Tag: Business

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. 

Allen Feeds Gives Back to County Fairs 

For one Indiana dealer, care that comes full circle is natural. Giving back to local county fairs is a way they help ensure the fairs survive. Lalon Allen appreciates how important fairs are for raising and empowering young people, the future of our industry. 

“We donate 10% of whatever we sell back to the fairgrounds. That also prevents 5 to 10 people from each county coming and asking for a donation,” said the owner of Allen Feeds, based in North Manchester, Indiana. 

Education on a School Bus 

Where does that 10% come from that Allen Feeds donates? The feed company has converted an old school bus into a mobile livestock show shopping experience. It uses that bust to take product on the road!

“We took an old school bus, gutted it, and put shelving and racks in it. We go to 15 or so different county fairs around us,” Allen said. “The original goal was to sell more product, but we weren’t going to be a ‘me too,’ which means we weren’t going to have just a trailer, and nobody knows what’s in it,” Allen said. 

He further explains that after gutting the bus, adding shelves and LED lighting, customers can enter from the front, and flow through the bus to shop. 

“They ask a million questions because there are products in there they have never heard of before. Then they shop and check out at the end of the day. The more they spend, the more they (the show) get back,” Allen said. 

Building for the Next Generation 

“If we can get the little kids hooked, then they will come back as adults,” Allen adds with a grin.  

However, he also knows the essential lessons that livestock kids learn in the barn with their animals, preparing them for the county fair and beyond. Lessons in responsibility, work ethic, respect, and animal care are all reasons Allen gives back to the fairs. After all, they’re an arena where these efforts are rewarded. 

“You have to give back or it (the fair) will dry up and go away,” Allen said.  

With nearly 45 years of experience in the feed business, Allen can tell if someone grew up around livestock projects. He knows they are an important way to teach numerous life lessons including goal setting, sportsmanship, patience and time managment. 

Thank you to Allen Feeds for taking your Sure Champ® products on the road to help so many youths prep to win, and for showing this level of care that comes full circle!  

On the Road to Success: BioZyme® Dealers Recognized for 2024 Achievements 

BioZyme® dealers were honored for their sales, action and business growth during the 2024 business year at the 2025 BioZyme Dealer Retreat. Dealers gathered to take the “Road to Success” from June 3-5 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, home to the leading global fermentation company that relies on nearly 2,000 dealers in its network from coast to coast.  

Alan Lee, Vice President of Domestic Business, recognized the dealers for their accomplishments. Top dealers in each line of the BioZyme family of brands received a personalized belt buckle and display rack.  

Award winners for 2024 include:   

Top Overall Dealers in Sales:  

• First Place: Twin Rivers Nutrition – Texas 

• Second Place: High Hill Supplements – Texas 

Top Overall Dealers in Action Points:  

• First Place: K Triangle Feed – Wyoming 

• Second Place: Central Valley Ag – Nebraska 

Overall Rookie Dealer of the Year:  

Bouse Mercantile, LLC – Missouri 

Top VitaFerm® Dealers:  

• First Place: Twin Rivers Nutrition – Texas 

• Second Place: K Triangle Feed – Wyoming 

Top Gain Smart® Dealers:  

• First Place: Twin Rivers Nutrition – Texas 

• Second Place: LaMoure Feed & Seed – North Dakota 

Top Sure Champ® Dealers:  

• First Place: Sullivan Supply, Inc. – Iowa 

• Second Place: Producers Coop – Texas 

Top Vitalize® Dealers:  

• First Place: FarmVet.com, Inc. – Tennessee 

• Second Place: Flying C Bar Ranch – Oklahoma 

Top DuraFerm® Dealers:  

• First Place: Heritage Cooperative – Ohio 

• Second Place: Allen Feeds – Indiana 

Top Backyard Boost® Dealers:  

