dealer Center about how you can accelerate your business’s social media marketing. 

3. Boosting Sales with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

A well-executed SEO strategy ensures your website ranks higher on search engines like Google. This means that when potential customers search for products or services related to your business, they are more likely to find you. 

SEO involves optimizing your website’s content, structure and design to ensure it is easily discoverable by search engines. The better your website performs in search results, the more organic traffic it will receive. Furthermore, higher traffic means more opportunities to convert visitors into paying customers. As a long-term strategy, SEO is cost-effective and provides continuous benefits as your website’s visibility improves over time. 

At BioZyme, we are fortunate to have an SEO expert on our Marketing Team. If you have specific questions about SEO, reach out to John Sprong. 

The Final Word 

Now that we’ve reviewed how digital marketing helps to grow your business, we hope you feel empowered to increase your online presence. Digital marketing is a powerful tool that can significantly accelerate business growth.

By leveraging targeted advertising, content marketing and SEO, businesses can expand their reach, engage effectively with their audience and drive sales. In a digital-first world, embracing these strategies is critical to staying competitive and achieving sustainable success.  

We hope you appreciate and use these three essential tips on how digital marketing can help you grow your business. Put them into practice, and watch your business grow.  

The Importance of Hay Testing Near Me

We know that BioZyme® dealers wear many hats. You are a salesperson, a consultant in nutrition across species, a supporter of youth livestock and horse events, and a pillar in your community. Let’s add one more role to your over-extended job description: forage sampler. Did you know that hay sampling is a free service that BioZyme offers its customers, who are ultimately your customers?  

That’s right! The next time you have a customer ask, “Is there anywhere that does hay testing near me,” your answer will be simple: right here. 

Why Test Hay? 

Testing hay in the late summer and early fall is imperative to know exactly the nutrient content and makeup. Just like no two BioZyme dealers are the same, no two hay crops are the same, even if they both look similar. There is no way to tell the nutritional makeup of your hay just by looking at it. You could have the most gorgeous group of bales, yet they could all be deficient in protein or energy. 

If you or your customers cannot tell the nutrient value of your hay, how will your livestock be getting the proper nutrition. A simple forage analysis can help a customer determine what is missing from their hay, which in turn helps you sell them the added vitamins and minerals to supplement their herd. Forage testing is a win for the customer, you, and their animals. That’s care that comes full circle. 

That is why hay testing is so important.  

Hay Testing Made Easy 

At BioZyme, we want to make your customer’s forage testing experience as simple as possible. That is why we have broken it down into these 5 simple steps. 

1. Identify your Hay 

It is important for you or your customer to have their hay identified by a lot number, so they know which test results are from which lot. A lot is defined by the field and the cutting it is from. 

For instance, a lot from the second cutting from field one would be named Lot 1-2. A first-cutting sample from the third field would be 3-1. It is important to identify the lots when you haul them from the field and store them and continue to know where they are kept.   

2. Collect Samples 

Once the lots are identified, it is time to collect samples. As a dealer, you or your Area Sales Manager should be prepared to help your customer collect samples. Having an accurate sample is the key to a successful analysis. 

We recommend taking 10 samples from each lot, mixing them together, and submitting them as a representative sample of that lot. Be sure to get the samples from as far inside the bale as possible. There are two ways to collect samples: with a probe or by hand. 

Sampling with Hay Probe 

Reach as far as possible inside the bale with your coring tool. This can be more difficult when bales are wet or when the hay is very mature. In those cases, a spare battery for the drill is helpful, especially if a large number of bales are to be probed. 

Sampling Hay by Hand 

It helps to use a short pipe to pry open the bale. The goal is to reach inside with your hands open and grasp tightly a handful of hay. You want to try not to strip the leaves off when you grab them, so many small handfuls are better than one large handful. 

3. Place Samples Into a 5-gallon Bucket. 

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have at least 10 samples from 10% of the bales in the lot you are testing. Place all the samples into the same 5-gallon bucket. 

After sampling your bales, make sure to pull apart and thoroughly mix the entire sample. Do not rely on the lab to mix your sample. 

Place the sample into a re-sealable plastic bag and remove any excess air. It is fine if the bag is not completely full, but you will need approximately 1/2 a quart of material in the bag. You, the BioZyme dealer, should be able to submit the samples. 

If you have any questions at all, please contact your Area Sales Manager or a member of the Dealer Action Team. We submit every sample we receive to Dairyland Laboratories. 

4. Wait for Results 

Once you submit forage samples for testing, we can typically generate results within a week. These results indicate any deficiencies in energy or protein. In addition to knowing the nutrient content of your forages, it is also important to know the amount of each lot of hay you have. 

This is especially important when working with the BioZyme Nutrition Team to plan your next steps. This will help them calculate the proper rations and make supplement recommendations moving forward when they know how to match your forage supply to your production calendar. 

5. Work with the BioZyme Nutrition Team 

We send the forage analysis results to the producer, the dealer, and the ASM. We suggest the dealer and producer work with the nutritionist at BioZyme to calculate and coordinate formulations and supplementations. 

Where Can I Find Hay Testing Near Me?  

So, next time you hear, “Where can I find hay testing near me?” you will know just how to answer. We hope you are confident that you can pull and collect samples and submit them. That way, you can help your customers find the best nutrition options available.  

Sometimes wearing all these hats can be a challenge. But sometimes, it makes you a superhero, too. Offering hay and forage testing is just one way you can offer customer service that will pay your customers’ dividends in the long run.