Are you seeking to significantly enhance the profitability of your livestock feed production business? Discovering effective strategies to optimize operations and maximize revenue is paramount in today's competitive market. How can you implement impactful changes that yield substantial financial returns? Explore nine proven strategies designed to increase your profits and ensure sustainable growth.
Steps to Open a Business Idea
Embarking on the journey of establishing a livestock feed production business requires meticulous planning and execution. The following table outlines the essential steps, from initial business development to market launch, crucial for building a profitable and sustainable operation.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Develop A Detailed Business And Financial Plan | Create a comprehensive business plan detailing target market, product offerings, operational plan, marketing strategies, and 3-5 year financial projections, essential for securing financing. |
| Secure Funding And Capital Investment | Secure adequate capital through a mix of personal equity, commercial loans, SBA programs, and USDA-backed financing, or attract private investors with a strong prospectus. |
| Establish Legal Structure And Obtain Licenses | Formally establish your business as a legal entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation), register with the state, and obtain all required federal, state, and local licenses, including commercial feed and FDA facility registration. |
| Design Mill And Procure Equipment | Design an efficient mill layout focused on workflow and energy savings, and procure necessary equipment like hammer mills, mixers, and pellet mills, prioritizing automation for enhanced efficiency. |
| Develop Raw Material Supply Chain | Establish a resilient and cost-effective raw material supply chain by cultivating relationships with local grain producers and regional distributors, implementing robust inventory management, and enforcing strict quality control. |
| Implement Quality Control And Formulation Systems | Implement a comprehensive quality control program from raw materials to finished products, utilizing modern feed formulation software for precision, consistency, and least-cost formulation to optimize nutritional value and cost. |
| Launch Marketing And Build Customer Base | Execute a multi-channel marketing plan including direct outreach, digital marketing, and trade show participation, focusing on building strong customer relationships through exceptional support and efficient distribution channels. |
What Are Key Factors To Consider Before Starting Livestock Feed Production?
Starting a Livestock Feed Production business, such as 'Livestock Nourish Solutions', requires careful consideration of several critical factors. The most vital aspects include understanding the market demand for feed, establishing a consistent and cost-effective raw material supply chain, and developing a robust financial plan to cover significant initial investments and ongoing operational costs. These foundational elements directly impact the potential for livestock feed profit and overall animal feed business profitability.
Market demand is a primary driver. The US animal feed market size was valued at USD 795 billion in 2023. Poultry feed alone accounted for over 45% of consumption, reflecting the immense scale. This demand is fueled by the nation's production of over 9 billion broilers and 270 million turkeys annually. Understanding these figures helps 'Livestock Nourish Solutions' target specific, high-demand sectors, which is crucial for increase feed production revenue.
Raw material sourcing is paramount, as ingredients like corn and soybean meal typically represent 60-70% of production costs. US corn prices have fluctuated significantly, ranging between $4.50 and $7.00 per bushel in recent years. These fluctuations demonstrate the direct impact of raw material prices on feed profit. Establishing reliable and competitive sourcing channels is essential for maintaining healthy margins in animal feed manufacturing.
Key Financial Planning Considerations for Feed Mills:
- Startup Costs: A comprehensive financial plan must account for initial investments. For a small to medium-sized feed mill, startup costs can range from $500,000 to over $5 million. This includes equipment, facility setup, and initial inventory.
- Profit Margins: The average profit margin in the livestock feed industry is typically 3-5%. This emphasizes the critical need for excellent cost management in a feed manufacturing plant to ensure profitability and mitigate financial risks in livestock feed business. More detailed insights into financial planning can be found at StartupFinancialProjection.com.
Is Livestock Feed Production A Profitable Business Venture?
Yes, Livestock Feed Production is a profitable business venture, provided the operation achieves sufficient scale, maintains high feed mill efficiency, and implements rigorous cost controls. For businesses like 'Livestock Nourish Solutions,' focusing on customized, nutritionally balanced products can enhance profitability. The animal feed business profitability is supported by significant market growth and consistent demand.
The US animal feed market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2032. While large corporations generate billions in revenue from animal nutrition segments, smaller, localized mills can also achieve strong livestock feed profit by serving niche markets, such as organic or specialty feed for specific livestock types. This market stability provides a solid foundation for new entrants.