• First Place: Esprit De Corps LLC – Utah 

• Second Place: D&M Ag Supply – South Dakota 

Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Dealers 

Platinum  

  • K Triangle Feed – Wyoming 

Gold  

  • Central Valley Ag – Nebraska 
  • The Feed Bin – Wyoming 

Silver

  • BCC Feed & Supplements – Missouri 
  • Bouse Mercantile, LLC – Missouri 
  • Calhoun Farm Supply – Georgia 
  • Champion Maker LLC – Utah 
  • Cooper Specialty Feeds LLC – Nebraska 
  • Crusty’s Feed Store – Nebraska 
  • Dynamic Thermographics & Equine Therapeutics LLC – Nebraska 
  • Greenacres Feed and Farm Supply LLC – Kansas 

Bronze  

  • Twin Rivers Nutrition – Texas 
  • Elk County Veterinary Services – Kansas 
  • Mark & Becky Grisier – Kansas 
  • Reiss Seed Inc – Kansas 
  • Bear Creek Country Store – Kansas 

Learn more about each of these levels and the criteria to achieve to advance your BioZyme dealership!  

Live It, Love It, Lead It Awards 

In 2025, 11 Live It, Love It, Lead It Awards were awarded to dealers who exemplified leadership and passion for their businesses.   

Live It, Love It, Lead It is part of a leadership development program that President & CEO Lisa Norton launched in 2024 within BioZyme. The Live it, Love It, Lead It program’s mission is to intentionally grow leaders for the production livestock industry, through the employees, dealers and the Sure Champ® brand.  

The 2024 Live It. Love It, Lead It Award Winners include:   

  • BCC Feed & Supplements – Missouri 
  •  Bouse Mercantile, LLC – Missouri 
  •  Calhoun Farm Supply – Georgia 
  •  Central Valley Ag – Nebraska 
  •  Champion Maker LLC – Utah 
  •  Cooper Specialty Feeds LLC – Nebraska 
  •  Crusty’s Feed Store – Nebraska 
  •  Dynamic Thermographics & Equine Therapeutics – Nebraska 
  •  Greenacres Feed and Farm Supply LLC – Kansas 
  •  K Triangle Feed – Wyoming 
  •  The Feed Bin – Wyoming 

Hot Cows Make Bad Mamas

The added heat can be debilitating to animals, especially when combined with humidity. Hot cows make bad mamas for several reasons. Why, you might ask. Let us count the reasons.

First, if a cow tries to cool off in a pond or bunches under shade, their calf isn’t nursing. A calf that isn’t nursing isn’t gaining. Last we checked; the goal was to wean off pounds.

Next, with summer comes breeding season, and we want to help you get them bred and keep them bred.

Thankfully, BioZyme has HEAT® technology to keep those mamas cool, get them bred and keep them bred. With the realignment of the VitaFerm brands into the good, better, best – VitaFerm® ONE, Concept•Aid® and ReproMaxx™ – we have repositioned HEAT away from its own line into a technology, allowing us to incorporate it into more brands and lines than ever before! This lets you promote and market the HEAT technology to more customers, making a bigger impact.

What’s in the HEAT Technology?

HEAT Technology is comprised of:

  • AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, the research-proven prebiotic that enhances digestibility
  • A proprietary blend of essential oils supports animals when heat is a challenge.
  • Garlic helps deter insects.

“The proprietary blend of capsaicin and essential oils in HEAT technology helps improve blood flow to the extremities,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales. “When the benefit of improved rumen function of Amaferm is tied with the HEAT technology, you can be assured your cows will be out grazing even in the most extreme temperatures and not huddled under the shade trees.”

More Choices with HEAT Technology

Now, your customers have more product choices with HEAT technology, including:

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle with ClariFly that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® CTC 3G with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly and CTC for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis.

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® Mineral Tub – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle in a cooked tub that promotes cattle performance year-round.

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® with ClariFly® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.

VitaFerm® Concept-Aid® 5/S HEAT® CTC 3G – A premium free choice 5% phosphorous vitamin & mineral supplement with CTC for beef cattle that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis.

NEW: VitaFerm® ReproMaxx™ HEAT® – A premium free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that maximizes reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. Includes research-proven levels of Zinpro organic trace minerals.

VitaFerm® HEAT® Tub – A vitamin & mineral tub for beef cattle that supports overall health when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.

