dabeegmon - 11/27/2020 20:17
AllisHunter - 11/27/2020 18:10
Has anyone ever started mixing feed for others based on custom rations that they have wanted? There seems to be a lack of places in my area that will take the time to mix feed as to how you want it. I have thought that a service of testing customer's hay for them and then mixing a ration that would compliment their hay to be a good possible idea. I can not imagine there is a whole lot of equipment required to mix and sell feed compared to other ag businesses? Has anyone tried this and what are your thoughts? I am a young guy trying to think of any business that might help me stay on the farm. Thank You all
Others have already mentioned regulations.
Dunno about 'there' but 'here' if its a ration for ONE operation then you don't need very much oversight.
Now if you make a sheep mix or a calf grower ration - - - - meaning something you sell to lost of people, a very different story.
One huge hurdle is finding your mineral/vitamin ingredients in volumes that you have room for and can afford and sell fairly quickly.
The wholesalers I've contacted like to sell in 1 ton lots.
You know how many years that would take if its Selenium or Iodine or Cobalt to get rid of a ton of the stuff.
Vitamin stuff goes off in far too short a time - - - - another problem.
Still think there's room but freight will always be an issue.
Good Luck!!!
A lot of them will claim they only will sell straight minerals and premixes in 1 ton lots but the feed ingredient distributor I work for we sell a lot of partial mixed pallets of ingredients to mills that order weekly like the big outfits purina, adm, etc. Its moreso that we dont like to do it but we do it to keep their business.
I'd say if this idea gets off the ground on the ingredient side if things dont be afraid to call around and quote and be honest about what kind of volumes and service you need. Very competitive industry somebody is always out there trying to rope in new business.
Starting a Custom Feed Mixing Business