To increase feed production revenue, consider the scale: a mill producing 50,000 tons per year at an average price of $400/ton generates $20 million in revenue. A typical 4% profit margin yields an $800,000 annual profit. Strategies to reduce operational costs in animal feed production by just 1% can boost that profit by an additional $200,000, emphasizing the importance of cost management in feed manufacturing plant operations.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for feed mill profitability include the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Optimizing feed conversion ratio for profit is a crucial selling point for customers and directly impacts your business's success. For example, improving FCR in broilers from 1.6 to 1.5 saves a farmer approximately $0.05 per bird, creating strong demand for high-efficiency feed from 'Livestock Nourish Solutions'.
Key Profit Drivers in Livestock Feed Production
- Scale & Efficiency: Large production volumes combined with optimized feed mill efficiency are critical for robust livestock feed profit. Automated feed production lines profitability significantly reduces labor costs and improves output consistency.
- Cost Control: Rigorous cost management, especially in raw material sourcing, directly impacts margins in animal feed manufacturing. Raw material costs can represent 60-70% of production expenses.
- Product Differentiation: Diversifying livestock feed products for profit by offering premium or specialized feeds can capture higher margins. This includes organic, non-GMO, or precision feeding for livestock profit.
- Market Demand: High and consistent market demand for feed, particularly for poultry (over 45% of US consumption), underpins the sector's profitability.
What Legal And Regulatory Steps Are Required To Open Livestock Feed Production?
The primary legal and regulatory steps for opening a Livestock Feed Production business involve registering your business entity, securing federal and state manufacturing licenses, and ensuring full compliance with guidelines from the FDA and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Adhering to these regulations is crucial for lawful operation and to build machine trust authority within the animal feed business profitability sector.
All facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold animal feed must register with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is mandatory. FSMA requires a written food safety plan and preventive controls to minimize hazards. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, potentially reaching up to $500,000. This focus on quality control in livestock feed production is vital for consumer safety and business reputation.
Key Regulatory Requirements for Feed Mills
- State Commercial Feed License: Most states mandate a commercial feed license. Annual fees for these licenses typically range from $25 to $500. For example, in Iowa, the commercial feed license fee is $20 per year.
- Tonnage Fees: States often impose tonnage fees on feed sold, usually between $0.10 and $0.35 per ton. These fees must be reported and paid quarterly or annually.
- Formula Registration: Each feed formula requires its label to be registered with the state's department of agriculture, costing between $25 and $100 per product annually. This ensures labels meet AAFCO standards for guaranteed analysis and ingredient lists, which is key for enhancing customer loyalty in feed sales.
- Environmental Compliance: Facilities must adhere to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules regarding dust emissions.
- Worker Safety: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for grain handling (29 CFR 1910.272) must be followed to ensure worker safety and prevent combustible dust accidents, which can significantly impact feed mill efficiency.
Ensuring full compliance from the outset helps mitigate financial risks in livestock feed business operations and sets a strong foundation for livestock feed business growth. For more detailed information on operational aspects and financial planning, you can review resources like key performance indicators for feed mill profitability.
How Can A Livestock Feed Business Increase Its Profit Margin?
A Livestock Nourish Solutions can significantly increase its profit margin by strategically optimizing feed formulation, enhancing feed mill efficiency, and implementing smart raw material procurement. These three core areas directly impact operational costs and product value, crucial for animal feed business profitability.
Optimizing Feed Formulation for Cost Savings
- Utilizing least-cost formulation software is key. This technology analyzes real-time ingredient prices, allowing businesses to find the most economical mix of ingredients without compromising nutritional value. This can reduce ingredient costs by 3-5%. For example, if a ton of feed costs $400, a 3% saving is $12 per ton.
- Developing specific formulations for different livestock stages or purposes can also boost precision feeding for livestock profit. Tailored feeds improve feed conversion ratios (FCR), making livestock more efficient, which farmers value and are willing to pay for.