VitaFerm® HEAT® Stress Tub – A tub for beef cattle that supports digestive health and intake when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (Formerly known as Vita Charge HEAT Stress Tub.)

Gain Smart® Stocker HEAT® – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for stocker cattle that maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

HEAT for Sheep

DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® HEAT® Sheep – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for sheep that supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dealer Support Available

With HEAT season right around the corner or perhaps already here in some geographic locations, we are ready to support our dealers! Watch for marketing support materials in the SAMM Center on the Online Dealer Center. We’ll have print ads, postcards and invoice stuffers.

Also, look for social media graphics in our Social Media Toolbox.

Fly Control: We’ve Got you Covered

Those pesky flies can really be a buzzkill when it comes to taking care of cattle. Flies cost the cattle industry billions of dollars annually and impact the well-being of the herd. 

Horn flies cost beef producers more than $2 billion annually, and face flies can contribute up to $150 million in yearly losses. House flies are responsible for the transmission of BVD and scours, and they influence BRD. Meanwhile, stable flies are a huge bite hindrance to feedlot cattle, costing gain and overall performance. 

Fly control is an investment in your herd that should take an integrated approach that includes cattle mineral with fly control in combination with other management steps.

At BioZyme®, we’ve got your customers’ fly control needs covered. That’s because we have partnered with Central Life Sciences to include ClariFly® Larvicide in some of our products to provide the best cattle mineral with fly control available.

What Makes BioZyme Fly Control the Best?

Yes, you can argue that ClariFly is available in other vitamin and mineral supplements. However, when you combine it with VitaFerm, your herd receives quality vitamin and minerals, a research-proven prebiotic for enhanced gut health and a better immune system AND fly control. That’s coverage you can count on!

In addition to the fly control, VitaFerm products contain AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Not only will your herd improve volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in the rumen by 16%, getting more nutrients out of their forage, but they will also increase their overall health. 

What is ClariFly?

ClariFly is a four-fly larvicide that prevents house flies, stable flies, face flies and horn flies from developing in and emerging from the manure of treated cattle. ClariFly interrupts the lifecycle of the fly through the active ingredient Diflubenzuron which inhibits the synthesis of chitin.

Chitin is a major component of the exoskeleton of an insect, and as an insect grows and molts, it will have to reform their exoskeleton. One component is that they deposit chitin to be able to form that exoskeleton. Since the active ingredient in ClariFly inhibits chitin from properly forming into an exoskeleton, that immature insect dies.

“Flies are very costly to livestock producers, as they increase stress on animals, resulting in lower average daily gains and lower conception rates. They also spread numerous pathogens and diseases resulting in more cases of pinkeye, mastitis, BVD, BRD, anaplasmosis, etc. By feeding ClariFly, producers can reduce fly pressure, resulting in improved performance and lower veterinary expenses,” said Gary Felger, Regional Sales Manager with Central Life Science.

VitaFerm Options WITH ClariFly

You can offer your customers a variety of options for fly control in the VitaFerm line. VitaFerm offers 8 formulas of its vitamin and mineral supplements with ClariFly to help stop horn, face, stable and house flies in their larval stage. Additionally, the HEAT® technology in some VitaFerm products also contains a combination of essential oils and garlic to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge. 
 

NEW – VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Tub with ClariFly® 

A premium protein tub with vitamins, minerals and ClariFly for beef cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low protein forage. The first-and-only VitaFerm tub with ClariFly includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health. High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality. 

NEW – VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® with ClariFly® 

A free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for beef cattle that meets or exceeds nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle. Both ClariFly and HEAT technology promote cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue.  

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® CTC 3G with ClariFly® 

A free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement that meets or exceeds nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle. It contains ClariFly, CTC and HEAT technology to promote beef cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

NEW – VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Tub with ClariFly® 

A premium protein tub with vitamins, minerals and ClariFly for beef cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low protein forage. The first-and-only VitaFerm tub with ClariFly includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health. High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S with ClariFly® 

Three VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S formulas exist with ClariFly, providing producers the options they need for their management scenarios. All are premium free-choice 5% phosphorus vitamin and mineral supplements with ClariFly for beef cattle designed to support reproductive success. They all include Amaferm and organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health. High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality. 

In addition to VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S with ClariFly, look for these two other formulas: 

  • VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® with ClariFly®, which contains the HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic for when heat and insects are challenges. 
  • VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S CTC 3G with ClariFly®, which also contains CTC for control of anaplasmosis 

VitaFerm® Conserve® CTC 3G with ClariFly® 

A beef cattle supplement for those looking to conserve costs that supports herd health and performance with a complete but economical vitamin and mineral package. It includes CTC to control anaplasmosis and ClariFly to stop horn, face, stable and house flies in their larval stage. 

“Oftentimes, producers only think of flies as a nuisance but don’t recognize the negative economic impact that flies contribute to the bottom line. A good example of this is the stress that horn flies have on a cow/calf herd. Research has shown that weaning weights are reduced by approximately 20 pounds when there is no horn fly control,” Felger said. “With calf prices at historic highs, this means that horn flies alone may cost a producer $60 per calf or more. And that doesn’t consider that the horn flies may also be spreading disease in the herd and reducing conception rates by as much as 25%.”

Help your customers control flies before it’s too late. Get your VitaFerm with ClariFly ordered today. Make sure to help your customers understand that an investment in fly control is saving them money.

BioZyme® Launches Innovative Pallet Topper Program

Same Pallet. More Product. Bigger Profit.

Whether you’re trying to diversify your offering, boost margin, or stock customer-favorite small-pack products without paying for another shipment, the Pallet Topper Program gives you a smarter way to ship—and a simpler way to sell.

What is a Pallet Topper?


The Pallet Topper is a heavy-duty box that fits securely on top of a standard BioZyme pallet of mineral or pellet bags. Instead of leaving that valuable vertical space empty, the Topper holds small-pack products such as:

  • Liquids (up to 2.5 gallons)
  • Gels
  • Minerals and pellets under 20 lbs (including the ALL NEW 12 lb DuraFerm and Vitalize Equine minerals


This means you can now receive your full-sized mineral or pellet orders and your high-margin, small-pack products in the same shipment—organized, protected, and ready to sell.

Why Dealers Are Excited


This program isn’t just a shipping hack—it’s a profit strategy.

  • Increase Revenue per Order
  • Faster, Cheaper Access to Small Pack Products
  • Free Topper with Small Pack Orders Over $300

How the Pallet Topper Works:

  1. Add Full Pallets: Start your order in the Dealer Center or via phone with at least one full pallet of minerals or pellets.
  2. Build Your Topper: Use the Pallet Topper Builder on the Order Form to Add “Topper Products.” Look for the “Topper Product” icon and text next to qualifying products.
  3. Place Your Order: Submit your order online.
  4. Receive More Value: Your topper ships with your pallet.

Quick Notes

  • One Pallet Topper per full pallet
  • Toppers not available on pallets of tubs or additives
  • Freight costs typically remain unchanged
  • Inspect Topper for damage upon arrival and report issues immediately

Final Word

The Pallet Topper Program is more than a clever packaging update. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your inventory strategy, offer new products, and serve customers with greater speed and variety.

Visit the Dealer Center and look for the Pallet Topper icon when placing your order. Or if you’d rather talk it through, give us a call at 816-238-3326. We’ll walk you through building your first Topper order and help you get started.

Maximize your freight. Multiply your margin. Meet customer demand.
That’s the power of the Pallet Topper Program.