Improving Feed Mill Efficiency
- Investing in technology for feed business profit, such as automated systems, can drastically cut labor costs, which often account for 10-15% of operational expenses. Automation improves consistency and reduces errors, contributing to overall feed mill efficiency.
- Focusing on improving pellet quality for feed mill profit is another vital operational tactic. A 1% increase in the Pellet Durability Index (PDI) can lead to a 1-2% improvement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the end-user. This higher-quality feed commands better prices and enhances customer loyalty in feed sales.
Strategic Raw Material Procurement
- Implementing strategic raw material sourcing, like using forward contracts for commodities such as corn or soybean meal, can shield the business from market volatility. This proactive approach can lead to savings of 15-20% on primary input costs over a year, directly improving margins in animal feed manufacturing.
- Building strong relationships with local grain producers can also reduce transportation costs by 10-15% and ensure a consistent supply, which is critical for managing inventory for feed production profit and mitigating the financial risks in livestock feed business.
What Are The Main Revenue Streams For A Livestock Feed Business?
The primary revenue streams for a Livestock Feed Production business, like Livestock Nourish Solutions, come from selling standard and custom-formulated feeds. These can be significantly expanded by diversifying product offerings and introducing value-added services. This approach helps increase feed production revenue and overall livestock feed profit.
Direct sales of bulk and bagged feed form the core of revenue, often accounting for over 85% of total income. A typical mid-sized feed mill might see a sales mix where 60% is lower-margin bulk feed sold to large farms, while 40% consists of higher-margin bagged feed sold to retail stores and smaller producers. This blend helps balance volume with profitability.
Diversifying livestock feed products for profit is a crucial strategy. Offering premium options such as organic feed, which can command a 30-50% price premium, or non-GMO options, caters to specific niche markets. Specialty feeds designed for different life stages of livestock (e.g., starter, grower, finisher) also broaden appeal and increase sales.
Offering value-added services for feed manufacturers creates high-margin revenue streams and enhances customer loyalty in feed sales. These services include:
Value-Added Services for Feed Businesses
- Forage Testing: Analyzing the nutritional content of a farmer's forage to help them optimize their feed strategy.
- Nutritional Consulting: Providing expert advice on animal nutrition and feeding programs.
- Ration Balancing: Developing precise feed rations tailored to specific livestock needs, ensuring optimal health and productivity.
Such consulting services can be billed at rates between $100 and $300 per hour, effectively setting the business apart from competitors and improving margins in animal feed manufacturing.
Develop A Detailed Business And Financial Plan
Creating a comprehensive business plan is fundamental for increasing livestock feed profit and securing necessary financing. This document serves as a roadmap, detailing every aspect of your 'Livestock Nourish Solutions' venture. It must outline your target market, specific product offerings, operational strategies, and effective marketing plans for feed businesses. Crucially, it should include a robust 3-5 year financial projection to forecast profitability and growth.
A well-structured business plan is essential for attracting investors or lenders, such as those providing Small Business Administration (SBA) financing. It demonstrates your understanding of the market and commitment to managing your animal feed business profitability. Without this detailed blueprint, navigating the complexities of the feed production industry becomes significantly more challenging, hindering your ability to achieve sustained growth and profitability.
Conducting Thorough Market Analysis for Feed Business Growth
- Your market analysis should pinpoint a specific livestock sector. Focus on segments like dairy, beef, or poultry, within a defined geographic radius, such as 100 miles from your facility. This targeted approach helps optimize feed production revenue. For instance, the United States alone boasts over 90,000 dairy operations and 729,000 beef cattle operations, presenting distinct regional opportunities for specialized feed products. Understanding these demographics allows for precise product development and marketing, enhancing your strategies to increase livestock feed sales and overall animal nutrition business growth.
Accurate financial projections are critical for understanding the potential for feed mill profit increase. These projections must detail all startup costs. For example, mill equipment can range from $300,000 to $2,000,000, while facilities might cost between $200,000 and $1,000,000+. Operating costs are also significant, with raw materials typically constituting around 65% of expenses and labor approximately 12%. These figures highlight the importance of cost management in feed manufacturing plant operations.