Example Orders >$300 by Species:

Cow-Calf: 1 case of VitaFerm® Cattle Drench and 2 cases of VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel

Show Livestock: 1 case of Sure Champ® Clench, 1 case of Sure Champ® Appetite Plus, 1 case of Sure Champ® Climate Control, 1 case of 64 oz Sure Champ® Joint Juice, 1 case 32 oz Sure Champ® Liquid Boost

Equine: 1 case of 12 lb Vitalize® Equine Vitamin and Mineral, 1 case of 10 lb Vitalize® Equine Digest More® Plus, 1 case of Vitalize® Equine Gel, 1 case of Vitalize® Horse Treats

Current Pallet Topper Products include:

VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel
VitaFerm® Cattle Drench
Sure Champ® Joint Juice
Sure Champ® Climate Control Gel
Sure Champ® Clench Gel
Sure Champ® Appetite Plus Gel
Sure Champ® Liquid Boost
Sure Champ® Cattle DrenchVitalize® Equine Vitamin & Mineral 12 lb
Vitalize® Equine Digest More® Plus 10 lb
Vitalize® Alimend®
Vitalize® Hyaluronex®

Vitalize® Blazin
Vitalize® Horse Treats
Vitalize® Equine Gel
Vitalize® Alimend® K9
Vitalize® Trixsyn® CanineVitalize® Trixsyn® Canine Performance
Vitalize® Dog 1 lb
Vitalize® Dog Gel
Vitalize® Trixsyn® Feline
DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Sheep 12 lb
DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Goat 12 lb
Backyard Boost® Defense
Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions:

What products can be purchased via the Pallet Topper Program?

All gels, liquids (up to 2.5 gallons), and small bags of minerals or pellets (<20 lbs).

How many products can I put in a Pallet Topper?

The total quantity of items that will fit in a Pallet Topper depends on the case size of each product added to the order. The Pallet Topper builder in the BioZyme Order Form will help you build out your Pallet Topper to max capacity.

Can I have more than one Pallet Topper per order?

Yes! You can have as many Pallet Toppers on each order as you have full pallets of minerals or pellets. No more than one Pallet Topper may be placed on each pallet.

I’m only ordering tubs. Can I order a Pallet Topper?

No. Unfortunately, we can’t stack Pallet Toppers on pallets of tubs at this time.

What if I don’t meet the $300 small pack order minimum for a free Topper?

If your order of small pack items inside the Pallet Topper is less than $300, we are still more than happy to send you a Pallet Topper! However, there will be a $30 handling fee.

Will my LTL freight be more expensive with a Pallet Topper?

While it may depend on the carrier, in our test Pallet Topper orders, we did not find the LTL rates to increase if a Pallet Topper was added. Estimated shipping rates for LTL shipments can be calculated via the Dealer Center and the LTL Freight Calculator.

Can I specify which pallet in my order the Pallet Topper should go on top of?

At this time, we can’t guarantee which pallet the Pallet Topper will be on.

What if my Pallet Topper is damaged?

Products must be inspected for damage immediately upon arrival. Should damage be found, mark the delivery receipt with the quantity damaged before the driver leaves the premises. Please note that all paperwork must be marked as damaged to file a claim. Photographs of any damaged product will need to be taken and submitted as part of the claim process.

Dealer Spotlight: Peterson Feed & Farm Epitomizes Care that Comes Full Circle

Shelly Peterson of Peterson Feed & Farm knows the value of the BioZyme® products. She has experienced the benefits of Amaferm® and the performance that pays through feeding VitaFerm® products to her family’s cattle herd. And she says that makes talking about the products even easier.

“We really value the products we use and have seen a difference in our herd,” she said. “It makes it easier to sell the products when we can talk about how well the products work.”

Talking about the products and their effectiveness is how Shelly sells them to her customers. After completing all five chapters of the Master Dealer Program, she has extensive product knowledge, which she says is essential when promoting a new product to a potential customer.

“If I understand the products and can fully explain them, a new customer is more likely to give them a shot. They don’t have time to read every label and sign; they want you to tell them about a product and how it works,” Shelly said. “Better yet, if possible, give them a free sample – a tube of gel, something small – and let them see how they work. They will likely return as a customer.”

That giving spirit is what has helped Shelly, who has been a dealer since 2017, grow her business. She considers Peterson Feed & Farm, located at Bonne Terre, Missouri, a “mom & pop” store, and she willingly supports the local 4-H program and other local organizations.

Currently, she is hosting chicken poop bingo on her social media as a 50-50 fundraiser for the local high school’s graduating class. How does this work? Participants can buy a square or multiple squares on the bingo card for $20 during a set duration of time. Then, on the announced date, the chicken will put its dropping on the card. The “lucky” winner gets half the monetary proceeds, and the graduating class gets the other half during this fun in-store fundraiser.