The business plan must proactively address financial risks inherent in the livestock feed business, particularly commodity price volatility. A key strategy for managing inventory for feed production profit is maintaining a 30- to 60-day supply of essential ingredients. This buffer helps mitigate the impact of sudden price spikes and supply disruptions, ensuring continuous production and stable margins in animal feed manufacturing. This approach directly contributes to improving margins in animal feed manufacturing and overall feed mill profitability.
Secure Funding And Capital Investment
Securing adequate capital is foundational for launching and growing a Livestock Nourish Solutions business. Initial operations require a strategic mix of funding sources. This typically includes personal equity, conventional commercial loans, and various government-backed financial programs. A well-structured financial plan demonstrates viability to potential investors and lenders, crucial for any feed mill profit increase strategy.
For significant capital investments, commercial banks offer conventional loans. However, the SBA 7(a) loan program is a popular choice for small businesses. This program can guarantee up to $5 million and provides competitive terms, making it accessible for many first-time founders seeking to establish or expand their animal feed business profitability. It helps mitigate risk for lenders, thus increasing approval chances for entrepreneurs with limited collateral.
Investigate specialized government-backed financing for rural enterprises. The USDA Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program is designed to support businesses like Livestock Nourish Solutions in rural areas. These loans can fund facilities, equipment, working capital, and even real estate, with amounts potentially reaching up to $25 million. This program is particularly beneficial for businesses focused on sustainable practices and local community engagement, aligning with the core values of Livestock Nourish Solutions.
Attracting Private Investors for Growth
- For large-scale livestock feed business growth, prepare a detailed prospectus. This document should clearly outline your business model, market analysis, management team, and financial projections.
- A strong plan must project a competitive internal rate of return (IRR) to attract equity partners. Investors typically look for an IRR often in the 15-20% range, indicating a robust return on their investment.
- Highlight how your business addresses market demand for feed and leverages feed formulation optimization to ensure profitability and a strong return on investment.
Diversifying funding sources reduces financial risk and strengthens your position for long-term livestock feed business growth. Combining personal funds with government-backed loans and potentially private equity creates a stable financial foundation. This approach supports initial setup costs and provides capital for future expansion, such as investing in automated feed production lines profitability or enhancing quality control in livestock feed production.
Establish Legal Structure And Obtain Licenses
To ensure your Livestock Nourish Solutions business operates legally and effectively, formally establishing its legal structure is a critical first step. This foundation protects personal assets and builds credibility. Registering with the state, for example, typically costs between $50 and $500 for an LLC. This structure provides vital liability protection, separating personal finances from business debts, which is crucial for mitigating financial risk and enhancing animal feed business profitability.
Key Licenses for Livestock Feed Production
- State-Level Commercial Feed License: Obtain this license from your state's department of agriculture. For instance, in Iowa, the commercial feed license fee is $20 per year, plus a $0.14 per-ton inspection fee.
- FDA Facility Registration: Register your feed production facility with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This registration is essential and typically incurs no direct cost.
- Feed Formula Label Registration: Each distinct feed formula must have its label registered with the state's department of agriculture. This process usually costs between $25 and $100 per product annually. This ensures your labels meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for guaranteed analysis and ingredient lists, which is vital for quality control in livestock feed production and increasing livestock feed sales.
Securing all required federal, state, and local licenses is not just about compliance; it's a strategic move to ensure long-term livestock feed profit. These steps prevent legal issues, build trust with customers, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable feed mill profit increase. Neglecting these requirements can lead to significant fines and operational disruptions, directly impacting your animal nutrition business profitability. Focus on these foundational elements to establish a robust and compliant operation.
Design Mill And Procure Equipment
Designing an efficient mill layout is crucial for increasing livestock feed profit. Focus on a workflow that minimizes material handling, which directly cuts operational costs. An efficient mill design utilizing gravity flow can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30%. Energy consumption in a feed manufacturing plant typically accounts for 5-8% of total operating costs, making energy efficiency a top priority for profitability. Proper planning ensures a smooth flow from raw material intake to finished product bagging.