Shelly said helping out the community is important because if her business helps others, they may think about her when they need something. That’s a great example of care that comes full circle.

She said what she appreciates most about BioZyme is its diversity of products and how it creates products that provide a solution. She cited the Sure Champ® Clench gel as an example, saying that it is an excellent scour solution accessible to everyone.

“BioZyme makes great products. You might pay a little more upfront, but the additional cost will save you money somewhere in the long run,” Shelly said.

Her advice for beginning dealers is to start small and carry some products from each line. She encourages dealers to carry products for every species because they all work so well. Once you know your customer base and the products that sell, start expanding to get more inventory.

We appreciate Peterson Feed & Farm’s willingness to diversify and help others. That’s care that comes full circle.

Signs of Heat Stress in Cattle 

Summer brings multiple challenges to cattle producers, including but not limited to insects and heat stress. Cattle are more resilient than we often think. However, the combination of heat and humidity can still wreak havoc on the health of the cow herd. When your customers identify signs of heat stress in cattle early on, they will need a quality supplement from VitaFerm® to help mitigate that stress. 

At BioZyme®, our mission is to create products that provide solutions. We know that heat stress is a challenge that producers face across the country. We want to provide you, our dealers, with the most comprehensive options available to fit your customers’ needs. 

Let’s discuss heat stress, the signs of heat stress in cattle and how our products can work for cattle producers across the U.S. to mitigate heat stress this summer. 

What is Heat Stress?   

Heat stress occurs when the animal’s ability to release heat becomes inhibited due to the overwhelming high temperatures. Typically, heat stress isn’t caused by excessive heat alone; it is also triggered by high humidity and decreased air movement. Livestock, like humans, are most comfortable in their thermoneutral zone.   

The Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ) is the environmental temperature range in which the least effort is required by an animal to regulate body temperature. In the TNZ, an animal is most comfortable, has the fastest growth rate, and achieves the most efficient feed-to-gain ratio. This temperature zone is highly variable and depends on several factors. Those include: species, humidity, time of year, age, acclimation, amount of fat or hair coat insulation, level of production, wind, and other factors.  That’s according to a Washington State University Extension Fact Sheet.    

Heat Stress Cases Vary  

It’s important to point out that cattle response varies by geographical location and breed makeup when discussing heat stress.  

“The unfortunate part is everybody’s situation is different based on regional climate differences,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., Director of Beef Technical Sales at BioZyme® Inc.  

“Where a backgrounder in Texas might have to deal with severe heat for seven months, someone in North Dakota might have extreme heat for just two months. However, the commonality is understanding the cascade of events associated with heat stress – symptoms to look for and what to do.”   

Signs of Heat Stress in Cattle 

During the summer, producers should take extra care to look over their livestock regularly to monitor factors that can lead to heat stress. Encourage your customers to watch for behavioral and physical signs that animals are experiencing heat stress so they can effectively mitigate it before it turns fatal.   

Heat stress can have significant implications for cattle health, productivity and well-being, especially during hot and humid weather conditions. Recognizing the signs of heat stress in cattle is essential for implementing timely interventions to prevent heat-related illnesses and losses.   

Increased Respiration Rate  

The first visible sign of heat stress to look for is an increased respiration rate. Excessive or rapid panting, with extended periods of open-mouth breathing, is a sign of heat stress. Cattle that show this increase in respiration rate will have increased air volume intake, which can ultimately lead to other sicknesses. With increased air intake, animals are inhaling more dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses into their bodies, which can quickly lead to bigger problems. Elevated respiratory rates indicate the animal’s effort to cool down and maintain thermal equilibrium.  

Seeking Shade, Shelter & Water  

When battling heat stress, cattle often tell you what they need. The most common sign of heat stress is animals seeking out shade and water during the peak heat of the day. This disrupts the normal feeding pattern of continuously grazing and consuming smaller meals.   

That distraction shifts to night grazing and slug feeding, where they eat more at once due to increased hunger. Slug feeding leads to acidosis and bloat in ruminants, which can lead to more health issues or death. When cows bunch up, they are more likely to be exposed to sickness because of shared germs – compare them to school kids inside all winter with little fresh air.   

Heat-stressed cattle may seek shade, shelter or cool, shaded areas. This is to escape direct sunlight and reduce heat exposure. Providing adequate shade structures and shelter options can help mitigate the effects of heat stress.  

Cattle experiencing heat stress may increase their water consumption to maintain hydration and regulate body temperature. Providing access to clean, fresh water is crucial during periods of heat stress to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.  

Decreased Feed Intake  

Heat-stressed cattle may reduce their feed intake due to decreased appetite and metabolic heat production. Reduced feed consumption can lead to decreased nutrient intake and weight loss, impacting overall productivity and performance.  

Other Signs & Symptoms  

Other typical signs of heat stress in cattle include lethargy, drooling, aimless wandering or staggering and—in severe cases—ultimately death. In addition, increased body temperature and increased heart rate are also symptoms of heat stress. 

Cattle struggle to hide these symptoms, so recognizing these signs early allows producers to implement proactive measures. This can alleviate heat stress and minimize its impact on animal health and performance.  

Implementing management practices to reduce heat load is critical for mitigating the effects of heat stress in cattle.  

Effects of Heat Stress   

It’s worth mentioning that some effects of heat-stressed cattle aren’t immediately obvious. They can be long-lasting and detrimental to the overall health of your herd.  

Heat stress can be detrimental to the herd both from a performance and reproductive standpoint. Animals that are not eating or grazing are not gaining weight. Heat stress can cause shorter gestation lengths, resulting in lighter birth weights and immune-compromised offspring.    

Extreme heat is a major cause of poor reproductive performance. Females can face problems initiating and maintaining pregnancy. The males can become sterile and also experience a lack of libido.   

Hot Cows Make Bad Mamas 

The added heat can be debilitating to animals, especially when combined with humidity. Hot cows make bad mamas for several reasons. Why, you might ask. The reasons are listed in the signs of heat stress in cattle that we listed above, but we’ll describe some specific examples: 

  • First, if a cow tries to cool off in a pond or bunches under shade, their calf isn’t nursing. A calf that isn’t nursing isn’t gaining. Last we checked; the goal was to wean off pounds.  
  • Next, with summer comes breeding season, and we want to help you get them bred and keep them bred. 

Thankfully, BioZyme has HEAT® technology to keep those mamas cool, get them bred and keep them bred. With the realignment of the VitaFerm brands into the good, better, best – VitaFerm® ONE, Concept•Aid® and ReproMaxx™ – we have repositioned HEAT away from its own line. HEAT is now a technology, allowing us to incorporate it into more brands and lines than ever before! This lets you promote and market the HEAT technology to more customers, making a bigger impact. 

What’s in the HEAT Technology? 

HEAT Technology is comprised of: 

  • A proprietary blend of essential oils supports animals when heat is a challenge. 
  • Garlic helps deter insects. 

“The proprietary blend of capsaicin and essential oils in HEAT technology helps improve blood flow to the extremities,” Cassady said. “When the benefit of improved rumen function of Amaferm is tied with the HEAT technology, you can be assured your cows will be grazing even in the most extreme temperatures. They won’t be huddled under the shade trees.” 

More Choices with HEAT Technology 

Now, your customers have more product choices with HEAT technology, including:  

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle with ClariFly. It promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® CTC 3G with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly and CTC for beef cattle. It promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® Mineral Tub – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle in a cooked tub that promotes cattle performance year-round. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® with ClariFly® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept-Aid® 5/S HEAT® CTC 3G – A premium free choice 5% phosphorous vitamin & mineral supplement with CTC for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ReproMaxx™ HEAT® – A premium free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle. It maximizes reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. Includes research-proven levels of Zinpro organic trace minerals. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Tub – A vitamin & mineral tub for beef cattle that supports overall health when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Stress Tub – A tub for beef cattle that supports digestive health and intake when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (Formerly known as Vita Charge HEAT Stress Tub.) 