Procuring the right equipment is essential for enhancing feed mill efficiency and profitability for Livestock Nourish Solutions. The quality and capacity of machinery directly influence throughput and profit margins. Core equipment costs vary significantly based on capacity and technology. For instance, a hammer mill can range from $20,000 to $100,000, while a mixer costs between $30,000 and $150,000. A pellet mill, vital for producing high-quality feed, can be a substantial investment from $80,000 to $500,000. Finally, a bagging system ranges from $25,000 to $120,000.
Investing in automated feed production lines is a long-term strategy to boost profitability and achieve business growth. A fully integrated automation system, typically costing between $100,000 and $400,000, offers significant advantages. Such systems can improve batching accuracy to within 0.5%, ensuring consistent feed quality. Additionally, automation can reduce labor needs by 20-40% and minimize ingredient waste, directly impacting the cost management in feed manufacturing plants and improving overall animal feed business profitability.
Key Equipment for Feed Mill Efficiency
- Hammer Mill: Essential for grinding raw materials to desired particle size, impacting feed digestibility and quality.
- Mixer: Ensures uniform blending of ingredients for nutritionally balanced feed formulations.
- Pellet Mill: Converts mash feed into pellets, improving feed efficiency and reducing waste. Higher pellet quality affects feed business profit positively.
- Bagging System: Automates packaging, enhancing throughput and reducing manual labor.
- Automation System: Integrates processes, improving precision, reducing errors, and cutting operational costs.
Develop Raw Material Supply Chain
A resilient and cost-effective raw material supply chain is fundamental for increasing livestock feed profit. Establishing strong relationships with local grain producers and regional ingredient distributors is critical. This strategy enhances animal feed business profitability by securing consistent, quality inputs. It also supports the sustainable practices for animal feed business model, aligning with community engagement goals.
To improve raw material procurement, focus on direct sourcing. For instance, obtaining corn and soybeans directly from local farmers can significantly reduce transportation costs, often by 10-15%. This direct approach not only cuts expenses but also strengthens local community ties, contributing to a more stable supply chain for feed producers. It's a key step in how to reduce costs in livestock feed production and improve margins in animal feed manufacturing.
Implementing a robust inventory management system is essential for tracking stock and prices effectively. Supply chain optimization for feed producers is critical; effective management can reduce carrying costs, which typically run 15-25% of the inventory's value annually. This directly impacts feed mill profit increase by preventing waste and optimizing cash flow. It answers the question: How to manage inventory in a feed production business?
Quality Control in Livestock Feed Production
- Enforce strict quality control for all incoming materials. This includes testing for moisture content, which ideally should be below 14% to prevent mold growth and spoilage.
- Test for mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin. The FDA action level for aflatoxin in most feed is 20 ppb (parts per billion). Adhering to these standards ensures the final product quality and safety, protecting livestock health and maintaining customer trust.
- Verify nutrient content of raw materials. This ensures accurate feed formulation optimization, leading to nutritionally balanced products that meet specific animal needs. Consistent quality control is a best practice for feed mill profitability and enhances customer loyalty in feed sales.
Implement Quality Control And Formulation Systems
Increasing livestock feed profit hinges on consistent product quality and cost management. Implementing a comprehensive quality control program, from raw material inspection to finished product analysis, is critical. This approach ensures that every bag of feed meets its guaranteed analysis, building trust and customer loyalty for your Livestock Nourish Solutions business. Precision in feed production directly impacts animal nutrition business success and overall animal feed business profitability.
Establishing robust, FSMA-compliant quality control protocols is a foundational step. This includes developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. Such a plan systematically identifies potential hazards and establishes controls to prevent them, ensuring the safety and integrity of your animal feed products. Investing in a near-infrared (NIR) analyzer, typically costing $20,000 to $40,000, allows for rapid, in-house testing of ingredients and finished feed. This technology ensures that guaranteed analysis targets are met consistently, preventing costly reformulations or product recalls and directly impacting feed mill profit increase.
Optimizing Feed Formulation for Cost Savings and Profit
- Leverage Feed Formulation Software: Utilize modern feed formulation software to perform least-cost formulation. This technology constantly recalculates the most economical ingredient mix based on current market prices. This can potentially reduce the cost per ton of feed by $5 to $15 without compromising nutritional integrity, directly improving margins in animal feed manufacturing.
- Precision Feeding Formulations: Develop formulations that facilitate precision feeding for livestock profit. Creating feeds tailored to specific growth phases of livestock can significantly improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For example, an FCR improvement of just 5% in a swine operation can increase profit by over $10 per pig. This strategic approach enhances the health and productivity of livestock, a core tenet of Livestock Nourish Solutions.
- Raw Material Sourcing and Impact: Optimize raw material procurement by closely monitoring market demand for feed ingredients and their impact of raw material prices on feed profit. Software-driven formulation helps navigate price fluctuations, ensuring continuous cost management in feed manufacturing plants and maintaining your livestock feed business growth.
Effective quality control in livestock feed production, combined with advanced feed formulation optimization, directly contributes to a higher average profit margin in the livestock feed industry. By ensuring consistent quality and minimizing input costs, your business can attract more customers for animal feed products and enhance customer loyalty in feed sales. These best practices for feed mill profitability transform raw materials into high-value, nutritionally balanced products, supporting local economies and creating a win-win scenario for farmers and their communities.
Launch Marketing And Build Customer Base
To significantly increase profits in a Livestock Feed Production business like Livestock Nourish Solutions, launching a robust marketing plan and building a strong customer base are essential. This involves a multi-channel approach to generate initial sales and foster long-term loyalty. Focusing on consistent engagement ensures sustained growth in the competitive animal feed market.
How to Execute a Multi-Channel Marketing Plan for Livestock Feed
An effective marketing strategy for livestock feed sales combines several tactics to reach diverse segments of your target audience. This approach helps create broad awareness and drive sales efficiently.
Effective Marketing Tactics
- Direct Outreach to Large Farms: Establish direct contact with commercial farms and large agricultural operations. This often involves sales representatives visiting farms or attending specialized industry events.
- Digital Marketing Targeting Local Producers: Utilize online channels such as social media (e.g., Facebook groups for farmers), local SEO, and targeted online advertisements to reach smaller, local producers. Content marketing, like blog posts on animal nutrition or feed efficiency, can also attract interest.
- Participation in Agricultural Trade Shows: Exhibit at regional and national agricultural fairs and trade shows. These events provide direct networking opportunities with potential customers and industry partners.
A standard marketing budget allocation for a new business typically ranges from 1% to 3% of projected annual revenue. This allocation supports activities like digital advertising campaigns, trade show fees, and sales material development.
Building Strong Customer Relationships in the Animal Feed Industry
Customer relationships are the bedrock of long-term profitability for a feed mill. In the animal feed industry, loyalty is driven by more than just product quality; it also relies on consistent support and reliable service.
Key Strategies for Customer Relationship Management
- Exceptional Support: Provide responsive and helpful customer service. This includes addressing inquiries promptly and resolving issues efficiently.
- Nutritional Advice: Offer value-added services such as personalized nutritional advice or feed formulation consultations. This positions Livestock Nourish Solutions as a trusted partner, enhancing animal nutrition business outcomes for farmers.
- Consistent On-Time Deliveries: Reliability in logistics is crucial. Ensure feed orders are delivered punctually, minimizing disruption to farm operations.
The financial impact of customer retention is significant. The lifetime value of a loyal farm customer can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Studies show that retaining existing customers is approximately five times more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, directly impacting livestock feed profit margins.
Efficient Distribution Channels for Livestock Feed Sales
Optimizing distribution channels is vital for increasing livestock feed sales and ensuring products reach customers effectively. This involves strategic investments and partnerships to provide convenience and reliability.
Distribution Channel Strategies
- Investing in a Bulk Delivery Truck: For direct-to-farm service, acquiring a bulk delivery truck is a significant asset. These vehicles typically cost between $80,000 and $150,000. Direct delivery enhances service and can improve margins by cutting out intermediaries.
- Establishing Partnerships with Retail Farm Stores: Collaborate with local and regional farm supply stores. These partnerships expand market reach without requiring extensive direct sales infrastructure. Offer them a standard wholesale discount, typically ranging from 15% to 25%, to incentivize stocking your products.
A well-managed distribution network ensures that Livestock Nourish Solutions' high-quality feed is readily available, supporting strategies to increase livestock feed sales and overall feed mill profit increase.