Gain Smart® Stocker HEAT® – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for stocker cattle that maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Stock up on HEAT Products Today 

Spring is here, and HEAT season is right around the corner or perhaps already here in some geographic locations. It’s time to start watching for signs of heat stress in cattle and stocking up on products with HEAT technology for your customers. 

Dealer Support Available 

At BioZyme, we want to support our dealers as much as we can. Watch for marketing support materials in the SAMM Center. We’ll have print ads, postcards and invoice stuffers.  

Also, look for social media graphics in our Social Media Toolbox.  

Finally, look for the Heat Stress session in the Master Dealer – ON DEMAND Training Sessions. This brief overview supports everything we’ve covered and more about signs of heat stress in cattle the products you can offer your products. 

Is All Calf Gel Created Equally? 

Cow-calf producers want the best start for their newborn calves. That’s why BioZyme® Inc., recently introduced VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel, specifically formulated for calves to support immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period. Yes, there are other calf gels on the market. But, as leaders in animal health and nutrition, our goal is to provide animals with an undeniable impact from birth forward. 

As you know, VitaFerm has foundationally produced nutrition for beef cattle that maximizes energy and forage utilization for successful production. However, successful production doesn’t happen if your calf doesn’t get started on the right foot. Yes, we hope that your customers are feeding a VitaFerm mineral to their cows in late gestation and early lactation to give their calves pass-through immunity and nutrients. However, VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is another resource to ensure that calves receive the best nutrients possible, as early as possible. 

“Getting calves off to the best start possible is paramount for their long-term health and, ultimately, your profitability. While a year-round VitaFerm program can improve colostrum quality, Sure Start Gel uses our new Broad-shield technology to give an additional boost of immunity,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales. 

Benefits of VitaFerm Sure Start Gel 

The new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel offers several benefits to give newborns a sure start. Like all VitaFerm products, it contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic that supports digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes. Furthermore, this innovative gel:  

  •  Delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system.  
     
  • Provides nutritional support to maximize calf vigor.   

“VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf, giving your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalize on healthy, efficient performance,” Cassady said.   

This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. For best results, we recommend giving it within the first 24 hours of birth. Repeat daily as needed. The bright orange color allows for a distinct recognition of administration.  

What Differentiates Sure Start? 

If you are a producer and Google search “calf gel,” endless options present themselves. However, not all calf gel is created the same. Many recommend immediately after the calf is born.  At BioZyme, our scientists know the importance of colostrum. That is why we have suggested using the Sure Start Gel after that calf gets its mother’s first milk.  

Furthermore, all BioZyme products are research-proven, meaning we have trialed them and know they do what we say they do. BioZyme has more than 150 research papers and presentations across all products for all species. We want our dealers and our customers to know that we have all animals’ best interests at heart. That’s why research has been at our company’s foundation for more than 60 years. 

Another way that the VitaFerm Sure Start Gel distinguishes itself from the competition in value. Yes, one tube is one dose, which makes it easy to administer – no guessing if you over- or under-applied. Calves are getting some of the best technology on the market, all for under $13 a dose, at the suggested retail price. Some other calf gels are priced at $18 or more per dose, and they do not contain Amaferm. 

Finally, our team is not just scientists in white lab coats making products for producers and animal lovers. The BioZyme team is comprised of producers – cattle producers – just like your customers. They know the value of calf gel that contains Amaferm and other key antibodies to protect the immune system.  

Stock up on VitaFerm Sure Start Today! 

No, calf gels are not created equally. Yes, some of the ingredients appear the same. The dosing instructions might seem similar. However, there is one brand that your customers can rely on. It’s research-proven and contains Amaferm, IgY antibodies, MOS and broad-shield technology. 

Get your VitaFerm Sure Start Gel today. Do you need sell sheets or other marketing materials? Request those in the SAMM Center, or view the digital file in Dealer Center for the VitaFerm Sure Start Gel. 

Help your customers give their calves the Sure Start they deserve and watch your business grow. 

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!